Avocado Volumes Rebound in First Weeks of 2023
Volumes of Hass avocados in the U.S. were up 16.5% year-to-date as of Feb. 19, according to the Hass Avocado Board.
Focus Archive
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Top Trends from Expo West Include Evolving Plant-Based Protein
Natural Products Expo West 2023 put plant-based innovation on display. Here’s a look at the trends that were most apparent.
In the Age of Self-Checkout, Great Employees Can Offer Standout Experiences
Convenience is an important aspect of the modern retail landscape, from self-checkout lines to completely cashier-free stores, but frontline associates can still define the experience — particularly in grocery.
Report: Global Salt Consumption Spiraling Out of Control
The World Health Organization had hoped to reduce worldwide dietary salt consumption by 30% by 2025, but a report issued this month by the U.N. agency admits the plan is woefully off track. Sodium is …
How Food Processing Companies Can Build a Resilient Supply Chain
Subway, Oasis Parks, and Electric Vehicles
As the estimated $8 billion brand is reportedly being courted by private equity firms for purchase, its recent partnership with GenZ EV Solutions begs the question, is this a good idea? Can Subway build enough of a critical mass of oases to make this endeavor worthwhile? Are there enough EV drivers to support such a project?
The Future of AI and the Food Industry
The future of the food industry is coming into focus as artificial intelligence (AI) grows increasingly popular.
Economy Inspiring Big Changes Among Wine Brands
Recent financially driven decisions by major wine producer E&J Gallo underscore key changes impacting its industry. In the changing U.S. wine industry, it appears “less” may be “more.”
Report: Latest Fast-Food Innovation Paced by Taco Bell
At 2023’s outset, several restaurant chains have been innovating their dine-in experience to stay relevant and competitive; some with great success. A recent report by Placer.ai noted that some chains are making waves with consumers …
Is AI the Future of Grocery Customer Service?
AI is the future of food retail. A recent study found that the global AI-in-retail market was worth $8.4 billion in 2022 and will jump to nearly $46 billion by 2032.
CPG: Economic Pressure Impacting All Consumer Groups
Economic pressure continues to put a squeeze on consumers across all income tiers, leaving them vulnerable to further downturns in the year ahead.
America’s Top 5 Grocery Loyalty Programs in 2023
As food prices continue to rise in these economically uncertain times, value is at the forefront of many consumers’ minds and grocery loyalty programs are more important than ever. But which grocery loyalty programs do consumers value most?
Q&A: Nestlé Targets Plant-Based at University Dining Halls
The success of plant-based in food service will come down to making foods “attractive and craveable so that they are the choice and not the compromise to a meal experience,” according to one Nestlé executive.
Texas Roadhouse: A Blueprint for Success
Texas Roadhouse is defying the odds and welcoming more guests than ever, even as other establishments have been forced to scale back.
The Food Industry’s ‘Unique Vulnerabilities’ to Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks at food companies have sounded alarms throughout the industry, leaving many businesses wondering when they will be attacked.
Resurgence of Avian Influenza Predicted in Spring
The USDA predicted a resurgence of avian influenza in spring as wild birds begin their semiannual migration.
Larger Manufacturers Are Winning the Price Wars
2022 was a fantastic year for larger food manufacturers, and there’s one clear reason why: the majors have been able to stress pricing.
Report: Less Than Half of Consumers Grocery Shop In-Store
Walking into a grocery store used to be how most people bought groceries, but now only 44% of consumers do most of their shopping on premises.
C-stores Innovating Foodservice Offerings
Convenience-store operators are embracing creativity. According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, 70% of C-store leaders say innovating foodservice offerings is a top priority. C-store customers seem ready for the innovation as well. …
How Omnichannel Experiences Build Loyalty
Providing a seamless experience is more than one great transaction—it’s using omnichannel opportunities to meet shoppers wherever they are.
Cell-Cultured Snapshot: How to “Make” Meat
Cell-cultured meat continues to expand on a global scale as start-ups and major meat producers target the category. But how exactly are cuts of cultivated meat created — and how soon can consumers purchase these products?
How Bioprotection Naturally Prevents Moldy Yogurt
Bioprotection prevents yeast and mold from growing, extending the shelf life of fermented foods and the manufacturer’s bottom line.
Poll: Consumer Optimism Plummeting
Optimism grew around the world last year as the pandemic receded and economies improved, an Ipsos poll of 24,000 global citizens indicated, but that consumer optimism faded as 2023 dawned. Many of those queried expressed …
Fast Food Tech Evolves
The biggest names in global fast food are adjusting to the new market realities by innovating with cutting-edge technology.
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Analysis: Why Private-label Product Sales are Surging
In trying to control household costs, consumers often turn to private-label products, which the Private Label Manufacturers Association reported grew at 11.3% — to a record $228.6 billion last year. “Lacking the marketing cost component …
Another City Bans Junk Food at Supermarket Checkout
Perris, California has become the second U.S. city to ban junk food at supermarket checkouts, replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives.
Game On: Restaurants Use Gaming Tech to Boost Efficiency
Restaurants are a tricky business and the competition is fierce. That’s one reason why it’s imperative to set yourself apart and find ways to attract and retain high-quality employees. In that spirit, Perfect Company recently …
The Future of Digital Grocery is Data-Driven
Now that digital grocery has become normalized, future growth will depend on creating a service that can stand out from the competition.
Foodservice Distributors Continue to Prosper
2022 was a strong year for food and beverage stocks – and particularly the biggest manufacturers in the industry. On average, including dividends, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Campbell Soup, Kellogg, and Conagra Brands returned 22.6%. …
COLUMN: Answer to Plant-based Segment’s Issues Found in Forests, Biotech
Clean, natural, plant-based proteins could help strengthen the industry segment amid market volatility, according to one CEO.
3 Keys to Understanding Gen Z Employees
The generation gap is back. Gen Zers say they’re misunderstood by their elders – including those people who a couple of generations back said they’d never trust anyone over 30. How did we get here? …
Catching Lightning: TikTok & Blowing Up Your Brand
The TikTok algorithm doesn’t care about followers; it cares about what you watch. The No. 1 thing consumers watch is authentic brands and people.
Study: Consumers Crave Instantly Edible Foods Most
Instantly edible food that does not need to be cooked, peeled, or unwrapped is around 15% more appealing than food that requires any form of preparation, according to a new study.
Search Still on for Convenient Peanut-allergy Pill
The new peanut-allergy treatment Palforzia has been slow to gain acceptance, due to both its price and its inconvenient treatment regimen. Meanwhile, two other peanut-allergy medications are in the development stages.
Report: CAVA & Chicken Salad Chick Earn Rave Reviews
As inflation persists, it becomes more challenging for restaurants to lure customers. Nevertheless, new research shows a few chains are making strides when it comes to winning guests. Merchant Centric, a data analytics and reputation …
3 Emerging Technologies About to Reshape Food Retail
Tech companies are transforming grocery retail with innovative solutions to common problems in the checkout aisle, on store shelves, and beyond.