The ripple effects of tariffs are biting the food industry. From cost pressures to shifting consumer habits, even insulated players are feeling the squeeze in a market that’s quietly turning recessionary.
Garage Beer, backed by NFL stars and Taylor Swift buzz, is gunning for shelf space in a margin-thin market. But without distributor loyalty and retail muscle, this celebrity-fueled brand may fizzle fast, according to industry insiders.
AI-driven cuts to middle management may boost short-term efficiency, but experts warn of burnout, disengagement, and workflow chaos. As “The Great Flattening” of organizational charts gains steam, food industry leaders must weigh tech gains against human costs.
Gen Zers crave brands that speak their cultural language, not just sell products. From Oreo’s meme creativity to Doritos’ gamer-friendly tech, authenticity and co-creation are the new path to loyalty.
Inflation, cocoa chaos, and Ozempic-fueled appetite shifts have battered Hershey and Mondelez, but investors still believe in their near-term outlook. A merger may be the lifeline that turns things around.
As more consumers turn to GLP-1 medications, the demand for products high in fiber and protein is booming, but many traditional formulations contain allergens like gluten and dairy, making it difficult for some to find options. However, that’s changing.
Hispanic consumers are reshaping the food industry with health-driven choices, flavor curiosity, and rising purchasing power. Brands ignoring this shift risk falling behind as authenticity and wellness become the new growth frontier.
Self-checkout was pitched as a payroll panacea – but retailers are finding it’s no silver bullet. Shrinkage, tech woes, and customer pushback are forcing grocers to rethink the economics of DIY checkout lanes.
Tariffs, labor shortages, and rising input costs are fueling “foodflation,” squeezing margins and reshaping consumer behavior. As grocery prices climb 23% since 2022, brands face pressure to innovate or lose share to private labels.
Logan’s Roadhouse is red hot as of late, using $11.99 value meals and a top-ranked customer experience to outpace competitors. The steak chain’s comeback proves that consistency and affordability beat flash in the eyes of modern consumers.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may be sabotaging consumers’ health. Case in point: a new study links endocrine disruption and fertility risks to the very products dominating global food systems.
YouTube’s stealth food marketing is supercharging Gen Alpha’s “pester power,” blurring the line between entertainment and influence. As parasocial bonds deepen, brands gain unprecedented access to young appetites – often without parental awareness.
Fall flavor innovation is heating up as brands blend nostalgia with novelty – think cranberry punch, chai spice, and pumpkin chipotle. With 66% of consumers shifting food habits, the time appears right to capture seasonal cravings.
Recent research has revealed that endurance athletes can improve their performance by consuming significantly more carbohydrates than previously advised, prompting a surge in energy gel sales. However, many athletes are reaching for a cheaper – and tastier – alternative found in kids’ lunch boxes.
Energy drinks are thriving as price-conscious consumers pivot from costly coffee to functional, flavorful alternatives. With wellness claims and nostalgic flavors, the category is stealing share from traditional caffeine formats.
TOMA, a fast-growing Latin American food brand founded by Manolo Gonzalez Vergara and his mother, actress Sofia Vergara, is revolutionizing the handheld food space with premium empanadas and other authentic offerings. The brand is reshaping consumer expectations of Latin cuisine by making it accessible and convenient.
Plant-based dairy is driving the next generation of plant-based growth through innovations in milk, yogurt, and cheese, eclipsing plant-based meat’s claim on the market. Despite yogurt and cheese’s modest menu penetration, they represent the fastest growers in the category.
Kraft Heinz’s split into Global Taste Elevation and North American Grocery left investors cold, triggering a 7% stock drop. Instead of unlocking value, the move may simply double down on existing challenges.
The “dirty soda” trend continues to be a phenomenon in the beverage industry, driven by social media and the desire for customization and unique experiences, particularly among Gen Z consumers. This trend has seen a 270% increase in social conversations over the past year.
Tariff turmoil and fractured trade flows are changing the rules of supply chains, with inflation poised to spike. Smart food industry leaders aren’t waiting – they’re redesigning for volatility now, experts note.
Despite its ghoulish aesthetics, Liquid Death’s community is surprisingly wide: “people drink things and they like to laugh,” adroitly summarized Liquid Death creative VP Andy Pearson in an interview with The Food Institute. This has …
Creatine’s comeback isn’t just for athletes – the supplement is now a $1.1 billion wellness juggernaut. With aging consumers and GLP-1 users fueling demand, food brands are giving the supplement a long look.
Taco Bell is revamping last year’s Decades Menu with a Y2K spin, featuring iconic menu items from 2001-2010. The overt play for nostalgia has been effective for the QSR chain in the past, and this year it’s doing more to support the initiative.
Cracker Barrel’s recent logo revamp sparked a $100M backlash, forcing a swift return to its nostalgic “Old Timer.” The fiasco highlights the high stakes of brand identity in an era of cultural sensitivity.
Dubai chocolate’s viral rise is influencing menus worldwide with its craveable crunch and flair. However, climate-driven cocoa and pistachio shortages hint at deeper disruptions for the confectionery industry.
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is threatening livestock across the Americas, with a human case confirmed in Maryland. USDA is racing to contain the pest before it bites into U.S. food security and cattle profits.
Despite economic headwinds, food retail is booming, as 94% of operators rate their business health as strong. Tech adoption and foodservice add-ons are fueling expansion, even as inflation and data challenges persist.
Dutch Bros is brewing up explosive growth by doubling down on culture. With 1,000 stores and soaring stock, it’s outpacing rivals by staying unique.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act spices up tax strategy for F&B businesses, unlocking R&D credits and full depreciation on production investments. Tip and overtime tax breaks sweeten the deal for frontline staff.
Sweetgreen’s stock nosedived after dismal Q2 results, reigniting doubts about its scalability and consumer appeal. Management blames execution and macro headwinds – but investors may be losing faith in the salad chain’s long-term promise.
Taylor Swift’s sourdough obsession sparked Panera’s “Loaf Story Meal” and reignited consumer interest in fermented breads. With gut health and clean-label trends rising, sourdough’s pandemic-born momentum is evolving into a retail innovation boom.
Unexpected flavor mashups – from Guinness ice cream to Mountain Dew gummies – are driving viral buzz. These quirky collaborations thrive on social media, creating a spectacle that often drives ROI.
Beyond Meat is buckling under financial pressure, with overdue bills and shrinking sales. Despite denying bankruptcy rumors, the company’s pivot to “Beyond” signals a desperate bid to stay relevant in a cooling market.
Walmart’s Q2 sales crushed expectations, but tariffs and health costs trimmed profits. Grocery and fresh categories surged, signaling strong share gains, even as the retailer braces for a murky, margin-pinched second half.
Flavors like matcha, hot honey, and pickles are surging in 2025, driven by viral trends and nostalgic cravings. Social media-savvy consumers are rewriting the flavor playbook – and retailers are hustling to keep pace.
