PHOTOS: Fancy Food Show, Day 1

Pics, coverage, food, flavors, trends, and more from Day 1 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, put on by the Specialty Food Association.

Atmospheric Rivers Deluge California, Yet Drought Persists

Atmospheric rivers have deluged California in recent weeks, dumping 8.61 inches on the San Francisco area since December 26, yet drought persists.

Experts: ‘Veganuary’ Offers Big Opportunity for Food Businesses

Experts say restaurants and food manufacturers can capitalize on the “Veganuary” movement even without making significant investments.

On the Scene: Winter Fancy Food Show, Day 1

Trends, flavors, and more from the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Blaze Pizza Favorite QSR Among Gen Z

Blaze Pizza, in the opinion of college kids, is “lit.” And sandwiches from Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s, apparently, “just hit different.”

Survey: CEOs see Slowed 2023 Growth

CEOs and other C-suite executives see slow growth and digital innovation ahead, the Conference Board 2023 C-Suite Outlook found. Some 1,131 C-suite executives responded to the board’s annual survey. Projected economic growth is expected to …

Experts Call on F&B Manufacturers to Assist SNAP Participants

With 42 million Americans participating in the Agriculture Department’s SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – and more than half of U.S. households earning less than $75,000 a year, food manufacturers are in a unique …

Schnucks’ ‘Flexforce’ Answers Gen Z’s Calls for Flexibility

Schnucks is giving workers the flexibility to choose shifts at a time and store location that works for them with the expansion of its “Flexforce” employment option.

Analyst: U.S. Egg Industry in ‘Unprecedented Times’

The U.S. egg industry is in “unprecedented times” as the threat of avian influenza continues to impact prices and availability. That’s according to Eggs Unlimited Global Trade Strategist Brian Moscogiuri, who told The Food Institute …

How Brands’ Online Content Sways Consumers

Roughly 82% of shoppers feel product content online is more important than brand names. One executive notes how brands and retailers can deliver ideal information.

Can Climate Labels on Fast-Food Menus Change Consumer Behavior?

Climate labels on fast-food menus can influence consumers to order less beef and opt for a more sustainable meal instead.

Challenges Ahead for Plant-Based Innovation

Innovation continues to play a critical role in plant-based product advancement, but significant challenges remain in the year ahead.

Uncommon Grounds: Sustainable, ‘Beanless’ Coffee Unveiled

A rather innovative, environmentally-friendly cold brew is set to debut. Could it be the next big thing in coffee?

Ergonomic Assessment Key to Increasing Productivity for F&B Manufacturers

Reports show that $1 out of every $3 spent on workers’ compensation claims results from a lack of proper ergonomics. By matching workplace conditions to workers’ needs, food and beverage manufacturers can avoid costly injuries.

QSRs’ Chicken Sandwich Wars Reignited

Experts are predicting chicken sandwiches will dominate menus in 2023. According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, which polled over 500 industry experts, chicken sandwiches – both classic and new variations – …

Survey Shows Farmers Optimistic at 2023’s Outset

The latest Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index finds farmers turned more optimistic as 2022 drew to a close.

Report: CPGs Tap into Multi-Sensory Experiences

From fragrance-driven LTOs to shopping in the metaverse, consumers will be seeking multi-sensory experiences in 2023, according to a new report by Trendincite LLC.

Placer.ai Analysis Notes 10 Retail Brands on the Rise

New analysis from Placer.ai suggests Whataburger, Wawa, and Dave & Buster’s are among the top brands to watch in 2023, with all three gaining traction through expansion. 

CEO: Grocers Benefit from Sharing Key Data with CPG Partners

Both grocers and their CPG partners are feeling the impact of an uncertain economy and sharing data can be mutually beneficial.

Consumers’ Top 10 Craveable Coffee Chains

Technomic polled consumers to rank their top coffee chains, finding consumers valued taste, specialty flavors, and high-quality beans.

Plant-Based Lamb: The Next Big Thing in Alt-Meat?

Food-tech startup Black Sheep Foods is hoping to reignite interest in plant-based meat with its lamb alternative.

Smart-Voice Technology: Coming Soon, to a Drive-Thru Near You

In a world of fast-changing consumer demands, the classic fast-food drive-thru window is evolving. From doubling lanes to fully digital menu boards, restaurants have made all kinds of improvements to the drive-thru service. With technology …

Functional Health, Global Flavors Driving Ingredient Trends

Consumers are redefining healthy eating with a growing taste for functional, authentic, and adventurous ingredients, according to a new report from Tastewise.

“Better-For-You” Snacks Blur the Line Between Health and Indulgence

Where is the line between healthy and indulgent? Experts weigh in on the merits of new “better-for-you” snack options that intend to walk it.

Placer.ai Exec: How Grocers Must Evolve in 2023

The grocery space has been upended over the past three years and leaders must face new challenges with patience, according to Placer.ai’s Retail Trends Forecast 2023 report.

Holiday Spending Rises as Consumers Show Appetite for Experiences

This holiday retail season looked different than years past, industry experts noted. Retailers discounted heavily but consumers diversified their holiday spending to accommodate rising prices.

Plant-Based Trends to Watch in 2023

What will 2023 hold for plant-based? The Food Institute spoke with several industry analysts to explore what’s in store for the year ahead.

NY, Calif. Poised to Ban PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

New York and California are the first of more than a dozen states banning or considering bans on poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) ‘forever chemicals.’

Danone Predicts Uptick in QR Codes on Consumer Goods Packaging

In the new year, some industry experts predict increased utilization of QR (quick response) codes on consumer goods packaging, as the industry attempts to provide improved transparency about elements like product ingredients.

How Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Have Defied Market Downturn

For Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, 2022 seems like it should have been a difficult year. As we discussed just a couple months ago, the challenges facing the food and beverage industry are numerous. Inflation continues to …

CFO Notes Costco’s Secrets to Customer Service Success

Costco CFO Richard Galanti reveals the formula for Costco’s lofty customer service score: keeping members happy, especially during inflation.

Experts Predict Asian Food Boom in 2023

To hear experts tell it, an Asian food boom has begun in America. During Tuesday’s Food Institute webinar – “What’s Ahead in 2023?” –Solomon Choi, CEO of Jabba Brands, noted that internationally-inspired hard seltzers and …

Outlook Sizzling for Plant-Based Deli Meats

Lunch meats were a star player at retail throughout the pandemic and that trend is retaining its momentum. But can this boon boost demand for plant-based deli cuts?

CEO: Supply Chain Transparency Key in 2023

After countless supply chain disruptions, and with a potential recession on the horizon, 2023 is set to be a transformative year for the grocery store segment. With that in mind, here are a few key …

Column: Kroger-Albertsons Merger Spells Doom, Gloom and Boom

Kroger and Albertsons are planning a merger that would create a superstore second in scale only to Walmart. The combination of the two U.S. supermarket giants could have a three-pronged effect, resulting in doom for …

2023 Flavor Forecast: Expect Influx of French Cuisine

When it comes to classical cooking and decadent flavors, look no further than France. With centuries of tradition and innovation, excellent French cuisine is some of the most celebrated and sought after. Flavor giant McCormick …