Stories of the Year: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants

Hart House abruptly closed all four locations despite Kevin Hart’s backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing plant-based restaurants.

Stories of the Year: Dr Pepper Overtakes Pepsi as No. 2 Soda in America

Dr. Pepper: call it soda or call it pop, but either way, there’s a new no. 2 soda in America, and it isn’t Pepsi.

‘Bed Rotting’ Culture: What the F&B Industry Needs to Know

A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.

Farm Bill Extension: Crisis Averted, but for How Long?

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.

Retail’s Hidden Secret: Unlocking Quarter 5 Potential

The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.

Fewer Drinks, More Dessert at Home: Inflation’s Impact on Indulgence

Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.

Navigating Food Supply Chain Challenges: Key Strategies for 2025

The global food supply chain faces mounting challenges, with 30% of food lost or wasted annually. To combat these hurdles, industry leaders are leveraging real-time tracking, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven automation.

California Declares State of Emergency Due to Bird Flu

California has declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu outbreaks affecting the poultry and dairy industries, with the first severe U.S. human case confirmed by the CDC and concerns over pandemic risks rising.

Food Industry Outlook: Where Are We, Where Are We Going?

Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.

Why Conagra Is Ready to Say ‘Arrivederci’ to Chef Boyardee

Conagra is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chef Boyardee brand, a once-dominant player now struggling amid shifting consumer preferences for healthier options, as many similar legacy brands face limited growth prospects.

Fusion 2.0: ‘Chaos Cooking’ Turns Global Flavors on Their Heads

Chaos cooking, a culinary movement popularized by TikTok, involves combining unexpected ingredients to create bold, experimental dishes like birria ramen. Its playful fusion especially resonates with Gen Z.

Brown Butter: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Trend to Watch in 2025

Brown butter is emerging as a major 2025 flavor trend, according to an Edlong report. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, its versatility and affordability make it a favorite among chefs and young demographics.

Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets

Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.

Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Athletic Performance, Overall Health

Most Americans fall short of recommended fiber intake levels. Nutrition expert and Olympic cyclist Dotsie Bausch notes there are numerous misconceptions around fiber and its benefits for gut health and disease prevention.

Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Ag Secretary Choice, Targets Foreign Farm Ownership

Donald Trump has nominated Brooke L. Rollins, a farm-raised leader of the America First Policy Institute, as his pick for agriculture secretary. She’s expected to focus on tightening regulations around foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

Banking on Nostalgia, Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant Eyes Revival

The once-beloved Chi-Chi’s restaurant chain is making a comeback nearly two decades after its last U.S. location closed. Led by the founder’s son, the revival aims to honor its nostalgic charm, with new locations set to open in 2025.

Retail Reimagined: Shoppers Skipping Middle Ground for Luxury, Value

Consumers are reshaping retail by prioritizing convenience, with Millennials driving trends like smaller store formats. Meanwhile, shifts in spending patterns reveal a preference for luxury or value over mid-priced options.

Value, Value, Value: Cash-Strapped Holiday Shoppers Get Creative

As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.

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.

What’s Up with Airline Food? Shake Shack, Delta Partner on Burgers in the Sky

Delta’s latest partnership with Shake Shack has been met with excitement; however, is it enough to shake the airline’s negative in-flight meal image?

Makers Eye Precision Fermentation, Alt Protein for Solutions

With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, manufacturers are looking for unique solutions to satisfy the growing consumer base’s nutrient-dense needs. Can precision fermentation be the key?

The Domino’s Effect: Why One Pizza Chain is Outperforming

Domino’s Pizza has outperformed competitors through strategies focused on tech innovation and value-driven promotions. Domino’s success highlights its ability to stay on top of evolving consumer demands.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Next-Gen Retail Media is Here for Grocery Delivery Platforms

Instacart, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway have all entered the retail media space and are continuing to deliver on unique advertising capabilities for CPGs and retailers.

Timing and Loyalty Mitigate Impact of McDonald’s Outbreak

McDonald’s recent food safety issue linked to tainted onions has had a muted impact on its stock and consumer response, as confidence remains strong due to the chain’s history and quick corrective actions.

Better Educated, Better Ingredient Access: The Evolution of the Home Cook

The rise in home cooking among consumers is driven by better access to diverse ingredients and a more adventurous generation of eaters, according to renowned food columnist Eric Kim. He feels Americans’ appetite for authentic, global flavors will continue to grow.

Coke’s Spiced Flavor Fell Flat; What’s Next for the Soda Segment?

Coca-Cola’s discontinuation of its Spiced soda reflects consumer preference for its nostalgic items. One marketing expert said Coca-Cola struggles with innovation and could learn a lesson from Dr Pepper.

Kellanova Exec: Sustainability Now a ‘Non-Negotiable’

In 2024, companies like Kellanova view sustainability as a non-negotiable responsibility. Kellanova’s VP of global R&D recently advocated for better support for U.S. farmers and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Restaurant Industry Faces New Crisis With Surge in Bankruptcies

Restaurants continue to face challenges, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation, leading to increased bankruptcies. Industry experts predict continued struggles and stress the need for leveraging technology to survive.

Is Organic Losing Its Luster? Inflation, Skepticism Reshape Market

Organic food once thrived on consumer perception of health benefits but is now struggling due to increased competition and consumer confusion about labeling. Experts say organic producers must adapt by emphasizing additional value.

Sourdough, Dumplings Among 5 Whole Foods Trends for 2025

Whole Foods has predicted major food trends for 2025, forecasting dumplings to become a portable comfort food, while global flavors will inspire bold new snack combinations.