Consumer price sensitivities, plus tariff uncertainty, have added up to tumult for CPG brands in 2025. “Whether it’s tariffs or the tightening of consumer wallets, CPG brands are trying to figure out how to get …
Extravagant MLB concession stand foods have become as American as apple pie. On the official opening day of the Major League Baseball campaign, FI breaks down the wildest concession stand items in 2025 – from massive tiramisu orders at Yankee Stadium to dyed corn dogs in Seattle.
Gen Z consumers demand authenticity from brands, viewing them as extensions of their personal identity. One restaurant consultant notes that, to capture Gen Z’s loyalty, businesses must align with their values and leverage micro-influencers for genuine connections.
As a retired NFL star with a family full of athletes, Ed McCaffrey understands the ins and outs of sports nutrition firsthand. He’s been on a quest to develop the perfect plant-based, gluten-free snack for athletes for several years and launched McCaffrey Protein Bites this month.
One industry insider considers St. Patrick’s Day the “Black Friday for bars and restaurants.” March 17 offers the opportunity for big profits – assuming operators create high-margin LTOs and leverage cost-effective marketing strategies
Multiple retailers are re-evaluating self-checkout lanes these days. As a result, the kiosks have become heavily debated among industry analysts. “Shoppers with high velocity who want to get their 10 items or less quickly – …
The food industry is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with over 167 ransomware incidents reported in 2023 alone. Experts recommend implementing robust access controls, multi-factor authentication and more to protect sensitive data.
Roughly 59% of shoppers think it’s important that grocery items are natural and/or organic, according to a new Acosta Group study. Gen Z is especially interested in such products. However, many consumers are confused by terms like “natural” and “organic.”
Chickpeas, miso, and tahini are among the versatile, nutrient-rich ingredients to watch, according to longtime culinary expert Chef Dennis Littley. After all, modern consumers demand dishes that are packed with protein, fiber, and probiotics.
The demand for better-for-you products is driving shifts across the food industry, prompting demands for premium ingredients and transparent messaging. Consumers are also embracing bold flavors, premiumization, and redefined notions of value, as noted in the 2025 Specialty Food Industry Outlook Report, which FI co-authored.
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
Super Bowl 59’s commercials leaned on humor and star power, featuring celebrities like Martha Stewart to promote F&B brands.
Meati CEO Phil Graves feels optimistic about the brand’s future as it continues to expand across the U.S. and shrink its ingredients list. Meati has been increasingly incorporating functional ingredients like mycelium, a root-like structure of fungus, into products such as its Classic Cutlet.
With gut health dominating wellness trends – inspiring billions of TikTok views – brands are racing to meet demand for functional foods packed with probiotics and prebiotics. Brands are capitalizing on consumer interest by launching products that support digestion.
As Super Bowl Sunday nears, establishments may have a fierce battle for customers on their hands. Fortunately, consumers sound poised to spend, as 76% plan to spend up to $250 on Super Bowl Sunday preparations.
By all accounts, New York Bakery’s R&D team may have produced a game-changing gluten-free product. The key, one company exec says, is the brand’s unique alternative to dough.
In 2025, consumers will redefine “value,” prioritizing brands that align with their personal values, according to Acosta Group. Retailers must embrace this shift by enhancing experiences through personalized retail media, leveraging social commerce, and addressing health-conscious demands with transparency.
The plant-based category may have plateaued, but one corporate chef sees opportunities in hybridized, plant-forward dishes that feature vegetables like roasted cauliflower and cleaner options driven by sustainability and rising beef prices.
PepsiCo recently told The Food Institute that it’s doubling down on Gen Z’s blurred meal and snack habits by embracing bold flavors and immersive brand experiences. The corporation is paying particularly close attention to trends inspired by TikTok.
Chaos cooking, a culinary movement popularized by TikTok, involves combining unexpected ingredients to create bold, experimental dishes like birria ramen. Its playful fusion especially resonates with Gen Z.
Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
