As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.
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 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.
The new Flat Pack oat milk sheets by milkadamia reportedly reduce packaging waste by 94%. The shelf-stable solution allows consumers to make fresh oat milk in customizable portions, addressing the bulk of the category’s environmental challenges at the source instead of placing the burden on consumers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With dreams of CPG integration, FitBiomics is producing probiotics designed by data mining the gut microbiomes of professional athletes. Is this the next big wellness trend?
The Latin American Heritage Diet is helping combat high rates of diabetes among Hispanic Americans, featuring ingredients like vegetables and whole grains. The diet also reconnects Latin Americans with cultural foodways.
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.
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.
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.
Taco Bell is collaborating with its customer base to create a unique, community-driven ad campaign for its upcoming Super Bowl slot.
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.
Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ads sparked backlash for prioritizing spectacle over substance, highlighting a key lesson for food industry players: AI must deliver real-world value to resonate.
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.
As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.
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.
Beans have gained popularity as a cost-effective, nutrient-dense option, supporting gut health and reducing risks of obesity, colon cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some feel beans are poised to become a staple alternative to meat for many Americans.
The 2024 PLMA Trade Show showcased private label’s ascent, with U.S. store brand sales projected to surpass $250 billion this year. Trends like globally inspired dips and coffeehouse-style beverages at home captured consumer interest.
A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?
The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.
A new survey revealed that substituting store brands for name brands can save consumers $17 on a Thanksgiving dinner for 10. Still, many families weigh cost savings against the sentimental value of using specific ingredients tied to cherished holiday recipes.
While industry experts note that yogurt remains popular due to its ties to gut health trends, they emphasize the need for innovation in portable, health-focused products for brands to stay competitive amid shifting consumer preferences.
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?
New research suggests higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may reduce the risk of developing several cancers. While omega fatty acids provide health benefits, experts recommend focusing on whole food sources over supplements.
Private equity firm Blackstone on Tuesday announced its $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. One industry insider feels the blockbuster deal signals an optimistic outlook for M&A in the sector.
7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.
A recent study found that women following the plant-based “Nutritarian diet” experienced slower biological aging and lower inflammation levels. The diet is designed to be rich in nutrients but low in salt and fat.
Fast-casual salad chains like Sweetgreen are diversifying their menus with indulgent options like fries to attract more customers. Experts say the move signals one thing: salad chains have reached a crossroads.
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?
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.
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.
Beer trends in 2025 include accelerated interest in saccharine brews as well as better-for-you beverages, according to a recent report. The Food Institute takes a look at some of the forces motivating these shifts.
