Clutch Coffee Wins With Commuter Corridors, ‘Escape Lanes’
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
Focus Archive > Page 12
Flower Power: Gen Z Craves Floral Menu Innovations
As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.
Instacart, Mountain Dew Among Super Bowl 59 Ad Winners
Super Bowl 59’s commercials leaned on humor and star power, featuring celebrities like Martha Stewart to promote F&B brands.
‘We’re Getting a Beatdown’: How the LA Fires are Affecting the Restaurant Industry
In the wake of historic wildfires, Los Angeles’ food community has rallied to support those in need by offering free meals and raising funds. This collective effort underscores the industry’s commitment to community support.
Report Shows Latin American Grocery Shoppers Seek Value, Private Label
Grocery retail in Latin America is thriving, driven in large part by consumer demand for value. Key trends shaping the market include increased importance of private-label brands and e-commerce growth.
Plant-Based Assessment: Headwinds Harrowing, Future Begets Optimism
The plant-based food industry is at an inflection point: recent data suggests that interest in the lifestyle decreased somewhat in 2024 from the year before. Innovations in the space, however, have given the sector the tools to cater to consumer pain points.
Fueling Innovation: The New Age of Culinary Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are undergoing a makeover, with the vast majority replacing what was once viewed as “desperation” food with real – but not necessarily healthier – offerings. The number of C-stores fell marginally last year, …
Rise and Stall of Amazon Go Illustrates Limits of AI
In its quest to revolutionize retail, Amazon Go has faced significant hurdles, from customer confusion to technical difficulties. Amazon’s challenges in brick-and-mortar retail highlight the complexities of adopting cashierless technology.
Why Meati CEO Carries Confidence into 2025
Meati CEO Phil Graves feels optimistic about the brand’s future as it continues to expand across the U.S. and shrink its ingredients list. Meati has been increasingly incorporating functional ingredients like mycelium, a root-like structure of fungus, into products such as its Classic Cutlet.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing M&A Report: Q4 and year-end 2024
Gut Check: The Hype Behind the Gut Health Craze
With gut health dominating wellness trends – inspiring billions of TikTok views – brands are racing to meet demand for functional foods packed with probiotics and prebiotics. Brands are capitalizing on consumer interest by launching products that support digestion.
Galentine’s Day + Valentine’s Day: Lucrative Opportunities for F&B
So-called “Galentine’s Day” has evolved into a lucrative dining phenomenon as group reservations surge and Gen Z fuels a rise in double dates – which offers foodservice operators a prime opportunity to capitalize on this nontraditional celebration.
MenuData.ai Appoints Two Strategic Advisors, Brian Choi and Danny Saltzman, to Accelerate Growth in Food & Beverage Data Insights
Premiumization, Wellness Steal Spotlight at Winter Fancy Food Show
The 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show highlighted the rapid evolution of specialty food. From protein-packed innovations and gut-friendly fermented snacks to cacao alternatives, the show underscored how brands are redefining indulgence and health.
Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win
Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.
Why ‘Open Omnivore’ Flexitarians Could be Plant-Based’s Future
The future of alt-meat could very well be driven not by vegetarians but by adventurous flexitarians – omnivores eager to explore alternatives. Minimally processed plant-based options will be key, said Indy Kauer, leader of the Plant Futures Collective.
Meet the Aji Amarillo Pepper, McCormick’s Flavor of the Year
Aji Amarillo, McCormick’s flavor of the year, is a vibrant pepper known for its fruity, tropical notes and moderate heat. And it’s poised to make waves across food and beverage menus worldwide.
It’s Private Label’s World — On the ‘Cusp of a Super Cycle’
Private label continues to maintain dominance over the CPG sector: in 2024, it grew $9 billion from the year before. As a result, opportunities and innovation abound.
Sprouts Tops List of 5 Brands to Watch in 2025
Sprouts has enjoyed a 7.2% year-over-year visit increase, driven by small-format locations and a focus on high-quality products. Meanwhile, H Mart was also named a brand to watch by placer.ai, mainly for its innovation.
Egg Limits Hit Shelves in Bird Flu’s Wake
Egg shortages and soaring prices are being driven by the double whammy of severe weather and the bird flu, which has wiped out millions of birds and tightened supplies nationwide. As a result, grocers are implementing measures like purchase limits.
Shelling Out Growth: Pea Protein Gains Momentum
Pea protein is gaining traction as a sustainable, allergen-free alternative. Due to its improved taste and texture, the ingredient has been showing up in everything from dairy-free yogurt to functional drinks.
Baily Foods’ Secret to Authentic Asian Cuisine
Innova Market Insights recently noted that two in three consumers are open to trying new international food, with Asian cuisines ranking second most popular for meals (after the consumer’s local cuisine). And, according to a …
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Craze Brightens Outlook for Yogurt
The growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is reshaping the yogurt market, as consumers increasingly seek protein-packed snacks. Multiple brands are innovating with high-protein, low-sugar options.
Specialty Food Spotlight: Sampling Year Ahead With Winter Fancy Food Show
The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.
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Brewing Gains: ‘Proffee’ Momentum Grows
Consumers are doubling down on their protein intake with a protein-infused coffee trend dubbed “proffee.” CPGs and retailers alike are hopping on to get a bit of the buzz.
Inspiring Supply Chain Resilience: A Farm-to-Fork Approach
Recent supply chain disruptions further prove that operators need to consider ways to integrate resilience into their approach. One key method is through integrating flexibility into shipment processes.
Super Profitable: Experts Offer Super Bowl Sunday Gameplan for Bars, Restaurants
As Super Bowl Sunday nears, establishments may have a fierce battle for customers on their hands. Fortunately, consumers sound poised to spend, as 76% plan to spend up to $250 on Super Bowl Sunday preparations.
Meat the Future: Cutting-Edge Tech Transforming Meat Processing
In 2025, the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry is leveraging advanced materials and automation to enhance efficiency across its supply chain. Innovations in blade technology and nanotechnology in packaging are transforming operations.
UK-Based PizzaExpress Charts Course for Florida
U.K. darling PizzaExpress is charting a course for a U.S. takeover beginning with locations throughout Florida. The chain offers an affordable escape with a unique twist, including live music.
Beyond Price Hikes: How CPGs Stay Competitive
As CPGs can no longer guarantee price increases as a surefire way to maintain positive margins, they’re looking to other solutions. Premiumization and brand acquisitions are two methods stakeholders will leverage in the coming year.
On Target: The Secrets Behind Target’s Modern Retail Success
At the recent National Retail Federation’s 2025 Big Show, Target’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted how the retailer’s agile strategies, inclusive branding, and innovative partnerships keep it ahead in a competitive landscape.
Lowering Biological Age: The Next Health & Wellness Craze
The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.
2025 Trends and Opportunities for Plant-Based Brands
Despite recent challenges, the plant-based sector is primed for growth in some respects, with opportunities to innovate through functional ingredients, whole-food formulations, and clean-label transparency.
FDA Red Dye No. 3 Ban One Week Out: What You Need to Know
The FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 2027, marks a significant shift for food manufacturers, as the colorant has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The decision has sparked debate over food safety, consumer pressure, and the influence of international standards.
Holy Guacamole: U.S. Avocado Imports Soar Ahead of Super Bowl
Demand for avocados is surging. Fueled by eased import restrictions, growing interest in ethnic flavors, and heightened awareness of health benefits, U.S. avocado consumption has skyrocketed, driving significant economic contributions across both the U.S. and Mexico.
New Year, New Administration: Risks & Opportunities for Makers
Manufacturers face a shifting landscape under the Trump administration, with potential deregulation in energy, labeling, and banking offering opportunities to lower costs and enhance access to capital, while also introducing risks like increased scrutiny from consumers and advocacy groups.