As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.
Hawaiian cuisine is getting more popular on the mainland, with searches for Hawaiian barbecue up 88% from last year and Hawaiian Mac Salad up 523% over the same period. What’s behind this boom?
At the recent Retail’s Big Show event by the NRF, technology took center stage, showing the need for businesses to transform their operations with a digital future in mind. Here’s a look at three themes slated to take over retail in the new year.
A recent report from dunnhumby found consumers continue to prefer regional grocers with H-E-B holding firm as the most preferred. Kroger and Albertsons, however, fell out of favor, likely due to the ongoing post-merger turmoil.
CES 2025 showcased groundbreaking advancements in food, beverage, and AgTech. With 140,000-plus attendees and 4,500 exhibitors, the event highlighted how tech is transforming the way food is prepared.
Amid extreme weather, water scarcity, and economic instability, duckweed is emerging as a low-cost, eco-friendly protein source that grows year-round. The fast-growing aquatic plant also contains all nine essential amino acids, setting it apart from other plant-based protein sources like soy.
The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.
A tentative deal granting U.S. dockworkers a pay hike averted a potential supply chain crisis, while opening the door to modernizing ports.
Noodles & Company has tumbled from fast-casual stardom to potential Nasdaq delisting, plagued by declining morale, quality, and customer experience. One industry turnaround expert proposes a bold recovery plan targeting high-impact opportunities to restore the brand’s luster.
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.
The Latin American Heritage Diet is helping combat high rates of diabetes among Hispanic Americans, featuring ingredients like vegetables and whole grains. The diet also reconnects Latin Americans with cultural foodways.
Alcohol manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice segments have a lot to worry about heading into the new year, with Dry January and Surgeon General advisories advocating for sober-curious lifestyles. Time will tell if these movements make an impact.
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 CPG category is undergoing a significant transformation, blending AI, retail media networks, and social shopping to create deeply personalized experiences. These innovations are reshaping shopping into a seamless experience for consumers.
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.
Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?
A new report urges grocers and manufacturers to adopt proactive strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions using real-time data analysis. Highlighting recent events like the Listeria-tainted meat recalls, the report underscores the importance of adapting swiftly to prevent inventory downturns during crises.
Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.
CES 2025 promises to spotlight cutting-edge advancements in ag-tech and food tech. Food industry executives attending the event will gain firsthand insight into technologies addressing global challenges like sustainability, automation, and precision agriculture.
Chicken chains are outpacing the broader dining sector, with fried chicken restaurants seeing a 4.3% increase in visits, driven by chicken’s versatility. KFC is taking advantage by launching its new “Saucy” brand.
The F&B industry is at a transformative crossroads, where AI-driven advancements, and the rise of functional foods, are reshaping how we think about nutrition. In 2025, the challenge will be balancing innovation with preserving the cultural essence of food.
The spread of bird flu has alarmed experts as it increasingly infects cattle and swine. With human cases rising and genetic mutations detected, the virus’s trajectory toward higher transmissibility could pose significant risks to humans, and the food supply chain.
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.
The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.
Hart House abruptly closed all four locations despite Kevin Hart’s backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing plant-based restaurants.
TGI Friday’s franchisees worry they may be on the hook for nearly $50 million in unredeemed gift card balances following the chain’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Dr. Pepper: call it soda or call it pop, but either way, there’s a new no. 2 soda in America, and it isn’t Pepsi.
A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.
Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.
The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.
Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.
Nestlé is tapping into the booming weight-loss market with Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a 45-calorie whey-protein solution designed to reduce appetite. Experts caution consumers about the shots’ limited effectiveness.
The global food supply chain faces mounting challenges, with 30% of food lost or wasted annually. To combat these hurdles, industry leaders are leveraging real-time tracking, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven automation.
California has declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu outbreaks affecting the poultry and dairy industries, with the first severe U.S. human case confirmed by the CDC and concerns over pandemic risks rising.
Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.
Conagra is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chef Boyardee brand, a once-dominant player now struggling amid shifting consumer preferences for healthier options, as many similar legacy brands face limited growth prospects.
