With about 25% of restaurant locations expected to shut in the U.S., there has been huge growth in digital sales during the pandemic, according to the Limited Service Restaurant Digital Maturity Benchmark, 2020 report from …
Despite rising coronavirus cases across the country, hazard pay for retail workers is not keeping pace. Industry observers say many retailers are not sharing enough of the profits they have earned during the pandemic with …
The year 2020 has been like no other in recent memory. The pandemic has left Americans with many new government-enacted laws which were instituted in order to keep people as safe as possible and they …
Ahold Delhaize will acquire a majority stake in FreshDirect, with plans to accelerate its growth online and around New York, reported Winsight Grocery Business (Nov. 18). The acquisition will allow Ahold Delhaize to begin its …
Across the nation, mayors of cities and governors of states are restricting hours for businesses in an effort to tamp down on a rising trend of COVID-19 infections. The legislation was not unwarranted. With the …
Amazon opened an online pharmacy Nov. 16, allowing customers to order medications and prescription refills for delivery, reported CNBC (Nov. 17). The retail giant has been building its pharmacy offering for several years now. In …
Nearly a quarter of the U.S. population are trying new plant-based meat alternatives, according to a study from Herbalife Nutrition. Since the pandemic, buying spree sales of plant-based foods are up 35% as more Americans …
DoorDashfiled for its IPO on Nov. 13, reported The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 13). The filing revealed the company’s rapid growth during the pandemic, as revenue for the September quarter more than tripled from the …
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, but that hasn’t stopped the global consumption of roughly 2.25 billion cups of coffee per day. What has certainly changed during this 2020 crisis is how …
Rising COVID-19 cases in several states have led to lockdown measures being reinstated, providing more opportunity for delivery and online shopping. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new restrictions, some of which target restaurants …
Several leading foodservice companies have revealed plans for more convenient store models that are designed with pickup and delivery in mind. Chipotle Chipotle is opening its first digital-only restaurant called the Chipotle Digital Kitchen. Located …
Grocers’ COVID-19 gains with consumers could evaporate quickly in the year ahead, unless grocers refresh their approach to customer loyalty, according to a Bain & Co. report, reported CNBC (Nov. 9). The firm said that …
As COVID-19 cases rise across the U.S., grocery stores are doing their part to ramp up testing. The Kroger Co., Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, and Hy-Vee are among the grocers offering different options for testing, with …
When it comes to foodservice distributors’ results, the U.S. looks to the big three, and Sysco Foods (SYY), Performance Food Group (PFGC) and US Foods (USFD) all reported quarterly earnings this past week. There is …
Aphria, a Canadian cannabis company, plans to acquire Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Co., which is known for its “420” beer. The $300 million deal is the latest hook-up between the alcoholic beverage and pot industries, and …
Wendy’s posted its highest same-store sales growth performance in more than 15 years in its third quarter, reported Nation’s Restaurant News (Nov. 4). The chain was buoyed by breakfast sales, a daypart that’s been a …
In 2020 election referendums, voters approved two milestone initiatives that amount to a win and loss for food-industry companies in two states. California workers with app-based ride-hailing and delivery services will remain independent contractors after …
Companies in various sectors of the food industry reported positive quarterly results. Foodservice Starbucks expects to recover and return to growth in 2021 after a fourth quarter where its same-store sales in the Americas declined …
The U.S. economy grew at a record pace in the third quarter, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 29). It increased 7.4% over the prior quarter and at a 33.1% annual rate—recovering about two-thirds of …
DoorDash is investing in a restaurant for the first time, reported The Verge (Oct. 24). It will work alongside CA-based Burma Superstar for a brick-and-mortar store called Burma Bites. It will be designed for delivery and …
State and local officials around the world are reinstating lockdown orders as coronavirus cases rise. Newark, NJ, is reversing course on reopening as cases increase across the city, reported CBS News (Oct. 27). Many of …
Several major food companies have recently made headlines with sustainability-forward initiatives. Chipotle With the debut of Real Foodprint, Chipotle Mexican Grill becomes the first brand to provide detailed sustainability impact data about its ingredients for …
Dunkin’ Brands is in talks to sell itself to private equity-backed Inspire Brands, reported The New York Times (Oct. 25). The deal would take Dunkin’ Brands private at a price of $106.50 a share, according …
Albertsons Companies introduced Albertsons Pay, a new zero-touch checkout experience. Available through its updated just for U loyalty app, it offers shoppers with a secure and contact-free way to pay, use discounts, and earn rewards. The new technology is …
In wake of the pandemic, foodservice is continuing to adapt in unique ways to survive. UK-based Pret A Manger has struggled during the pandemic without the commuter crowd. In August, weekly sales in Britain were …
Amazon issued a warrant to purchase up to 5.4 million shares in SpartanNash, according to a filing with SEC, reported The Motley Fool (Oct. 9). The warrant has been issued specifically to Amazon.com NV Investment …
Some restaurants are enforcing time limits to keep the numbers of visitors up during COVID-19 restrictions, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 5). Two hours or 90 minutes are the preferred time limits. The idea …
Food retailers are partnering with technology companies to make their operations more efficient as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Giant Eagle now operates FlyBuy Pickup, a curbside and in-store pickup program. FlyBuy, using location technology from …
Fast food may weather winter better than casual dining as the pandemic continues and flu-season arrives, reported MarketWatch (Sept. 21). Analysts are boosting their ratings and targets for fast food companies, in large part, due …
Retailers are developing new strategies in an effort to one up each other in the battle for delivery advantage. Walmart will launch Walmart+, a membership service that could help it better compete with Amazon Prime. …
DoorDash plans to open an initial public offering in the fall, according to people familiar with the matter, reported Bloomberg (Aug. 22). The company had previously considered going public through a direct listing but decided …
Food Institute Focus – How COVID-19 is Impacting Eating
Food Institute Focus – Fast Food Business Model Pays Off
Food Institute Focus – Pizza Profits from Pandemic
Food Institute Focus – Retailers Disrupt Milk Processing Industry
Online grocery shopping has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before COVID-19, online accounted for less than 10% of food sales, according to Ernst & Young LLP (EY). By June, 45% of food sales were online. …
