Focus Archive

The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.

Spilling the Beans on America’s Latest Nutrition Obsession

Beans have gained popularity as a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option, supporting gut health and reducing risks of obesity, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some feel beans are poised to become a staple alternative to meat for many Americans.

3 Key Takeaways From the 2024 Private Label Trade Show

The 2024 PLMA Trade Show showcased private label’s ascent, with U.S. store brand sales projected to surpass $250 billion this year. Trends like globally inspired dips and coffeehouse-style beverages at home captured consumer interest.

Coffee Omakase, Flights Capture Consumer Interest

A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.

Thanksgiving 2024: Surveys Suggest Consumers Will Feast Frugally

A new survey revealed that substituting store brands for name brands can save consumers $17 on a Thanksgiving dinner for 10. Still, many families weigh cost savings against the sentimental value of using specific ingredients tied to cherished holiday recipes.

7-Eleven Pilots Food-Centric Design Amidst Headwinds

7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.

New Age of Nutrition: Nutritarian Diet May Slow Aging

A recent study found that women following the plant-based “Nutritarian diet” experienced slower biological aging and lower inflammation levels. The diet is designed to be rich in nutrients but low in salt and fat.

Runway to Restaurant: F&B Applications from a Fashion Phenom

Believe it or not, recent fashion industry success strategies, such as experiential retail, offer valuable insights for the F&B industry. Miu Miu’s personalized online presence and bold marketing, for example, offer F&B brands approaches they can use to stand out.

Quantum Leap: Is Quantum Farming the Future of Produce?

Dr. Tsipi Shoham, a cancer researcher turned CEO, believes “quantum farming” – an innovative, AI-driven agriculture method – could improve public health. She also feels she has found the answer to indoor farming’s short-comings.

Purée Play: Restaurants Boost Profits with Purées

Restaurants are leveraging fruit purées these days as an effective method to adapt to rising food costs. Fruit purées bring versatility to dishes while helping operators reduce food waste.

Behold, the Pharmacy of the Future

Brick-and-mortar pharmacies face increasing competition from online retail options, leaving their outlook murky. Industry experts feel pharmacies need to focus on being tech-driven – and fast.

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A Twinkle in Time: F&B Brands Serve Nostalgia by the Spoonful

F&B brands are tapping into nostalgia by reintroducing iconic products from the past, like Twinkles cereal from the 1960s. By offering these LTOs, brands appeal to consumers’ emotional connection to products, resonating across generations.

Peyton Manning and Nestlé Toll House Kick Off Cookie Nachos Collab

NFL hall-of-famer Peyton Manning has partnered with Nestlé Toll House to launch a Cookie Nachos Kit giveaway, combining chocolate chip cookie dough, various morsels, chip-shaped cookie cutters, and nacho-inspired toppings into a food trend worth watching.

DMA Honors Distributor Members at Awards Ceremony

DMA celebrated its customers and distributors last week, Big Easy style in New Orleans. The two-day industry event closed with an awards ceremony honoring multiple winners from DMA’s national network. What started with nine founding …

3 Key Takeaways from Gulfood Manufacturing 2024

The Food Institute attended this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 event in Dubai and noted that the gathering highlighted advancements in sustainable practices, alt-protein, and tech-enabled ingredients. It also illustrated the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

What Killed Kmart? Key Retail Missteps Led to Demise

Kmart’s downfall, accelerated by poor management and failure to adapt to modern retail trends, ended with the recent closure of its last full-size U.S. store. Experts say there are lessons to be learned from Kmart’s demise.

Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead

Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.

The Incredible Uncrustable: How a Frozen PB&J Won Over the NFL

Once a quick meal for picky eaters, Uncrustables have become a top grab-and-go pick for NFL players, who reportedly consume anywhere from 3,600 to 4,300 every week. And according to one registered dietitian specializing in sports performance, that may not be as alarming as it seems.

3 Expert Predictions Regarding GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are increasing consumers’ preference toward healthier, nutrient-dense food. Some trends experts feel reduced demand for high-calorie foods could hurt QSRs, at least in the near-term.