‘Audience Optimizer’ Tool Designed to Revolutionize Retail Ads
Swiftly’s newest offering was designed to provide both retailers and brands the ability to engage with customers on a highly personalized level.
Focus Archive
CEO Predicts Global ‘Food Wars’ as Supplies Wane
“Food wars” are simmering, as geopolitical tensions have inspired a rise of protectionism amid concerns about dwindling supplies, according to one of the largest global agricultural commodity traders, Olam Agri. The Singapore-based agri-business is part of the Olam Group, which supplies food worldwide.
Hurricane Beryl Wreaks Havoc from Houston to Jamaica, Impacting Power and Crops
Hurricane Beryl raked Mexico and the Caribbean before setting its sights on Texas, devastating crops and killing livestock in its rampage toward land. Damage should lessen as the storm heads north, however.
Grass-Fed Beef Challenging Meat Alternatives
Growing support for products like grass-fed beef is creating new challenges for the meat alternative market, which continues to struggle with adoption and repeat purchases among its primary consumer base – flexitarians.
Analysis: Why the FDA Banned Brominated Vegetable Oil in Beverages
The FDA issued a significant ruling for beverage manufacturers, saying brominated vegetable oil is no longer considered safe.
Aguas Frescas: A Cool Take on Hot Weather Drinks
A recent survey indicated 47% of consumers reported they regularly buy aguas frescas with meals. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the fruit-based drinks.
First-person Account: How to Eat Like an Olympian
You don’t achieve major life goals without taking care of your body – whether you’re training for the Olympics, training to run your first 5K, or simply trying to lose 20 pounds.
5 Emerging Paris Food Trends Ahead of the 2024 Olympics
Paris will always be the grande dame of French cuisine, but bubbling beneath that surface are new and rediscovered ways of eating and drinking.
Investors Trust McCormick Again; Should They?
In the late 2010s, among major, mature manufacturers, spice maker McCormick was far and away the most expensive stock in the packaged food space.
Investors Fear Kroger Is Returning To The Old Normal
Kroger stock has performed well in 2024, rising 9% so far this year. But on a two-year basis, the stock has barely budged and shares have faded 15% from early April levels. The reaction to first-quarter earnings last week further highlights the uncertainty: Kroger stock jumped in early trading but finished the day down a little over 3%.
Uber, Lyft, Take Minimum Wage Debate to Next Level in Massachusetts
Agreement by Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts to pay a minimum wage of $32.50 an hour plus some benefits to drivers takes the whole minimum wage debate to a new level and raises questions about what it will mean to other sectors.
Mycelium-based Meat Intriguing Investors and Consumers
Alt-meat funding has all but dried up, but mycelium-based meats are still intriguing investors and consumers. From chicken and steak to deli meats, here’s what’s cooking in the world of mushroom roots.
American Consumers Embrace the Arepa
America is a melting pot filled with diverse backgrounds and, of course, countless unique dishes. If anything unites the nation in 2024, it’s a love of food. And, while food is important, the main objective …
Nutrition Matters When Taking GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss
Nutrition plays a crucial role when taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss, which has transformed medical approaches to managing obesity.
Opinion: Here’s Why I Haven’t Given up on AI in Drive-Thrus
Restaurants can have a drive-up process even if they don’t have a traditional drive-thru setup.
The Plight of the Hourly Employee: Low Morale, Long Hours and AI Fears
A new study shows that hourly employees are demanding more recognition from their employers along with increasingly flexible schedules.
Buc-ee’s – Not Your Father’s Fuel Stop
Buc-ee’s has redefined the c-store by boasting the cleanest restrooms, a wide array of private-label goods, music, foodservice, and more.
Sugar Wars: High-Fructose Corn Syrup Under Siege
Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) has introduced what would be a paradigm-shifting legislative package intended to improve the dietary health of Americans by banning high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and certain color additives in foods produced in the U.S.
Private Label Growth Pockets in Frozen Food
As consumers continue to stockpile frozen foods, retail operators are leveraging private labels to tap into that demand. Which frozen products are experiencing the most store brand sales growth? FI investigates.
3 Trends Spotted at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show
If you asked 100 attendees of the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show what the hottest trend was, you’d likely get several different answers.
Pepsi Smart Can: Game-changer, or Marketing Gimmick?
PepsiCo has developed a so-called “smart can” that can deliver tailored, digital content. Experts are torn on whether or not the brand will get legitimate ROI on its investment.
Personalized Wellness on the Rise: 90% Seek Tailored Health Products
“The global wellness economy is booming across all sectors as people prioritize healthier choices,” noted David Knies, wellness and innovation expert at PA Consulting.
Missing the Mark – Private Label is Failing at Target
Everything is cyclical. There’s a pendulum at play for any brand investing heavily in the private-label game – as more house brands populate shelves with similar names and cheaper prices than their national brand counterparts, public perception of the parent company may swing along with the pendulum; in other words, some consumers may begin to question what they’re compromising when their carts are full of private-label goods instead of the national brands they may have been buying last week, last quarter, or last year. So swings the pendulum as a blade of commerce.
July Fourth Food Report: Grilling Burgers is 3x Cheaper than Dining Out
Grillers rejoice. Hosting a July Fourth cookout could cost less than it did in 2023 (if consumers prep more staples at home).
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Dr. Praeger’s Targeting ‘Nutrition-Curious’ Consumers
Dr. Praeger’s is enjoying double-digit growth across several product categories, including veggie-forward burgers and those that mimic traditional meat. What’s the secret behind their success?
What’s the Big Dill? Suddenly, Pickles Are Everywhere
Pickle flavors proliferate in 2024, making their way into many of America’s popular snack items. Pickle power shows no signs of slowing.
The Secrets to Winning Gen Z’s Dining Dollars: Trust, Value, and Social Media
Building trust is imperative when attempting to win over Gen Z consumers – and that notion was reinforced by a study released Monday morning.
Asian Food & Grocery Proliferates
According to recent data from Technomic, Asian casual-dining chains experienced sales growth of more than 24% in 2023 – nearly six times the average for casual dining as a whole.
Sealing the Deal: Certifications Become Competitive Edge for Food
Today’s consumer is interested in far more than just taste when it comes to the food they purchase. The values and the mission of the brands they buy from need to align with consumers’ beliefs. …
High-Fat Diets Linked to Anxiety
New research may make some consumers think twice before ordering a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, suggesting high-fat diets may fuel anxiety.
AI-Driven CPG Platform Keychain Adds Former Whole Foods Exec to Key Role
CPG manufacturing platform Keychain has appointed Mitchell Madoff to Head of Retail Partnerships. The Foxtrot transplant and former Head of Whole Foods Private Label brings with him an extensive background in CPG and private label spanning over two decades.
Sustainably Sourced Chocolate: An Evergreen ESG Splurge?
Consumers frequently express a willingness to pay extra for products they perceive to be sustainable, but actual shopping behavior often tells a different story. What sets sustainably sourced chocolate apart from the rest?
Intermittent Fasting 101: How the Diet Trend is Reshaping Habits
Intermittent fasting is an approach to weight management that many people swear by these days. The simple act of reshaping how you eat – and strategizing when you eat — provides benefits that may improve one’s overall health. Here’s what you need to know.
Going Electric: Walmart Commits to Digital Signage
“The digital element presents an expanded shopper/marketer revenue stream for the company,” Zakowicz said.
Fountain of Youth? Collagen-Infused Beverages Show Big Potential
Collagen-infused drinks are catching on. Dr. Danielle Kelvas, for one, thinks using collagen – a protein that, among other things, gives skin its elasticity – as an ingredient can create ideal functional beverages.
Hummus: The Original Plant-based Dip
According to Brightfield research group, the top need states searched online with hummus over the past three years are functional health, digestive health, and sustainability, while the top nutrition states are low sugar, low carb, and high protein – all benefits from the humble chickpea.