Focus Archive

Plant-Based 2.0: An Uphill Battle

Despite losing steam in recent years, the plant-based movement is still experiencing pockets of growth, supported by innovation. During the recent FI webinar on the F&B market, industry experts discussed the segment’s future.

GLP-1 Drugs: Food Industry Threat or Dieting Fad?

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are transforming dieting culture, offering a relatively easy solution to weight loss. While these drugs may disrupt food consumption patterns, their long-term impact hinges on overcoming high dropout rates and premium pricing, one industry insider says.

Concerned About Cybersecurity? Here’s 10 Crucial Tips

Imagine this scenario: it’s a busy Friday wrapping up the quarter. Your accounting department receives an urgent payment request from a key ingredient supplier. The request comes from the usual contact’s email and references a …

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.

Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets

Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.

Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks

Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.

Flat-Out Innovative: Oat Milk Sheets Require 94% Less Packaging

The new Flat Pack oat milk sheets by milkadamia reportedly reduce packaging waste by 94%. The shelf-stable solution allows consumers to make fresh oat milk in customizable portions, addressing the bulk of the category’s environmental challenges at the source instead of placing the burden on consumers.

BNPL Boom Boosting Holiday Spending

Buy-now-pay-later services are surging in popularity, with Adobe projecting $18.5 billion in holiday purchases this year. While retailers benefit from increased sales and lower fees compared to credit cards, experts warn that BNPL poses risks if not carefully regulated.

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.

Black Friday 2024 Beneficiaries: Target, Apple, and Shopping Malls

Black Friday 2024 showcased omnichannel’s growing dominance, with online sales surging nearly 15%. Experts noted that while Black Friday has evolved into a season-long event, its role remains pivotal, sparking optimism for a strong holiday shopping season.

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Circana: E-commerce, Private Label to Shape F&B in 2025

Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.

The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.

Spilling the Beans on America’s Latest Nutrition Obsession

Beans have gained popularity as a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option, supporting gut health and reducing risks of obesity, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some feel beans are poised to become a staple alternative to meat for many Americans.

3 Key Takeaways From the 2024 Private Label Trade Show

The 2024 PLMA Trade Show showcased private label’s ascent, with U.S. store brand sales projected to surpass $250 billion this year. Trends like globally inspired dips and coffeehouse-style beverages at home captured consumer interest.

Coffee Omakase, Flights Capture Consumer Interest

A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.

Thanksgiving 2024: Surveys Suggest Consumers Will Feast Frugally

A new survey revealed that substituting store brands for name brands can save consumers $17 on a Thanksgiving dinner for 10. Still, many families weigh cost savings against the sentimental value of using specific ingredients tied to cherished holiday recipes.