Author: Brian Choi

Column: The Food Industry is at a Crossroads

Food industry leaders face myriad challenges in the months ahead, like elevated inflation, geopolitical risks, and economic recession. How leaders act could serve as a litmus test for long-term success or failure.

Profile in Leadership: JP Comte

Jean-Pierre (JP) Comte, president of Barilla North America, speaks with the Food Institute’s Brian Choi on how Barilla is leading change in the current environment. Topics covered by JP Comte include innovation in the food …

U.S., Brazil, and China: Commodities Amid Coronavirus

The U.S., Brazil, and China form an interesting trade triangle when it comes to certain commodities, and the coronavirus pandemic has added new wrinkles into the balance. China was the first country to experience the …

What’s the Buzz Around Stevia

Stevia is the growing sweetener of choice for consumers looking for natural and healthy products. In 2009, the natural low-calorie sweetener, between 200 and 400 times sweeter than sugar, became commercially available in the U.S. …

Ghost Kitchens Grow with Delivery Dollars

Ghost kitchens—special kitchens set up to handle deliveries-are cropping up nationwide, attracting big investment and becoming an industry unto themselves built around the internet. As evidence of this growing interest, New York and Dubai-based Kitopi …

Success of Cannabis Beverages Relies on Emulsions

Erik Knutson foresees a time soon when Amsterdam-like clubs, where consumers can smoke or drink cannabis-infused products and socialize, will become commonplace in the U.S. “Cannabis-infused drink sales will continue to expand,” said Knutson, CEO …

Making Veggies Accessible for Everyone

During the week of March 8, The Food Institute was scheduled to head to Natural Products Expo West for on-the-ground reporting on the companies, products, and major trends impacting the food industry. However, the illustrious …

Frozen Fruit Imports Grow in 2014

U.S. frozen fruit imports grew to 523.4 million-lbs. in 2014, representing a 13% increase, according to the most recent U.S. Trade reports ending Dec. 31. Value also soared by 20% in a year-to-year comparsion, totaling …

Changing Consumer Tastes Impacts Kelloggs

The Kellogg Co.’s breakfast food sales declined 7.7% in fourth quarter 2014, which CEO John Bryant attributed to changing views among weight watchers hurting its flagship Special K brand. While healthy eaters previously turned to …