As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.
Hawaiian cuisine is getting more popular on the mainland, with searches for Hawaiian barbecue up 88% from last year and Hawaiian Mac Salad up 523% over the same period. What’s behind this boom?
At the recent Retail’s Big Show event by the NRF, technology took center stage, showing the need for businesses to transform their operations with a digital future in mind. Here’s a look at three themes slated to take over retail in the new year.
A recent report from dunnhumby found consumers continue to prefer regional grocers with H-E-B holding firm as the most preferred. Kroger and Albertsons, however, fell out of favor, likely due to the ongoing post-merger turmoil.
Alcohol manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice segments have a lot to worry about heading into the new year, with Dry January and Surgeon General advisories advocating for sober-curious lifestyles. Time will tell if these movements make an impact.
Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?
The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.
A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.
The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.
Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.
An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.
The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.
The private label category continues to enjoy seismic growth, slated to reach 24% by 2030. In a recent webinar, stakeholders discuss why the category has endured success, and what’s ahead in 2025.
With dreams of CPG integration, FitBiomics is producing probiotics designed by data mining the gut microbiomes of professional athletes. Is this the next big wellness trend?
Taco Bell is collaborating with its customer base to create a unique, community-driven ad campaign for its upcoming Super Bowl slot.
Subway recently scrapped its latest ambitious 6-inch Meal Deal after it failed to meet expectations. Is the company’s latest expansion strategy enough to give it solid footing?
As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.
A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?
The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.
Delta’s latest partnership with Shake Shack has been met with excitement; however, is it enough to shake the airline’s negative in-flight meal image?
7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.
With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, manufacturers are looking for unique solutions to satisfy the growing consumer base’s nutrient-dense needs. Can precision fermentation be the key?
Beer trends in 2025 include accelerated interest in saccharine brews as well as better-for-you beverages, according to a recent report. The Food Institute takes a look at some of the forces motivating these shifts.
The Food Institute attended this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 event in Dubai and noted that the gathering highlighted advancements in sustainable practices, alt-protein, and tech-enabled ingredients. It also illustrated the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.
A new report finds that holiday cheer has surpassed the final weeks of the year. Instead, shoppers and retailers are getting an early jumpstart on the season.
Instacart, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway have all entered the retail media space and are continuing to deliver on unique advertising capabilities for CPGs and retailers.
At a recent Hugo Boss event, The Food Institute’s Brian Choi and Jump Rope Innovation’s Robyn Carter discussed effective modern leadership and the state of the food industry today.
Amazon recently debuted its latest brick-and-mortar format in Chicago: Amazon Grocery. Its strategy, however, may take business from Whole Foods or motivate shoppers to stay in its ecosystem.
On a recently aired episode of Dragons’ Den, actor Simu Liu accused a better-for-you boba brand of cultural appropriation, incites online controversy in a movement dubbed “bobagate.”
Roughly 86% of shoppers report consumer frustration when shopping for groceries. A new report sheds light on the woes that plague the shopper journey, while also offering advice to manufacturers and retailers looking to retain their consumer base.
Fresh Thyme Market recently revealed its 2025 food trends aimed at identifying the consumer preferences shaping Midwestern palates in the coming year. Mangoes, spicy foods, and non-alcoholic beverages are all slated to grain ground.
Although tap water in the U.S. is generally safe to drink, Americans don’t trust it: one report found only 41% of customers perceive their water safe. Consumers remain weary of water sources, leaving restaurant operators in a tough spot.
Food and beverage stakeholders already know that to guarantee a sale, one must meet consumers where they are. Today, that’s online. Nearly 70% of consumers purchase groceries online in some capacity, according to recent data …
Plant-based packaging is gaining momentum, prompted by environmental concerns, regulatory pressures, and corporate sustainability efforts. With a projected 9% CAGR in the plant-based packaging market expected through 2032, companies like Califia Farms are innovating with recyclable solutions.
McDonald’s is launching a Chicken Big Mac, a limited-time twist on its iconic Big Mac, starting October 10 at participating U.S. locations. The chain piloted the sandwich at an LA pop-up and is promoting it through a social media-driven campaign.
