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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Inside Scoop on the Ice Cream Market’s Growth

The global ice cream market is set to grow by $31.7 billion by 2029, driven by innovations in texture stabilization, functional ingredients, and adventurous flavor profiles. The latest innovations include low-sugar alternatives, in addition to boozy creations.

Cautious Optimism Fuels Retail Boom

As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.

Regional Grocers Win in Value-First World

A recent report from dunnhumby found consumers continue to prefer regional grocers with H-E-B holding firm as the most preferred. Kroger and Albertsons, however, fell out of favor, likely due to the ongoing post-merger turmoil.

GLP-1 Drugs’ Ripple Effects, Circana’s Tips for Adapting to Them

The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.

Raising the Dough: Gluten-Free Texas Toast Represents ‘Huge Breakthrough’

By all accounts, New York Bakery’s R&D team may have produced a game-changing gluten-free product. The key, one company exec says, is the brand’s unique alternative to dough.

Value 2.0: Catering to Shoppers’ Personal Priorities

In 2025, consumers will redefine “value,” prioritizing brands that align with their personal values, according to Acosta Group. Retailers must embrace this shift by enhancing experiences through personalized retail media, leveraging social commerce, and addressing health-conscious demands with transparency.

Circana Offers Advice for Avoiding Next Supply Chain Crisis

A new report urges grocers and manufacturers to adopt proactive strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions using real-time data analysis. Highlighting recent events like the Listeria-tainted meat recalls, the report underscores the importance of adapting swiftly to prevent inventory downturns during crises.

Starbucks Launches New Menu Laced With Global Flavors, Vegan Options

Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.

Chicken Chains Leading Fast Food’s Next Wave

Chicken chains are outpacing the broader dining sector, with fried chicken restaurants seeing a 4.3% increase in visits, driven by chicken’s versatility. KFC is taking advantage by launching its new “Saucy” brand.

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.

‘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.

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.

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.

Super Saturday to Entice Record Number of Shoppers

An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.

Driving Profit with the Better-for-You Shopper

The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.

5 Keys for Brands When Considering Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.

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.

Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks

Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.

BNPL Boom Boosting Holiday Spending

Buy-now-pay-later services are surging in popularity, with Adobe projecting $18.5 billion in holiday purchases this year. While retailers benefit from increased sales and lower fees compared to credit cards, experts warn that BNPL poses risks if not carefully regulated.

Gen Alpha and Gen Z Food Trends to Watch in 2025

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving food trends with a focus on health-conscious, yet adventurous eating, according to research by Chartwells Higher Education. Emerging favorites among today’s youth include cottage cheese, as well as miso.

Black Friday 2024 Beneficiaries: Target, Apple, and Shopping Malls

Black Friday 2024 showcased omnichannel’s growing dominance, with online sales surging nearly 15%. Experts noted that while Black Friday has evolved into a season-long event, its role remains pivotal, sparking optimism for a strong holiday shopping season.

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.

A Seat at the Table: Innovative, Allergen-Free Holiday Treats

F&B brands are embracing inclusivity this year, debuting an array of innovative, allergen-free holiday treats ranging from vegan advent calendars to dairy-free nog.

Circana: E-commerce, Private Label to Shape F&B in 2025

Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.