Four Areas of Innovation Featured at the 2023 IFMA Presidents Conference
Innovation was on the menu at the 2023 IFMA Presidents Conference – including new technology, emerging international flavors, and more.
Focus Archive
Has Tofu Gone Mainstream?
Tofu is enjoying a new era of popularity thanks to its adaptability and nutritional clout. But despite its position as a plant-based powerhouse, this longtime vegan staple has its own share of hurdles to overcome.
Consumer Buzz: 5 Health & Wellness Ingredients to Watch
Across the food and beverage industry, health and wellness innovations are a prime target. What up-and-coming inclusions are consumers buzzing about? Here are five ingredients topping the charts on Brightfield Group’s Social Listening Dashboard. 5. …
Analysis: Automation Could Cure Labor Shortages in Manufacturing
Automation offers companies the opportunity to attract talent with the right skills and assign those skills to the most appropriate areas of the business.
FI on the Scene: Key Takeaways From the 2023 PLMA Show
The recent PLMA Private Label Trade Show was larger than ever and displayed trends like sweet heat and coconut flavors.
Rash of Restaurant Bankruptcies Festers
Fast-food businesses that focus on creating a positive workplace culture, improving the overall employee experience, and nurturing strong employer-employee relationships are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.
The Rich History of National Butter Day
U.S. milk and butterfat production experienced parallel growth at 24% from 1995 to 2010. Since then, however, production has exploded, particularly for butterfat, pushing 27% growth.
US vs. UK Inflation: Why Progress Differs
Inflation in Great Britain cooled significantly last month but still remains hot compared to other major western economies including the United States. Inflation in Britain cooled to 4.6% last month, compared to 3.2% in the …
Collaboration and Actionable Data are Key for Foodservice Success
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Finding actionable data in the foodservice space requires true collaboration among stakeholders. That was one of the major points Tom Hannon, president of Sky Co-op, shared with The Food Institute at the …
Cash-Strapped Gen Z Faces Tough Holidays
In a telling report from Qualtrics, 28% of Gen Z and millennials say student loan repayments will make the holidays unaffordable this year.
Mimicking Meat Not Winning Strategy for Fast-Food
Plant-based fast-food restaurants that try to mimic the McDonalds’ and Burger Kings of the world may be missing the point that true vegetarians and vegans have little interest in meat-like offerings.
Zepbound: Latest Weapon in Weight-Loss Drug Arsenal
Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, recently approved by the FDA, is the most potent weight-loss drug yet. Could it impact the food industry? At least one expert says ‘yes.’
Sponsored Content: Common Ground Film Grows Regenerative Ag Movement
Sales of regenerative ag products have been growing by more than 20% for the past year – a fact that’s highlighted in a recent film about regenerative ag called “Common Ground.”
Alpenrose Dairy Consolidating Operations with Larsen’s Creamery; Equipment Assets on Offer from Harry Davis & Company
CLACKAMAS, Ore., November 13, 2023 (FI NEWSWIRE) — One year ago, Alpenrose announced the acquisition of Larsen’s Creamery, which will serve as the future production site for the Alpenrose dairy business, as well as allow …
Consumer Pulse: Shining a Light on Gen X
Over the next two decades there will be a major transfer of wealth—collectively, around $84 trillion—from baby boomers to younger generations including their Gen X children.
Walmart Commits to Reducing Food Waste
In an era of increased greenwashing and many companies abandoning once-ambitious ESG plans altogether, Walmart appears to be making real strides toward helping reduce food waste, solve food deserts, and burnishing its worldwide brand a little more.
Survey: Restaurants Face Labor Challenges Amid an Uncertain Economy
According to a new survey, many restaurant operators view changing macroeconomic conditions, labor challenges, and evolving guest demands among their top current pain points. Earlier this year, Toast polled 847 restaurant decision-makers for its annual …
5 Yucatán Dishes Surging in Popularity
Mexican food has gathered steam in America for years, evidenced by the fact that Taco Bell and Chipotle currently rank among the top 10 QSRs in the U.S. in terms of systemwide sales. Now, a …
IFMA Presidents Conference Recap: Imagination, Collaboration, and a New Vision
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. – For the food-away-from-home (FAFH) ecosystem to succeed, stakeholders including operators, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers will need to work more closely than ever before. That was one of the major themes on …
Consumers Are Changing How They Grocery Shop… Again
It’s no secret that consumers are dealing with a lot right now—emergency SNAP benefits ended, student loan payments restarted, and food inflation has persisted—putting many grocery consumers in a bind and ultimately changing how they …
Thanksgiving 2023: Expect Expensive Meals
Food manufacturers have seen their profits fall in the past year, forcing them to pass along increases for raw materials, energy, transportation, and packaging.
How the Food Industry Can Use AI to Improve Holiday Sales
LSEG analysts estimated Amazon’s advertising business will increase nearly $3 billion over last year’s fourth quarter to $14.2 billion as a result, Reuters reported.
Are Edible Insects the Future of Alternative Protein?
Edible insects have all the makings of a smash hit in the alternative protein sector. The big problem? U.S. consumers might not want to eat bugs.
Instant Noodles Gather Steam: 5 Popular Options
Demand for instant noodles jumped 2.6% globally to a record high of 121.2 billion servings last year, according to the World Instant Noodles Association, and 2023 marked the seventh consecutive year of instant noodle growth and consumption.
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Kraft Heinz Aims at Convenience for Kids
Reports continue to show that consumers place a high premium on convenience, even in the face of inflation, and Kraft Heinz is betting that kids’ snacks are no exception. The multinational food company is expanding …
Mallwalking, Food Courts, and Retail Are Back
E-commerce has not only failed to kill the great American retail experience but is helping it thrive as sales associates and vendors large and small are using the omnichannel to attract customers, enhance sales, and reduce customer acquisition costs.
Top 8 Food and Beverage Trends According to Dietitians
About 8,000 registered dietitians recently attended the the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in Denver.
Get Rite: Pharmacy Chain Rite Aid Fights to Regain Top Spot
Rite Aid, one of the largest pharmacy chains in America, is facing a major financial restructuring, with plans to close 154 stores. The 61-year-old pharmacy chain recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and named new …
Pizza Trends for 2024: Artisan, Crustless and Value Pies
Americans’ appetite for pizza has reached eye-opening proportions. Consider: A survey by Caulipower Pizza indicated 98% of Americans eat pizza. Meanwhile, a recent poll produced by talker.news revealed 74% of Americans would be satisfied eating …
DMA Awards Ceremony – Winner Announcement
A Fresh Start: How to Meet Growing Consumer Demand for Fresh Products
While fresh is an important category for grocers, the waste caused by perishables can have a significant impact on the bottom line. A study by RELEX found that 74% of retailers say fresh products are …
3 Key Themes for Foodservice from DMA Live in Texas
Labor challenges, diverging dining hours, and burgeoning menus were among the foodservice themes explored at DMA’s event in Texas.
Study: Eating Red Meat Increases Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Eating red meat just twice a week may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new Harvard University study. Meanwhile, data shows that a relatively small percentage of people eat a …
Consumer Pulse: Who’s Drinking Alternative Milk — and Why?
Milk alternatives are a key growth driver for the plant-based industry. What keeps shoppers coming back for more?
The Future of Restaurants: Data and Insights for 2024 and Beyond
What do consumers desire in 2024 when they eat out? Value and convenience, mostly, and though those are universal qualities most any time, an uncertain economic outlook and increased food prices have seen consumers slowly …
Sugar Alcohols Are Everywhere—What Are They?
Sugar alcohols, found in many processed foods, have long been an enigma for many consumers. Commonly listed under the “total carbohydrate” header on a nutrition facts label, sugar alcohols are actually neither sugar nor alcohol—despite …