Author: Grace Garwood > Page 7

No Magic Bullet in Sight for U.S. Labor Shortage

With schools reopening and unemployment benefits scheduled to expire, employers have earmarked September as a hopeful turning point for the labor shortage. However, many economists and business owners warn that deeper issues will extend staffing challenges …

Restaurant Sales are Booming, But for How Long?

The restaurant industry continued to regain its financial footing in June, but the pandemic aftershocks have yet to subside. “The industry right now is extremely strong and is surging. For many operators, they have more business …

Why Salad Bars May Become a Thing of the Past

While grocery stores are experiencing an uptick in foot traffic this summer, most salad stations have stayed dark. Many grocers, including Hy-Vee’s, Wegmans, and Stop & Shop have no plans to reopen them anytime soon, …

The Future of Catering? Panera Focusing on Remote Workers

Panera Bread is now catering to remote and hybrid employees as it moves to regain sales in the once high-ticket sector. The chain’s new program, Panera Connects, enables companies to host catered meetings regardless of …

Low Carb Bread Innovations Continue to Rise

Consumer demand for low carb products has remained strong in 2021, due in part to the ongoing popularity of the ketogenic diet, which involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. According to …

Dollar General to Diversify Produce and Health Care Offerings

As the lines of traditional retail continue to blur, Dollar General is gaining competitive ground across multiple sectors, including grocery, convenience, and most recently, health and wellness. With 17,266 locations nationwide, Dollar General is the …

IRI Analysis: CPG Demand Patterns Shift as Economy Reopens

Consumers resuming active lifestyles are still maintaining at-home habits, according to a new IRI report highlighting key trends and growth opportunities for CPG manufacturers and retailers. In April, food and beverage sales for at-home consumption …

Retailers Tackling Out-of-Stock Issues with Artificial Intelligence

Proper inventory management is a top concern for retailers. Out-of-stock items and inefficient replacement strategies can result in lost sales, reduced customer satisfaction, and lower loyalty levels. In response to these challenges, companies like Walmart …

Grasshoppers Threaten Farmland as Drought Conditions Intensify

Record-breaking temperatures and water shortages continue to pummel the agricultural industry across the western U.S. California farmers are scaling back production and uprooting crops as they struggle to navigate relentless drought conditions. Meanwhile, the impending …

Study: Independent Grocers Spur Significant Economic Growth

Independent grocers now account for 33% of total U.S. grocery sales, according to a new research from the National Grocers Association (NGA). The independent sector, which includes 21,574 stores nationwide, contributes more than $255 billion to the …

Popularity of Frozen Food Continues to Solidify

Frozen food experienced significant growth throughout the pandemic, and demand for the category remains sticky. Data suggest that the popularity will linger in the long term, as consumer shopping patterns continue to favor the convenience …

Key Economic Measures Reflect Rise in Food Costs

Pandemic-related impacts on the global food supply chain have triggered a domino effect of price hikes, with producer and consumer prices consistently rising over the past 12 months, according to several economic measures. Key drivers …

Rapid Digital Convergence Propels Shift to Omnichannel Commerce

Pandemic pressure from consumers has supercharged e-commerce technology and triggered its rapid adoption, ultimately blurring the boundaries between traditional food categories like never before. The stage is now set for an omnichannel future wherein providers …

JBS Cyber Attack Signals Threat to Global Food Supply 

Major meat producer JBS SA is grappling with a recent cybersecurity attack which affected servers supporting the company’s IT systems in North America and Australia. The attack disrupted two shifts and halted processing at one of Canada’s largest meatpacking plants, reported Bloomberg (May …

Advertisement
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
Advertisement

Ghost Kitchen Expansion Could Create `New Reality’ for QSRs

Many fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Burger King, continue to expand their ghost kitchen operations and lean further into the delivery space. But with dining restrictions easing and restaurant traffic on rise — why …

Corporate Diversity Initiatives One Year After George Floyd

George Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests and ultimately served as a catalyst for anti- discrimination efforts. Many companies also responded by releasing statements against racism. And some took action, setting quantifiable goals to increase diversity …

Outlook Bright for Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market

The mindful drinking movement has been gaining traction for several years, with “sober curious” consumers opting for no- or low- alternatives to reduce their alcohol intake.   Throughout the pandemic, demand for non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits increased, with consumers drinking most frequently while relaxing at …

Latest Delivery Innovations Bring Groceries to Your Garage, Fridge

Recent delivery innovations by Amazon, Kroger, and Walmart are bringing groceries beyond consumers’ doorstep. Sales from grocery deliveries surged throughout 2020 and demand for the service remains high. In February 2021, online grocery deliveries and …

Is the Pudding Market Primed for Disruption?

Better-for-you trends continue to shake up the dairy case with an expanding selection of plant-based alternatives in milk, yogurt and, more recently, ice cream. And then there’s pudding, a sleepy category with relatively untapped health …

UPDATE: Cell-Cultured Seafood Gaining Support

Would you eat lab-grown lobster? Cell-cultured seafood — protein produced directly from fish cells in nutrient-dense bioreactors — is getting ever closer to consumer’s plates. Investments in alt-seafood startups have seen an uptick over the …

Study: Delivery Apps Destined for Steep Decline in Business

The food delivery app industry is facing a potentially drastic slump in sales, according to a new study by the Social Sciences Research Network, which tracked 27 delivery apps, including Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats. …

Millennial Brand Favorites Revealed in New Survey

Millennials’ favorite food and beverage brands in 2021 highlight a taste for convenience, comfort, and quality with a focus on affordability. The popularity of private labels and non-traditional retailer formats are also on the rise. …

Premium Private Labels Continue to Disrupt Grocery Market

The demand for private label grocery products remained strong throughout the pandemic, with higher-end premium lines driving sales for traditional grocers, clubs, and mass merchandisers. Now, Kroger plans to add 660 items to its private …

Mushroom Market Booming on Alternative Protein, Other Trends  

Mushrooms are currently thriving at the intersection of multiple industry trends, including alternative proteins, food as health, and countertop gardening. A recent report by Grand View Research projected that the global mushroom market value is expected to exceed $50 billion in …