Avian Influenza Continues to Spread Across America

HPAI is spreading across dairy farms and, at last report, was present in 143 herds, with 53 new herd infections over the past month.

Snacking Survey: Products and Innovations Today’s Consumers Crave

Today’s consumers are snacking around the clock, according to a shopper survey that notes which new innovations shoppers are craving.

Survey: Retail Employees Are Happy with Jobs

Who knew? Retail employees actually are happy with their jobs, according to recent a survey by an employee benefits company.

Analysis: Why Has Adoption of AI Been So Slow in F&B?

While restaurant chains like McDonald’s have had notable swings and misses regarding AI, business leaders insist the technology offers invaluable uses to food companies, aiding personalized offers, sales forecasting, and more.

FI Exclusive: An Interview with Acosta Group CEO Brian Wynne

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, marked a milestone for Acosta Group and CEO Brian Wynne. On that day, the sales and marketing agency announced it had completed its strategic acquisition of CROSSMARK, including its headquarter sales …

Consumer Demand Reshaping Baby Food Market

Today’s consumers are reshaping the baby food market as a growing number of parents prioritize nutrition and hold the industry accountable for the quality of their products. With that, what are consumers looking for? And how are companies delivering?

No Market? No Problem, for Innovative Beverage Brands

In the new-look world of beverages (alcoholic; non-alcoholic; functional; restorative; hybrid; etc.), the right product can ignite a sector.

Consumers Are Warming to the Idea of Smart Carts and Frictionless Shopping

About 77% of shoppers say they’re interested in trying new technology within a grocery store. And major retailers are finally warming to the idea of providing innovations like electronic shelf labels.

Prime Numbers: Amazon and Competitors Heat Up Summer Sales

Amazon’s Prime Day sales, which began Tuesday, were expected to rake in $14 billion, up 10.5% from last year, Adobe Analytics projected. Such statistics have inspired competitors to join the July sales fray.

U.S. Turkey Producer Diestel Family Ranch Joins Regenerative Ag Pioneers

Diestel Family Ranch has become the first U.S.-based turkey producer to receive Regenified agriculture certification.

Seed Oils are Under Fire: The Health Debate is Heating Up

Thanks in part to influencers like Brian “Liver King” Johnson, seed oils are considered detrimental to human health. Thus, food brands seem destined to further transition to coconut, olive, or avocado oils for their products.

Bayou Best Foods Aims to Jump Start Plant-Based Seafood Sector

While the U.S. alt-seafood market has been sluggish at best, Big Idea Ventures (BIV) has plans to change that. The agrifoodtech investor recently unveiled Bayou Best Foods, the newest entrant to the plant-based seafood sector.

Riding High: Data Shows LongHorn Steakhouse Ascending Among Casual-Dining Chains

LongHorn Steakhouse has become a prime candidate to unseat rivals like Texas Roadhouse as America’s preferred steakhouse.

June’s Record Bankruptcy Wave Signals Tough Times Ahead for Businesses

In June there were 75 major U.S. business bankruptcies. Some financial experts predict the pace could accelerate over the second half of the year.

Turning Negative Reviews into Opportunities: A Restaurant’s Guide to Online Feedback

In 2024, online reviews can have an immeasurable impact on restaurants. The difference in public perception between a 4.5-star Google review and a 4.0 rating, for example, can be costly.

Dates with Destiny: Dates Gaining Momentum as Healthy Sweetener

Move over avocados, pomegranates, and acai; dates are the latest superfruit gaining momentum. Known for their natural sweetness and rich nutritional profile, dates are becoming the hero snack and a better-for-you sugar replacement.

Chilling Out: Hot Sales for Cold Drinks

With summer solidly here, a recent trend in coffee may leave many caffeine junkies wondering what happened to a classic cup of joe.

$1.99 Sonic Boom Shakes Up Value Meal Wars

The so-called fast-food “value wars” are ramping up. First McDonald’s and Taco Bell tried to undercut each other; now Sonic’s $1.99 meal has taken things to another level.

The Rare Summer Superfruit: Haskap Berries

Haskap berries: More antioxidants and phytonutrients than blueberries; hardier than most other tabletop fruits.

‘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.

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.