Fuel surcharges are pressuring already thin food industry margins, as carriers tack on steep new fees. Business leaders should brace for shrinkflation, higher shelf prices and tougher cost decisions as fuel volatility ripples through the entire supply chain.
Online grocery and retail delivery are encroaching on restaurants, fueled by rising convenience loyalty, shifting fee tolerance, and Gen Alpha.
Fertilizer supplies are tightening as the Iran conflict chokes off Strait of Hormuz shipments, driving up costs and threatening global crop yields. Food companies could face cascading inflation, supply shocks, and heightened risk of shortages across key commodities.
In recent years, food delivery has become a fixed expense for weekly food budgets, taking market share from in-store grocery, dining out, and traditional takeout needs. At the same time, consumers have become more “cash-strapped.” …
