Why McDonald’s is in the Midst of a McCafé Makeover

Though McDonald’s McCafé Bakery concept worked to an extent, it didn’t translate to more snack and coffee sales between mealtimes.

Costco Clamps Down on Membership Abuse

It’s unusual for a retailer to make it more difficult for consumers to shop at its stores. But membership fees are the key to Costco’s business. In fiscal 2022 (ending August 28), membership fees accounted for 54% of the company’s operating profit; the figure has risen to 58% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023.

Analyzing the Dairy Industry’s Imbalance Issue

Demand for fluid milk continues to drop, forcing dairy farmers to dump milk, some of it winding up in the Milwaukee sewer system. Food Processing recently reported truckloads of milk were dumped into the Milwaukee …

Pickles, Mayo, and Colachup – Oh My! A Summer Condiments Report

There’s nothing more quintessentially American than the summer cookout, and this summer, mayonnaise is the top of the condiments at U.S. barbecues.  That’s according to a recent report from Amazon Fresh, which found mayo was …

Pizza Chains’ New Recipes for Success

Domino’s and Pizza Hut are two of the largest pizza chains in the U.S., but each have encountered some turbulence in recent years. In April, Domino’s reported a slowdown in its delivery business, and Pizza …

Why Kroger’s Retail Media Business Puts the Customer First

Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM), the retail media business of Kroger powered by 84.51°, is taking its advertising platform in-house to improve the platform for brand partners, Kroger itself, and most importantly, shoppers.

Spice It Up: Burritos and Hot Chicken Are on Fire

Restaurant chains specializing in spicy offerings are gathering steam in 2023. Case in point: Dave’s Hot Chicken, which grew from two locations to 118 over the past few years, saw May 2023 visits increase 126.6% …

Is Sustainable Superfood Kelp About To Make Waves?

Kelp is a sustainable superfood with all the qualities that appeal to today’s consumer, but it hasn’t really hit the mainstream—at least, not yet.

Report: Plant-Based Stuck in Neutral While Bowls are Accelerating

A new report by Brandwatch shows the plant-based category is largely idling while QSRs serving bowls are gaining traction.

The Food Institute Announces Media Partnership with Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo

New York City, July 11, 2023 (FI NEWSWIRE) – The Food Institute (FI), a leading food industry research and media company, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the upcoming Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade …

Naturally Decaffeinated Coffee Beans Are Almost Here

Brazilian coffee research organization Instituto Agronomico de Campinas (IAC) has entered a decisive stage in its two-decade project to develop naturally decaffeinated coffee varieties by crossing different plants that have very low caffeine content.

Could MSG Reduce Global Salt Consumption?

Monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG, may have been given a bad rap, but now experts say it could be the key to reducing global salt consumption. For years, warnings about MSG were issued because …

Can Buzzfeed’s AI Chefbot Save Your Kitchen?

Tasty enjoys over 1 billion cross-platform views each month and is widely regarded as the most robust and user-generated food community and platform on the internet. That the big cheese of big apps and data is involved with AI recommending food choices and providing budget and grocery tips should not surprise anyone.  

Prime Day Deals Could Spur Retail Revival

Amazon’s two-day Prime Day event starts July 11, and retailers are hoping it lifts the restraint consumers have been exhibiting since the beginning of the year. Call it Christmas in July. The annual sales orgy …

Analysis: Assessing Modelo Especial’s Ascent in America

For the first time, Mexican beer Modelo Especial recently became the top-selling beer in North America, surpassing Bud Light, which had been the number one beer for two decades. Modelo’s ascent in North America begs …

Chef Massimo Bottura Notes Secret Ingredients to Food Industry Success

World-renowned chef Massimo Bottura spoke with The Food Institute recently and shared his secrets to food industry success.

Private Label Can be a Stand-Out Category for Observant Grocers

Private label has become a major category for retailers: 59% of executives say they will continue to prioritize private label, while 21% say their private label efforts will be accelerated, according to a survey by …

4 Generative AI Tips from CPG Trailblazers

How is the food industry responding to the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence? The Food Institute gathered four takeaways from industry trailblazers at the recent Generative AI Food Pioneers Summit, hosted by food and …

Customizable Multivitamins Have Nutritionists Intrigued

The world’s first fully customizable multivitamin has been launched, and some accomplished nutritionists expect the trend to gain momentum.

Column: Why Your Company Needs an Innovation Center

An Innovation CoE is the creative engine of an organization, dedicated to spotting the next big trends, carving out new opportunities, and developing strategic, forward-thinking solutions.

Top Trends at the Summer Fancy Food Show

“Companies must stand out,” said Food Institute CEO Brian Choi. “To win in the marketplace, products have to have a differentiated selling point – just being ‘good’ is not good enough in this environment.”

SNAP Users Face New Struggle in 2023

Nearly one-third of survey respondents (30%) are currently skipping meals to account for their financial shortfall.

Alcohol To-Go Isn’t Going Away

Alcohol to-go has become a permanent fixture around the United States, presenting a massive growth opportunity for businesses.

Research Shows Gen Z Welcomes Loyalty Programs, Sharing Data

Gen Z and millennials may be coming into their own, but those aged 18-43 differ markedly from both Gen Xers and baby boomers when it comes to restaurant habits, and attitudes toward loyalty programs. A …

Analysis: What Gen Z Seeks From Supermarkets

A new study found that 78% of Gen Zers are concerned about the economy and, somewhat surprisingly, 97% of the youthful cohort still shops in-store.

Rapid Impact: Rapid Rehydration Is Reshaping the Functional Drink Category

The “rapid rehydration” segment has become a crowded category. With its recent unveiling of BodyArmor Flash I.V., Body Armor joined brands like PepsiCo’s Gatorlyte, Abbott’s Pedialyte, and Electrolit in a category that’s gaining momentum. Powdered …

Hot Dogs, Happiness, and the Health-Conscious Consumer

In the age of the health-conscious consumer, devotion to the traditional hot dog reflects a growing movement towards “all things in moderation.” What does this mean for plant-based varieties?

Report: AI Poised to be Business Boon

We haven’t quite hit the promise of HAL in “2001,” but generative artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize nearly all aspects of business, including the food industry. A recent report from McKinsey & Co. predicts …

Report: Modern Consumers Drawn to Sustainability of Seafood

Recent research shows that modern consumers are drawn to the sustainable nature of seafood and view it as part of a healthy diet.

Will Competitors Copy Walmart and Amazon’s New Fulfillment Strategies?

Walmart and Amazon, the top two retailers in the U.S., are both making big changes to their fulfillment strategies for online orders, aiming to ramp up next-day delivery. WALMART’S HUGE NEW HIGH-TECH CENTER Walmart recently …

EVs Can Galvanize Farming and Agriculture

Today’s smart vehicles and robotics can do everything from operate autonomous implements in the field to monitor crucial silo volume and quality data, make precision adjustments to spraying and irrigation, and even assess crop and animal health. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Four “Toxic” Food Additives that Increase Appetite

Across the U.S., the number of households purchasing products that contain potentially harmful food additives appears to be on the rise. Between 2001 and 2019, the proportion of purchased food products that contained additives increased …

Innovative Agrifoodtech Startups Abound in Latin America

Latin America is known for being one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and, therefore, the main supplier of all kinds of F&B items, such as meat, coffee, soy, and cacao. At present, …

Analysis: Are “Virtual Brands” at Death’s Door?

The recent struggles of MrBeast Burger – currently available at more than 2,000 restaurants – could be an ominous sign for all virtual brands. Ubiquitous YouTuber MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, wrote multiple statements in frustration …

Generative AI Sets the Stage for Digital Grocery’s Evolution

Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize grocers’ entire ecosystem, especially online—if they know how to utilize the technology.

Analysis: Is Third-Party Delivery Becoming a Duopoly?

The third-party delivery market has had a large number of competitors over the years, but it looks it’s headed toward becoming a duopoly.