What’s Winning in Frozen Food?

After years of economic upheaval, frozen food remains a beacon of convenience, innovation, and at times, affordability. Which categories and brands are in high demand as the new year approaches?

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail, Part 2: The Cold Chain

“Today’s warehouses often have the three D’s – they are dull, dusty, and dangerous…automation and simulation environments can support operators in performing their jobs more efficiently and in safer work environments.”

Liquid I.V. Exec: Better-For-You Beverage Market Growth Set to Accelerate

The boundless, expansive (and often expensive) world of beverages, both bottled and not, shows no signs of slowing down. It used to be easy to go to a grocery store, a C-store, or a retailer …

What Dishes are Winning at Plant-Based QSRs?

Plant-based restaurants are experiencing a shakeout as operators recalibrate their menus to address economic challenges. FI checked in with T.K. Pillan, CEO of Veggie Grill, to explore how the vegan QSR is streamlining its offerings to meet evolving consumer demands.

The Age of Retail Media Networks 2.0 is Already Here

The second wave of retail media networks is already upon grocers and retailers – and CPG makers could be among those to benefit the most.

Organic Growth Continues, Even Amidst Inflation

The quarterly percentage of American adults who say they purchase organic food regularly (or, “every chance I get,”) is up two percentage points since the first quarter of 2021, reaching 12%.

Analysis: Are Ghost Kitchens Getting ‘Ghosted’?

Ghost kitchens – restaurants without seating or even take-out counters – proliferated during the pandemic when people were virtually trapped in their homes, afraid to enter confined spaces packed by strangers and, as a result, …

CEOs’ Secrets to Success in the New Year

“Remember that running a food and beverage business can sometimes be akin to ‘buying yourself a job;’ it may not always guarantee immediate or substantial returns on investment.”

‘Gen Z’s Most Magnetic Brands’ Report Praises McDonald’s, Starbucks

McDonald’s has nearly as much brand magnetism with Gen Z as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or Ariana Grande. And in 2023, the purple-hued force of attraction that connected the burger giant with young consumers was …

The Secrets of Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing in retail requires patience, data diligence, and knowledge of the local market, and consumers are receptive of the practice.

Teens’ Top 5 Restaurant Chains

Teens are trendsetters. They are typically early to the next big thing and most of their spending is discretionary, making them a lucrative demographic to study.

Peppermint Becomes Ubiquitous Flavor of the Season

Move over, pumpkin spice: ’tis the season to deck the halls and sprinkle a little peppermint in every item possible.

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail: Part 1

There is no new normal and innovation will continue to advance at lightning speed.

Collaboration and Transparency Showcased at IFMA Presidents Conference

Blumenthal said one of the major positive shifts he had seen since the pandemic was an increased focus on collaboration across the foodservice continuum.

Global Plant-Based Products Gain Traction in America

Among the plant-based options highlighted at a recent PLMA event were convenient, handheld snacks such as porkless carnitas and alternative chicken fries.

A Roadmap for Entrepreneurs: Navigating Business Growth with Insights from “The State of Food, Beverage & Beauty”

Anchin, a premier accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving the Food & Beverage and Beauty, Health and Wellness industries, hosted its “State of Food, Beverage and Beauty” in November.

Specialty Food Trends to Watch in 2024

The Specialty Food Association recently unveiled its trends to watch for in 2024, and international flavors were a prominent theme. Clearly, the fact many consumers are working from home these days has sparked a sense …

Energy Drink Brands Making Inroads in Latin America

According to a Statista report, the global revenue of energy and sports drinks reached approximately $159 billion in 2021 and is estimated to increase to $233 billion by 2027. While the U.S. largely dominates the …

3 Key Cybersecurity Tactics for 2024

According to the 2022 Internet Crime Report by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the potential total loss from cybercrime in the U.S. increased from $6.9 billion in 2021 to more than $10.2 billion a year later. Current projections suggest that the cybercrime problem will only worsen.

Understanding the Climate Change Paradigm: A Guide for the F&B Industry

Climate change is shifting from being a looming threat to an active influencer of consumer choices. The most recent EY Future Consumer Index offers a deep dive into the ways climate change is starting to …

Four Areas of Innovation Featured at the 2023 IFMA Presidents Conference

Innovation was on the menu at the 2023 IFMA Presidents Conference – including new technology, emerging international flavors, and more.

Has Tofu Gone Mainstream?

Tofu is enjoying a new era of popularity thanks to its adaptability and nutritional clout. But despite its position as a plant-based powerhouse, this longtime vegan staple has its own share of hurdles to overcome.

Consumer Buzz: 5 Health & Wellness Ingredients to Watch

Across the food and beverage industry, health and wellness innovations are a prime target. What up-and-coming inclusions are consumers buzzing about? Here are five ingredients topping the charts on Brightfield Group’s Social Listening Dashboard. 5. …

Analysis: Automation Could Cure Labor Shortages in Manufacturing

Automation offers companies the opportunity to attract talent with the right skills and assign those skills to the most appropriate areas of the business.

FI on the Scene: Key Takeaways From the 2023 PLMA Show

The recent PLMA Private Label Trade Show was larger than ever and displayed trends like sweet heat and coconut flavors.

Rash of Restaurant Bankruptcies Festers

Fast-food businesses that focus on creating a positive workplace culture, improving the overall employee experience, and nurturing strong employer-employee relationships are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

The Rich History of National Butter Day

U.S. milk and butterfat production experienced parallel growth at 24% from 1995 to 2010. Since then, however, production has exploded, particularly for butterfat, pushing 27% growth.

US vs. UK Inflation: Why Progress Differs

Inflation in Great Britain cooled significantly last month but still remains hot compared to other major western economies including the United States. Inflation in Britain cooled to 4.6% last month, compared to 3.2% in the …

Collaboration and Actionable Data are Key for Foodservice Success

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Finding actionable data in the foodservice space requires true collaboration among stakeholders. That was one of the major points Tom Hannon, president of Sky Co-op, shared with The Food Institute at the …

Cash-Strapped Gen Z Faces Tough Holidays

In a telling report from Qualtrics, 28% of Gen Z and millennials say student loan repayments will make the holidays unaffordable this year.

Mimicking Meat Not Winning Strategy for Fast-Food

Plant-based fast-food restaurants that try to mimic the McDonalds’ and Burger Kings of the world may be missing the point that true vegetarians and vegans have little interest in meat-like offerings.

Zepbound: Latest Weapon in Weight-Loss Drug Arsenal

Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, recently approved by the FDA, is the most potent weight-loss drug yet. Could it impact the food industry? At least one expert says ‘yes.’

Sponsored Content: Common Ground Film Grows Regenerative Ag Movement

Sales of regenerative ag products have been growing by more than 20% for the past year – a fact that’s highlighted in a recent film about regenerative ag called “Common Ground.”

Alpenrose Dairy Consolidating Operations with Larsen’s Creamery; Equipment Assets on Offer from Harry Davis & Company

CLACKAMAS, Ore., November 13, 2023 (FI NEWSWIRE) — One year ago, Alpenrose announced the acquisition of Larsen’s Creamery, which will serve as the future production site for the Alpenrose dairy business, as well as allow …

Consumer Pulse: Shining a Light on Gen X

Over the next two decades there will be a major transfer of wealth—collectively, around $84 trillion—from baby boomers to younger generations including their Gen X children.

Walmart Commits to Reducing Food Waste

In an era of increased greenwashing and many companies abandoning once-ambitious ESG plans altogether, Walmart appears to be making real strides toward helping reduce food waste, solve food deserts, and burnishing its worldwide brand a little more.