IFMA Event Highlights Possible Labor, Supply Chain Solutions

More than 500 foodservice leaders met in Greater Phoenix this week, to consider solutions for industry issues like the ongoing labor shortage and supply chain snags.

Companies Rethinking Warehouse Experience Amid Labor Shortage

Oversized windows, offering ideal natural light. … Fitness centers. … Outdoor work areas. Don’t look now, but many of the newest factories in America feature items that sound like descriptions on Zillow.com. To retain employees, …

Supply Chain Success Depends Upon Collaboration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For supply chain success, all stakeholders from manufacturers to operators must collaborate openly and effectively. That was the general theme of the “Supply Chain Talent All Star Panel” at the DMA Nashville …

Out-of-Stocks Cost Grocery Retailers Billions

Smart data and inventory management solutions can help account for lost revenue and even provide further sales opportunities.

‘Never Seen Anything Like This’: HPAI Has Affected 47M Birds So Far

One university research scientist said the bird flu outbreak of 2022 is unprecedented, and the outbreak shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

WATCH: Extreme Weather Continues to Threaten Supplies

Extreme weather events are making their impact felt across the globe, and that’s putting a strain on global food production and distribution.

Hurricane Ian Takes Toll on Florida Agriculture

Florida’s citrus industry appears to have borne the brunt of Hurricane Ian. Reports from the region indicate that the damage could potentially be worse than after Hurricane Irma, which cut Florida citrus production by a …

Experts Predict ‘Striketober’ to Remember

Slightly more than a month before the mid-term elections, thousands of U.S. workers are threatening to turn October into “Striketober,” with restaurant workers at the forefront of the bid to increase wages and improve working …

WEEKEND UPDATE: Hurricane Ian’s Impacts on Food Industry Likely Far-Reaching

Editor’s note: Article updated on 9/30: Hurricane Ian regained strength as it reached the Atlantic Ocean as the weekend approached, and the storm began moving toward the Carolinas as a Category 1 storm. Meanwhile, recovery …

Second Wave of Bird Flu Hitting US, Canada

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported in five turkey flocks in the U.S. in September, among eight outbreaks reported in the U.S. and Canada.

Investors Demand Profitability for Delivery Stocks

Perhaps the biggest change in the equity markets over the past 18 months has been the sudden focus on profitability. For years, both public and private companies were allowed – more accurately, encouraged – to …

Port Pain Points Shifting but Industry not in ‘Downturn’

The supply chain continues to be a challenge for food importers, but the pain points are shifting. And despite media reports claiming a “downturn,” rates are still elevated when compared to the pre-pandemic period. That’s …

Instacart Aims to Broaden Grocery Delivery’s Appeal

Instacart has launched several new features, including shoppable carts curated by celebrities, in an effort to broaden the appeal of the grocery delivery platform. Could these new features signal a transitional period for the grocery …

Retail Loyalty Programs Now Include… Video Streaming?

Retailers are looking to outside partnerships and personalized benefits as ways to boost the perceived value of their subscription offerings.

Grocery Shoppers Weigh Delivery Fees Amid Inflation

As inflation takes its toll on household finances, consumers are weighing their grocery delivery options. “Delivery continues to be very strong—averaging 9-11 percent of total store sales. Grocers are now planning for, and investing in, …

Young Adults Embracing No- and Low-Alcohol Products

The low- and no-alcohol trend has only heated up in recent months, according to one industry expert.

Experts: Savvy Ghost Kitchen Operators Can Still Succeed

Wendy’s plans to cut back on its use of ghost kitchens, but experts told The Food Institute such operations likely are here to stay.

Analysis: Why Demand for Cold Storage is Sky High

The food industry feels cold storage space helps hedge against volatile agriculture prices, but such space is in short supply of late.

Analysis: 2022’s Top Upcycled Food Innovations

Food manufacturers are looking to ingredient suppliers to provide sustainable options with the use of upcycling and regenerative agriculture.

Amid Inflation, Consumers Have a Beef with Beef Prices

Beef eaters have a tough choice to make these days: switch to cheaper proteins or swallow the more than 11% increase in prices from 2020 levels, averaging $5.40 a pound in June.

Why Allulose Could be the Next Big Thing in Sweeteners

The twin crop production enemies, drought and excessive heat, are putting unprecedented pressure on the global food supply via “heatflation.”

Analysis: How ‘Heatflation’ is Heating up Food Prices

The twin crop production enemies, drought and excessive heat, are putting unprecedented pressure on the global food supply via “heatflation.”

A Look at Award-Winning Innovation on Display at IFT FIRST

Looking to meet rising consumer demand for sustainability, food and beverage companies are focusing on making their packaging more recyclable.

Experts: Sustainable Packaging Can Pay Dividends for Food Companies

Looking to meet rising consumer demand for sustainability, food and beverage companies are focusing on making their packaging more recyclable.

Supply Chain Pain Now Seen Stretching to mid-2023

Supply chain pain could extend well into next year, industry experts said recently, further straining the U.S. food industry and other businesses. That’s according to Camerican International President Josh Gellert, who told The Food Institute …

Ingredient Shortages Hampering New Food Product Development

Research and development divisions at food companies report shortages of ingredients like MSG, sweeteners and soluble fiber are handicapping product development. Additionally, predictions indicate the problem could last well into the next decade. The 2022 …

Industry CEO: Baby Formula Shortage Illustrates ‘Broken System’

Abbott Laboratories, which stopped the production of Elecare powdered specialty baby formula after its southwest Michigan facility was flooded recently, said it had enough formula supply on hand to meet current needs. Heavy rains and …

‘Everything Shortage’ Intensifying, from Condiments to Corn

Add condiments and corn to the abundance of shortages from the international supply chain crises. Australia’s low on lettuce, the Philippines are short on sugar, and sunflower oil is scarce in Spain, Bloomberg reported. Inflation, …

Analysts: Expect Continued Demand for Eggs Despite High Prices

Consumer demand for shell eggs should remain strong in the near-term despite year-over-year price increases, due in part to the value proposition eggs provide for consumers searching for protein options, according to industry analysts. Eggs …

Retailers Overloaded with Inventory at Summer’s Outset

Who doesn’t love a bargain? Consumers likely will be in luck this summer as retailers, whose inventories have swollen largely due to the pandemic and shifts in buying behaviors, try to rationalize their stocks amid …

Dangerous ‘Forever Chemicals’ Seeping into Food Supply

For years, farmers looking for less expensive fertilizer turned to treated sewage sludge. Now, however, there’s evidence the sludge may have contaminated as many as 20 million acres with so-called forever chemicals – per- and …

No Shortage of Shortages as Supply Chain Issues Persist

As supply chain problems persist, there’s no shortage of shortages these days. A baby formula shortage has become wide ranging, for example, with a current out-of-stock rate of 40%, up from 31% in early April. …

U.S. Sushi Industry Poised for Change on Supply Concerns

In America, the sushi business is booming. Yet, industry leaders like Taka Tanaka know change is on the horizon, creating uncertainty. Though America has a growing appetite for sushi – the segment is expected to …

Crisp Executive Sees Supply Chain Problems into Next Year

Supply chain backups are easing – if ever so slightly – according to one industry executive. “As economies open back up, there are fewer restrictions on the movement of people and goods,” Barry Bradley, head …

Grain Markets Monitor Russia-Ukraine Conflict

U.S. consumer support for domestic agriculture has grown stronger, according to a  new survey from the United Soybean Board. In fact, 78% of respondents said it’s important to purchase U.S.-grown food, an 8% increase from a …

Port Delays Continue to Pile Up

Global shipping is likely to take another hit in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The invasion adds a level of complexity to an industry already navigating changing consumer demand, inflation, and the ongoing effects …