5 Keys for Brands When Considering Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.

Phygital Prowess: 2025’s Recipe for Restaurant Success

As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.

Gen Alpha and Gen Z Food Trends to Watch in 2025

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving food trends with a focus on health-conscious, yet adventurous eating, according to research by Chartwells Higher Education. Emerging favorites among today’s youth include cottage cheese, as well as miso.

Banking on Nostalgia, Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant Eyes Revival

The once-beloved Chi-Chi’s restaurant chain is making a comeback nearly two decades after its last U.S. location closed. Led by the founder’s son, the revival aims to honor its nostalgic charm, with new locations set to open in 2025.

M&A on the Menu: Jersey Mike’s Lays Out $8B Recipe for Growth

Private equity firm Blackstone on Tuesday announced its $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. One industry insider feels the blockbuster deal signals an optimistic outlook for M&A in the sector.

New Age of Nutrition: Nutritarian Diet May Slow Aging

A recent study found that women following the plant-based “Nutritarian diet” experienced slower biological aging and lower inflammation levels. The diet is designed to be rich in nutrients but low in salt and fat.

Nestlé Releases its 2025 Trends to Watch, Including Coffee Customization

Nestlé U.S. predicts that the top 2025 F&B trends will include “accessible experimentation,” wellness-focused functional foods, and extreme convenience. These trends reflect growing consumer desires for quick, healthy, and affordable food.

Quantum Leap: Is Quantum Farming the Future of Produce?

Dr. Tsipi Shoham, a cancer researcher turned CEO, believes “quantum farming” – an innovative, AI-driven agriculture method – could improve public health. She also feels she has found the answer to indoor farming’s short-comings.

Behold, the Pharmacy of the Future

Brick-and-mortar pharmacies face increasing competition from online retail options, leaving their outlook murky. Industry experts feel pharmacies need to focus on being tech-driven – and fast.

Fast-Food Customers Fed Up, Threatening Brand Reputation

In an era of heightened consumer feedback, CEO John Mazur feels managing a brand’s reputation requires constant vigilance. Recent QSR reputation rankings highlight the importance of listening and authentic engagement.

Coke’s Spiced Flavor Fell Flat; What’s Next for the Soda Segment?

Coca-Cola’s discontinuation of its Spiced soda reflects consumer preference for its nostalgic items. One marketing expert said Coca-Cola struggles with innovation and could learn a lesson from Dr Pepper.

Kellanova Exec: Sustainability Now a ‘Non-Negotiable’

In 2024, companies like Kellanova view sustainability as a non-negotiable responsibility. Kellanova’s VP of global R&D recently advocated for better support for U.S. farmers and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Jackpot: Jackfruit Has Become a Plant-Based Bright Spot

Annie Ryu, founder of The Jackfruit Company and the jack & annie’s brand, is a believer in the health and sustainability benefits of jackfruit. As her brands are receiving significant investment, she’s focusing on partnerships to scale production and lower costs.

Out of Juice? Juice Brands Fight for Fresh Appeal

The juice market is struggling as consumers increasingly seek healthier options. Experts at one recent industry event emphasized the need for brands to seize upon trends like sugar reduction.

Kind of a Big Deal: Snack Brand Targets Protein, Flavor in 2025

Beth Jarocki, chief customer officer at KIND Snacks, said modern shoppers are as focused as ever on consuming more protein, less sugar, and bolder, spicier flavors.

5 Health and Wellness Trends to Watch in 2025

As consumers increasingly prioritize health and wellness, trends like gut health and intermittent fasting continue to gain traction. As a result, brands must take steps like monitoring online conversations to stay relevant in the evolving market.

2024: The Year of the Convenience Store

Convenience stores have seen significant growth in 2024, with visits increasing 58.6% in August compared to 2021, driven by expanded food offerings and smaller, more frequent shopping trips.

Trust Your Gut: Harken Sweets Goes All in on Superfood Snacks

A health scare inspired CEO Katie Lefkowitz to create gut-friendly snack bars. She ended up with a sweet solution in the form of date caramel candy bars.

Hurricane Helene Leaves Crop Losses, Poultry Disruptions in its Wake

Hurricane Helene caused significant agricultural damage in the Southeastern U.S. recently, affecting crops like soybeans and peanuts, along with poultry production. The storm’s long-term impact could strain supply chains too, experts note.

Plant-Based Maker Claims Landmark Milestone, Efficiency

Rebellyous is set to unveil a production system that would enable the company to produce plant-based meat that competes in price and quality.

Protein-Packed Products Have Become an American Obsession

Is America overdosing on protein? Some experts feel that Americans have developed a dangerous obsession with protein-packed items like steak, ready-to-drink workout shakes, and snack bars.

New Report Envisions ‘Grocery Shopper of the Future’

A new report from 84.51° highlights key shifts shaping the future grocery shopper, including an aging, more diverse population, and the growth of single-person and multigenerational households.

The Cheat Code: 4 Tips for Marketing to Video Game Fans

Food and beverage brands are tapping into the gamer market with marketing tactics like in-game product placements and creative snack options. Protein-packed and handheld snacks are also on the rise as gamers seek healthier choices.

Report Reveals ‘Digital Divide’ in F&B Supply Chains

A new industry study suggests food and beverage suppliers simply can’t afford to ignore supply chain modernization.

Aloha Protein Bar Brand Riding Wellness Wave to Big Growth

Aloha CEO Brad Charron is bullish on plant-based products. And it’s easy to see why, considering his better-for-you protein bar brand experienced 500% growth from 2020 to 2023.

The Top 5 Foods for Healthy Hearing

Recent research found that certain diets are associated with reduced risk of hearing loss. Even simply eating certain foods full of vitamins can help preserve one’s hearing, according to one audiologist.

Smart Money: Smart Carts Continue to Evolve, Boost Grocers’ Bottom Line

An evolving form of smart carts is helping grocery chains like Kroger, Price Chopper, and Schnucks offer painless and personalized shopping experiences.

Researchers: Antimicrobial Resistance, Superbugs Could Spur New Pandemic

Could a combination of the animals we eat and antimicrobial resistance eventually trigger another pandemic? Some university researchers fear that possibility is real.

On the Grind: Cold Brew Coffee Resonating with Hustle Culture

Cold brew coffee has become a $6.5 billion market, as the “at-home barista” trend gains steam. Young adults increasingly crave caffeine in the form of RTD coffee drinks.

Aging Gracefully: Freeze-Dried Meals Go Mainstream

There’s one element of the Mountain House brand’s website that might inspire a double-take from new customers: “30-Year Taste Guarantee.” “Personally, I’ve eaten (Mountain House) products that are 44, 45 years old,” said Drew Huebsch, …

Raising the Bar: How MadeGood and Bobo’s Snack Bars Became ‘Killer Products’

Two brands winning this back-to-school season are MadeGood and Bobo’s, according to a prominent CEO. The snacks’ allergen-free ingredients have won over Millennial parents.

Down Under Pressure: Outback Steakhouse Fighting to Win Back Diners

Outback Steakhouse has turned to value as its traffic dropped and it reduced locations. Industry experts are confident the 37-year-old chain can bounce back – provided it takes a few careful steps.

Taco the Town: Del Taco Tops Consumers’ Best Fast-Food List

Del Taco, a restaurant chain nearing its 60th anniversary, has never been hotter, winning top marks in a recent best fast-food list.

Seven Sundays Aims to Revitalize Cereal Segment with ‘Real Food’

Hannah Barnstable, the CEO of the Seven Sundays brand, isn’t offended when people say the cereal category is dying. “I actually agree with that,” she said. Barnstable, who co-founded Seven Sundays 12 years ago with …

From Aisles to Apps: The Keys to Crafting Omnichannel Excellence

Retail insights company 84.51° feels it’s crucial that retailers provide a cohesive shopping experience both online and in-store. Because hybrid shoppers expect to have access to the same prices and brands regardless of how they shop.

CEO of Chipotle Departs to Assume Leadership of Starbucks

Tuesday brought big business news, as Chipotle announced that its chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, had accepted a similar post at Starbucks.