Going Electric: Walmart Commits to Digital Signage
“The digital element presents an expanded shopper/marketer revenue stream for the company,” Zakowicz said.
Focus Archive
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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.
Innovation and Inflation: Dual Forces Shaping the Plant-Based Milk Market
Milk alternatives continue to hold the largest share of the plant-based category as innovations intrigue a broader group of consumers. But inflation remains a challenge and some varieties are facing more scrutiny from consumers.
Has Raw Milk Gotten a Raw Deal?
While cow’s milk has waned in popularity, the reputation of raw milk has curdled from being the only show in town to a product whose mere mention is fodder for the most heated of internet debates.
Trade Tensions Escalate: China Targets EU Pork and Dairy Amid EV Dispute
China is fighting back against EU anti-subsidy plans, and is collecting evidence for an investigation into EU pork and dairy products.
Luxury Fruit is Now a Status Symbol
From $8 strawberries to $400 pineapples, a niche group of U.S. shoppers are paying top dollar for premium fruits.
Survey Shows In-Store Shopping Still Very Much Matters
While e-commerce continues to gain ground, most consumers still appreciate the in-store shopping experience, according to a new survey.
Survey Shows Retail Workers Prefer Practical Tools over AI
Today’s retail workers are most eager to be equipped with tools that help them tackle inefficient tasks, particularly when interacting with customers.
Brewing Change: Iced Tea Stealing Spotlight from Soda
Iced tea has enjoyed sweet success of late, and a new survey suggests the drink poses a serious threat to carbonated soft drinks.
Top 5 Casual-dining Restaurant Chains by Sales
Olive Garden’s sales have bloomed even as the economy has wilted, topping the list of U.S. casual-dining chains in terms of systemwide sales.
Gone ‘til September: Huy Fong’s Sriracha is Orange and in Short Supply
Huy Fong doesn’t just lead the category in the United States – it by and large created the category over 40 years ago when it debuted its sriracha in 1980, fostering a dedicated fandom that has only grown via endless professional collaboration and licensing coupled with decidedly non-professional experimentation from hotheads coast to coast, kitchen to kitchen.
Fast-Food Chains Betting on Bite-Sized Snacks
These days, mini meals have major appeal for Gen Z. QSRs have taken notice, with new offerings like KFC’s Apple Pie Poppers.
Dollar Stores Have Reached An Inflection Point
The performance of dollar store stocks suggested investors believed Walmart’s best days were behind it. They were wrong.
Harvard: Planetary Health Diet Can Lower Risk of Premature Death
A new study revealed that people who eat a according to a Planetary Health Diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death.
Plant-based Consumers’ Favorite QSRs
U.S. consumers love fast food and those who follow a plant-forward diet are no exception. Which quick service restaurants (QSRs) are plant-based consumers seeking out this year?
Frozen Heats Up the Market at Frozen IQ 2024
The agenda at Frozen IQ was very simple – to empower and grow the frozen food industry through the sharing of insights and opportunities.
Wild Results: Buffalo Wild Wings Promotion Pays Huge Dividends
The promotion, which started in mid-May, saw visits on Monday, May 27 increase nearly 56% compared to the average number of Monday visitors from the four months prior.
Feeling the Squeeze: Orange Juice Prices Continue to Climb
Orange juice futures are up more than 400% since 2020, and the rising prices have consumers wondering if the juice is truly worth the squeeze.
Gut Feelings: Experts Largely Bullish on Prebiotic Sodas
Many industry experts believe prebiotic sodas represent a gut-health trend with real staying power as major soda brands appear poised to respond.
Top Trends to Spice Up Summer Grilling Sales
One in five consumers plan on grilling more this summer according to new shopper survey insights from Acosta Group.
Chef Robert Irvine’s 4 Pillars to Business Leadership
Despite his unrivaled work ethic, celebrity chef Robert Irvine has learned the value of delegating, and listening to, employees. “I learned to listen, because you get more from listening,” he told FI.
The Food Dye Dilemma: Manufacturers Navigate New Regulations
Are the days of artificial red coloring numbered? Perhaps, judging by recent regulations and subsequent moves by major food manufacturers.
Private Label Drives Summer Growth
For many major retailers, the latest quarterly results tell a familiar tale: consumers are fed up with high prices, spending less, and commodifying their loyalty by taking the best deal right now, regardless of whose logo adorns their grocery bag or shopping cart.
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Investors See Cava as the “Next Chipotle”
Cava has intrigued investors, as CEO Brett Schulman has argued that Mediterranean food is the “next large-scale cultural cuisine category.”
A Fork in the Road to Sustainability: Nestlé’s New Plant-Based Fork
The innovation is a key part of its commitment to eliminate or reduce plastics in packaging while scaling reusable and refillable systems.
Bird Flu Approaching Danger Point
The USDA is ramping up efforts to stem H5N1 avian influenza as the virus has spread to a third worker, and cattle in at least nine states,
Can Limited Ingredients Boost Plant-Based Snack Sales?
Consumer demand for clean labels, convenience, and health continues to rise, and many plant-forward snack brands are tapping into this trifecta. Can limited ingredients boost plant-based snack sales?
The Age of Discontent: Gen Z is Frustrated At Work
Gen Z workers reported being less engaged with their jobs than all workers (81% versus 88%) and continue to drive the “quiet quitting” trend according to new research.
BellRing, Simply Good Brands Illustrate Boundless Opportunities Within ‘Active Nutrition’ Category
Active nutrition brands BellRing and Simply Good Foods are thriving after acquisitions, providing a roadmap to success for other brands, too.
Cybersecurity in Food Manufacturing: Ransomware Threats
1 Year Later: Bud Light Still Suffering Backlash Effects
Since April 2023, Bud Light sales have dipped significantly. Wholesalers argue, however, that beer sales are down for most brands, and they expect Bud Light sales to recover. Not all experts are convinced.
Tapping Out: 2024 is Mocktail Time for Gen Z
“Gen Z is tapped in, and they see the negative impact alcohol can have on their lives,” said Michelle Houston, founder of the To Be Honest Beverage Company.
Certified Organic Products Break U.S. Sales Record in 2023
U.S. dollar sales for organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, marking a 3.4% increase YoY and setting a record for the sector.
Breaking the Ice: The Chill, Crunch, and Pleasure of Freeze-Dried Candy
When scanning a candy store in 2024, customers will notice a developing trend: freeze-dried products, apparently, are the coolest. Candies like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers can now be found in freeze-dried variations.
Walmart Eyes Guatemala, Costa Rica
Central America’s burgeoning population is proving an attractive target for Walmart, which announced its plans to invest $1.3 billion in Guatemala and Costa Rica in the next five years. Cristina Ronski, who heads up the …