Focus Archive

6 Food Trends to Watch in 2026

From sourdough to zero-sugar energy drinks, 2026’s expected food trends blend indulgence with wellness. Flatbreads, protein-packed snacks, and air-fried favorites signal a shift toward gut-friendly, cost-conscious innovation.

Independent Grocers See Hope Amid the Headwinds

Despite fierce competition and inflationary headwinds, regional grocers like Village and Weis are quietly holding their ground. Tight-lipped but resilient, they may be poised for a tech-fueled rebound if they can endure a bit longer.

Why AI Is the New Grocery Gatekeeper

AI is fast becoming shoppers’ trusted assistant, especially in grocery. As a result, brands must now master AI algorithms, build trust, and optimize for voice-driven, chatbot-powered discovery.

LATAM Influence: Unpacking CPG Impact

Latin American foods and flavor profiles are now deeply ingrained in American culture, with brands like Topo Chico, Tajín, Jarritos, and Takis available at traditional grocers, convenience stores, and specialty stores alike. Younger generations, too, ...

Morning Diners Losing Patience with Restaurants

IHOP tops the list of slowest chains, exposing breakfast service bottlenecks that frustrate time-sensitive morning diners. Experts say understaffed models and flawed labor assumptions are costing chains millions in lost loyalty.

A Bundle of Fungi: Demand for Functional Mushrooms Surges

The U.S. mushroom supplement market hit $1.1 billion in 2023, growing at double-digit rates as functional foods move from niche to mainstream. Lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps mushrooms are now showing up in products ranging from chocolate to coffee.

Post’s Long-Term Outperformance Seems at Risk

Post Holdings has long defied gravity in packaged foods – but even its stellar acquisition record can’t outrun cereal’s decline. As M&A slows, investors are asking: has Post finally met its match?

3 Key Takeaways from Groceryshop 2025

At Groceryshop 2025, leaders tackled topics such as value-driven shoppers, evolving retail media, and AI’s seismic impact on grocery. From TikTok disruption to digital twins, the future of food retail is already knocking.

PepsiCo, NatGeo Bet Big on Regenerative Agriculture

PepsiCo has helped launch Food For Tomorrow to champion regenerative agriculture across 10 million acres by 2030. The initiative blends data, storytelling, and science to future-proof farming and the global food supply.

The Top 3 Fastest-Growing QSR Categories of 2025

Coffee, chicken, and Mexican restaurant chains sizzled early in 2025, but per-store traffic is cooling fast according to Placer.ai data. With coffee prices spiking, QSRs may be brewing a recipe for over-saturation.

Halloween 2025: Consumers Crave Flavor Mashups, Value

Halloween spending is rather strategic in 2025, with consumers craving novelty, better-for-you treats, and – above all else – value. Budget-conscious buying is especially reshaping the candy aisle.

Investors Can’t Get Much More Impressed With Costco

Costco has emerged as a clear winner of today’s difficult macroeconomic environment, enjoying 7.3% same-store sales growth over the year. The club store’s aggressive strategy to expand to 20 more markets indicate it will only get bigger.

Why American Diners are Skipping Breakfast

Breakfast is losing its sizzle for many restaurants, as diners skip morning meals amid shifting habits. But with smart value strategies, restaurant brands still have a shot at reclaiming the morning crowd.

Smithfield Is Still Proving Itself to Investors

Smithfield’s IPO stumbled, but its pivot to packaged meats is winning over Wall Street – slowly. Despite strong returns, investors remain wary of ownership optics, GLP-1 headwinds, and valuation lag.

Ultra-Processed Update: MAHA Definitions, Non-UPF Verification

Plant-based products often bear the brunt of the blame for the health issues associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs), but experts note that meat and dairy UPFs may pose greater risks. With competing definitions and a new non-UPF verification program in the works, consumer education remains key in understanding what really makes a food “ultra-processed.”

Can Congress Fix Runaway Coffee Inflation?

Congress brewed up the “No Coffee Tax Act” to slash tariffs and tame surging bean prices. But with climate shocks and record demand, the fix may need more than a legislative shot.

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Fast-Food Chains Feeling Pain in ‘Two-Tier Economy’

As budget-conscious diners trade down, QSRs face a traffic slump while casual-dining chains surge with value bundles. The winners? Brands that nail the value equation in a fiercely discerning dining economy.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Ride Health, Wellness Wave

As consumers continue to take their health and wellness goals seriously, GLP-1 drug usage will continue to grow. With as much as 20% of U.S. adults taking or considering the medication, the food and beverage industry must adapt to these consumer need states.

Millennials, Gen Z Prefer Functional Foods to Supplements

Millennials and Gen Z are often ditching traditional pill bottles, instead opting for functional foods that blend wellness with daily routines. Brands that deliver science-backed, snackable nutrition are winning over younger consumers.

Beef Prices Shock Food Inflation Metrics

Beef prices have shot past inflation benchmarks, driven by supply shocks, tariffs, and parasite outbreaks. As consumers pivot to poultry, food leaders face a meaty challenge in forecasting demand and managing margins.

LATAM Influence: The Latin American Consumer

Latin American (LATAM) and Hispanic consumers in the United States have a profound impact on domestic food and beverage sales. “The Hispanic/LATAM demographic forces in the United States are unmistakable and enduring,” John LeVert, managing ...

Ranking the Highest-Rising Restaurant Menu Prices

Restaurant menu prices are climbing, with burgers, wings, and burritos leading the charge amid rising ingredient costs. New data reveals inflation’s bite is hitting both entrees and profits.

Cracking Open the Connection Between Walnuts and Sleep

A new study suggests that eating a daily handful of walnuts may improve sleep quality by boosting melatonin levels and reducing daytime sleepiness. While more research is needed, walnuts also offer a wide range of other perks – from heart health to brain function – making them a smart choice either way.

The 5 Fastest-Growing F&B Brands of 2025

From prebiotic sodas to clean-label meat sticks, 2025’s fastest-growing F&B brands are rewriting the rules of consumer engagement. Authenticity, health-forward innovation, and bold storytelling are fueling the brands’ momentum.

US, China Reach TikTok Deal ‘Framework,’ Industry Reacts

TikTok’s reported U.S. transfer deal clears a path for continued growth in food-driven commerce and influencer marketing. With $24 billion in economic impact, the app remains a vital ingredient in Gen Z engagement and restaurant discovery.