Going Places: Grab-and-Go Products Evolve
Grab-and-go food has undergone a transformation, as consumers demand options that rival restaurant fare – leading to explosive growth in deli-prepared meals and bakery products.
Focus Archive
Diageo Considers American Brand-Selling Strategy
Diageo, the spirits giant, is shifting its long-standing strategy by selectively selling off brands. The industry is watching closely to see whether this pivot will strengthen Diageo’s future or mirror the struggles of American food conglomerates.
“Table Talk” With the Founder of Sour Strips: Building the Sour Candy Brand That Led to a Sweet Deal
Global Plant-Based Sales Reach $28.6 Billion
In 2024, global plant-based retail sales reached $28.6 billion thanks to accelerated interest in meat analogs in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. Domestically, although sales stagnated in 2024, there are many indicators that it will soon rebound.
Tariff Talk, State of Ag at 2025 BMO Global Farm to Market Conference
Food industry leaders gathered at the 2025 BMO Farm to Market Conference to dissect key challenges, including tariff pressures. Despite economic uncertainties, brands and retailers are deploying strategic pivots to ensure continued growth.
Olipop Vs. Poppi: The First Social Media Driven Arms Race in The Beverage World
Olipop and Poppi’s social media arms race is a powerful reminder for founders of new brands that an energetic face-off competitor only energizes the entire space, according to FI’s resident CPG industry expert, Dr. James Richardson.
Korean Cuisine Takes Center Stage at NRA Show
Fusion-driven Korean entrees, cleaner frying oils, and multi-textured beverages were a few underrated trends on display at the recent NRA Show. From indulgent Gochujang Fried Chicken Sliders to Noli Fruit Oil’s eco-conscious frying solution and TikTok-worthy Fiery Dill Pickle Lemonade, brands tapped into recent trends.
The Diet of the Future: Seaweed, Kimchi, Ancient Grains
By 2050, the average consumer’s diet will look much different than today, shaped by AI, sustainability, and ethically sourced ingredients. Experts predict that ancient grains, fermented foods, and berries will land on consumers’ plates far more frequently in the future.
Target Has Fallen Behind Retail Rivals – Again
Target has struggled to define a unique place in its market, watching rivals like Walmart and Costco capitalize on growth opportunities while its own stock and sales falter. Target’s leadership now faces a critical moment to convince investors that it can once again turn challenges into triumphs.
2D Barcodes: What They Are and Why They Matter for F&B Companies
In this increasingly digital landscape, it’s become crucial for F&B companies to not only gather data but also to glean insights from it that they can leverage to stay ahead of the curve. Anyone who’s …
5 Major Trends on Display at NRA 2025
The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago showcased groundbreaking foodservice innovations, from globally inspired comfort foods to cutting-edge pizza solutions. Business leaders also displayed the latest AI-driven data analytics, revealing a dynamic future in which tech drives growth in the industry.
The ‘Return to Real’ Trend: Why ‘Simple’ is the New Superfood
The “Return to Real” trend signals a growing consumer shift toward authenticity–favoring simple, transparent ingredients and tangible, in-person experiences over hyper-enhanced, tech-driven products. For food industry leaders, this presents a chance to embrace nostalgia, highlight natural ingredients, and rethink marketing strategies to align with consumers’ craving for genuine connection.
The State of Cultivated Meat: Nebraska, Indiana Approve Bans
On May 6, the state of Ind. approved a two-year ban of both the sale and manufacture of lab-grown meat products, and on May 14, a bill banning the distribution and sale of cultivated meat products in Neb. was signed into law. These measures align with similar laws passed in other states in recent years.
Scaling Smarter: Land O’Frost’s Automation Blueprint for the Future of Food Manufacturing
Deli meat manufacturer Land O’Frost partnered with Formic to implement Full Service Automation, deploying five gantry-style palletizing systems. The move allowed the manufacturer to overcome labor shortages, streamline product changeovers, and achieve operational savings without capital investment, freeing up valuable resources for revenue-generating projects.
Meet New Masculinity: Gen Z Men Fuel Beef Renaissance
Gen Z men are increasingly embracing meat consumption as part of a shift toward hyper-masculinity, fueled by online influencers and rebranded narratives that position beef as essential for peak physical performance. The trend presents a key opportunity for the food industry.
Forget Inflation and Tariffs. Summer is Party Time!
Despite economic uncertainty, consumers appear determined to celebrate this summer, adapting their spending by embracing private-label brands, and potlucks while seeking affordable luxuries like indulgent snacks. Shoppers seek indulgence with a focus on emotional value.
The Future of Fast Food: How Top QSRs Are Using AI Tech to Get Ahead
QSRs are revolutionizing the dining experience by integrating AI, mobile ordering, and kiosks, but success depends on balancing efficiency with human connection. Intouch Insight’s 2025 Emerging Experiences study highlights how industry leaders are using innovative tech to streamline operations.
Gellert Global Group Makes Strategic Investment in MenuData.ai, the Leading Food and Beverage Intelligence Platform
Canadian Cuisine is Gaining Acclaim, from Top Chef to Award-Winning Restaurants
Canadian cuisine is gaining international acclaim, with chefs showcasing The Great White North’s diverse food culture – from Indigenous influences to locally sourced seafood. As culinary innovators tap into Canada’s vast, untapped gastronomic potential, the world is finally taking note.
CPG Shake-Up: Tariffs and GLP-1 Drugs Challenge Brands
With ingredient bans, rising tariffs, and the influence of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, the CPG industry faces a pivotal moment. Forward-thinking brands that embrace strategic supply chain shifts and data-driven consumer insights are most likely to emerge as winners, experts say.
7-Eleven, Live Nation Partnership Exemplifies Experiential Marketing
7-Eleven is redefining experiential marketing by embedding its brand into live music culture as it works to appeal to to younger consumers.
Tomato Tariffs Heat Up, Prices Expected to Surge This Summer
This summer is expected to bring a major shake-up in tomato pricing, as a 17.09% tariff on Mexican imports takes effect, threatening to disrupt a $3 billion market that supplies 70% of U.S. tomatoes. Importers predict higher costs and fewer choices.
All Juice, No Sugar Crash: Raw Generation Debuts Little Sippers Line for Kids
By prioritizing both taste and nutrition, brands like Raw Generation are aiming to solve the age-old challenge of getting children to consume vegetables and setting the stage for nutrient-rich innovations.
Sysco Needs to Play Catch-Up with Foodservice Distributor Peers
Sysco, once a force in foodservice distribution, is now struggling to keep pace with rivals as missed sales expectations raise concerns about its strategies. Competitive weaknesses suggest that, without meaningful change, Sysco’s lackluster stock performance could continue.
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New and Next by Nestlé: Seize Upon the Comfort Food Trend
Comfort food remains a powerful force in the food industry, with brands like Stouffer’s leading the way in reinventing beloved classics to align with evolving consumer tastes. As restaurants lean further into “permissible indulgence,” the opportunity to customize and elevate familiar favorites presents a lucrative avenue for operators.
Food Delivery Showdown: Mergers, Acquisitions, Repositions
Food delivery giants like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Grubhub are making bold strategic moves – from acquisitions to service diversification – to capture both consumer loyalty and merchant partnerships. As competition heats up, these platforms are doubling down on technology, international expansion, and grocery delivery integration.
From H Mart to Mainstream: The Rise of Asian Food Brands
Asian food brands are redefining grocery shelves by blending bold cultural identities and playful textures, fueling a culinary movement. With sales skyrocketing and Gen Z embracing authenticity, these brands showcase powerful lessons in modern branding.
Starbucks Bets on a European Aperitivo Menu – Will Gen Z Bite?
Starbucks is betting big on European-style aperitivo culture, launching an afternoon menu of small plates and drinks to boost sluggish post-morning sales. CEO Brian Niccol aims to rekindle the coffee chain’s social ambiance.
Packaging Innovations Help F&B Brands Meet Sustainability Goals
As consumer demand for sustainable packaging increases, brands like Frugalpac and KIND Snacks are making bold moves to redefine industry standards, with Frugal Bottle’s rollout at Target and KIND’s curbside-recyclable wrapper pilot setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious innovation. Other brands are expected to follow their lead.
NGA Takes Aim at Proposed SNAP Cuts, Industry Concerned
The National Grocers Association recently led efforts to urge Congress to reject a proposal that will slash SNAP funding by 20%.
What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day in 2025
This year, moms are wishing for a “timeout” on Mother’s Day, with 44% of participants wanting someone else to plan the big meal in an OpenTable survey. The research also revealed that nearly a third of moms are considering dining out solo on Mother’s Day in 2025, reflecting an increased desire for “me time.”
Are American Consumers Ready for Alt-Seafood?
The alt-seafood sector has been rife with innovations – from alt-calamari to black cod. However, a wave of recent bankruptcies within the category suggests that consumer adoption rates haven’t quite kept up.
Despite a Rough Q1, Investors Believe Fast Food Will Rebound
Despite sluggish sales and weak traffic in Q1, fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have seen their stocks rebound, reflecting investors’ confidence in pricing adjustments to revitalize the sector. QSRs are positioning themselves for a more efficient, profitable future.
New and Next by Nestlé: Answering Diners’ Call for Adventurous International Flavors
Bold global flavors are captivating the culinary world, with 87% of Gen Z diners craving international tastes like those offered by Minor’s sauces and concentrates. As consumer demand for diverse cuisines surges, such products can help food businesses thrive in the trend-driven market.
Industry Shaken: Indie Cafés Outbrew the Big Guys
Independent cafés and mid-sized coffee chains are chipping away at the dominance of Starbucks and Dunkin’, leveraging bold menu experimentation to capture customers. Challenger brands are expanding aggressively, too.
What’s the New World Screwworm? ‘Flying Piranha’ Alarms Ag Sector
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is expanding north from South America, posing a significant threat to livestock and even humans. As a result, experts are calling for urgent containment measures.