Focus Archive

Sweet Science: How CRISPR Could Future-Proof Cacao

CRISPR is rewriting the rules of agriculture, offering precision DNA edits to boost crop resilience and flavor. Mars and Pairwise are leading the charge, targeting cacao to weather climate and supply chain storms.

Investors See Long-Term Risk for Fast-Casual Chains

Fast-casual giants Chipotle and Cava are losing investor confidence after steep post-earnings stock drops. Rising costs, flat traffic, and pricing fatigue signal deeper concerns about the fast-casual segment as a whole.

How AI is Transforming Food Supply Chains

AI is revolutionizing food supply chains—from predictive maintenance to drone-powered inventory—boosting efficiency, quality, and resilience. But for many, the challenge isn’t potential; it’s cutting through the hype to find real ROI.

Hive Mentality: U.S. Honey Consumption Sets Record

Honey is having a moment – U.S. consumption hit a record 688.6 million pounds in 2024, driven by health-conscious, eco-savvy consumers. But rising demand may strain bee populations and invite counterfeit sweeteners.

Ultra-Processed Foods: Harmful vs. Helpful

Americans get over half their calories from ultra-processed foods. New research, guidelines, and expert advice offer a roadmap for healthier eating habits.

Tariff Trouble: Vexed Shoppers, Countrywide Bans

Tariffs are rattling global supply chains and inflating costs across the food industry, with India boycotts and U.S. shoppers trading down. As inflation bites, legacy brands brace for deeper margin pressure.

Climate Change Blamed for Global Banana Crop Diseases

Climate change is fueling banana crop diseases like Fusarium and Black Sigatoka, slashing exports and threatening global food security. Fresh Del Monte feels gene-edited resistance is a game-changing lifeline for the $25 billion banana industry.

Beyond Religion: Considering Halal Certification in Today’s Market

Halal certification is gradually becoming a coveted recognition as the population of Muslim consumers continues to grow globally. The secular business case for the certification, however, is equally as compelling, as shoppers care more about the traceability and humane standards of the products in their cart.

Chain Reaction: What 1M Reviews Reveal About the Future of Casual Dining

According to a new report, among sit-down restaurant chains, Outback leads in experience, Cheesecake Factory impresses with its menu, and Chili’s wins on value. Yet, few chains excel across the board. Olive Garden’s comeback proves that simplicity, smart promos, and operational focus drive success.

A Fresh Perspective: Consumers Value Premium, Minimally Processed Foods

Within the grocery environment, fresh grocers in the first half of the year greatly outperformed their competitors, thanks to industry tailwinds prioritizing unique offerings and healthy food. In a recent webinar, two industry powerhouses discussed the implications of these macrotrends on the F&B landscape.

Gen Z Puts LATAM Flavors Front and Center

Latin American consumers are reshaping the U.S. food landscape, driving flavor trends and outpacing growth across F&B sectors. Their cultural influence is now a bottom-line opportunity businesses can’t afford to overlook

The 10 Best Snacks for Brain Health

Post-pandemic consumers crave mental clarity, but trendy snacks often miss the mark. Experts urge F&B brands to spotlight whole foods, omega-3s, and gut-friendly nutrients to support brain health.

Amazon Grocery Business Goes All In

Amazon has ramped up its grocery game with faster delivery, Whole Foods synergy, and a “One Grocery” strategy aimed at efficiency and scale. Meanwhile, emerging players like Temu are stirring up fresh competition in global fulfillment.

For Domino’s, Pizza has Become a Problem

Once untouchable, Domino’s now finds itself battling market stagnation and an identity crisis in a delivery world reshaped by apps. Even winning in pizza no longer guarantees growth, according to FI’s resident stock expert.

Upsetting the Apple Cart: Honeycrisp Apple Prices Soar

Honeycrisp apple prices have surged 160% amid crop shortages, rising labor costs, and limited imports. Retailers are pivoting to Cosmic Crisp, frozen produce, and private labels as shoppers seek relief from premium fruit sticker shock.

Why Agentic AI Is the Food Industry’s Next Big Thing

Walmart is going all-in on agentic AI, launching super agents that act autonomously to streamline everything from customer service to supply chain ops. For food businesses, this tech could mean fewer errors and sharper margins.

The Plant-Based Playbook: Pro Athletes Invest in Vegan Brands

Multiple pro athletes have either invested in plant-based foodservice and food retail brands or launched their own brands in recent years, including John Salley, Tom Brady, Chris Paul, Ed McCaffrey, and Mike Tyson. Let’s take a look at a few of these business ventures – and the motivators behind them.

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For McDonald’s, Investors Believe History Will Repeat

McDonald’s stock has fared well lately, though its value edge has fizzled. Consumers are hungry for more than just $5 deals. History suggests resilience, but can the golden arches glitter amid rising costs and shrinking sales?

3 Key Takeaways from IFT FIRST 2025

The recent IFT FIRST event spotlighted how food makers are shifting toward natural colors, sugar stealth, and GLP-1-driven formulation. Regulatory winds and wellness trends are rewriting the color, taste, and portion playbook.

Investors Have Lost Faith in Conagra and the Industry

Conagra’s stock plunge reveals deep investor doubts about the packaged food sector’s ability to navigate inflation, tariffs, and margin pressure. With volume and pricing power eroding, the industry may be facing a new, uncomfortable normal.

3 Textures Gen Z Can’t Resist

For Gen Z, eating and drinking are multi-sensory experiences – and texture is just as important as taste. Here are three textures the demographic can’t seem to get enough of.

Competitive Beverage Dynamics: Chinese Chains Vs. Starbucks

Chinese café disruptors Luckin and Cotti are muscling into the U.S. market with tech-driven formats and inventive drinks, challenging Starbucks’ experience-first playbook. Can hyper-local pricing and automation rewrite America’s morning routine?

Tariffs Trigger Operational Overhauls: F&B Leaders Forecast Unrest Into 2026

Amid deepening tariff fatigue, F&B leaders brace for prolonged disruption while rethinking sourcing and private-label strategy. With costs rising and margins thinning, industry players are innovating, deploying strategies like alternative sourcing. FI recently gleaned business tips from dozens of industry leaders regarding tariffs.