Trust Your Gut: Harken Sweets Goes All in on Superfood Snacks

A health scare inspired CEO Katie Lefkowitz to create gut-friendly snack bars. She ended up with a sweet solution in the form of date caramel candy bars.

Hurricane Helene Leaves Crop Losses, Poultry Disruptions in its Wake

Hurricane Helene caused significant agricultural damage in the Southeastern U.S. recently, affecting crops like soybeans and peanuts, along with poultry production. The storm’s long-term impact could strain supply chains too, experts note.

Japan’s Rice Shortage Prompts Concerns as Stocks Reach 25-Year Low

Japan is facing a rice shortage, with stocks at a 25-year low and prices at an 11-year high. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of Japan’s rice supply chain and may prompt efforts to develop new rice varieties.

Safety, Productivity Found at Intersection of People and AI

At a recent International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) event, stakeholders considered AI’s industry impact. Topics included supply chain dynamics, tech-enabled safety measures, and the need for in-person connectivity.

Sugar Rush: Consumers Kick Off Halloween Shopping Earlier Than Ever

Halloween spending is expected to hit $11.6 billion this year, with nearly half of shoppers starting early to embrace the season. Confectionery sales are anticipated to grow by 3-5%.

From Pests to Plates: Insect Market to Mature

The global edible insect market is slated to grow by $11.42 billion from 2024-28, with the growing food shortage as a contributing factor, as well as the high nutrient density and low rearing cost of insects. However, insects are often perceived as “unhygienic” in many cultures.

Baking Up Success: Why Americans Splurge on Specialty Cookies

U.S. cookie sales are projected to reach $12.48 billion this year, with growth driven by demand for both indulgent treats and healthier, specialty options like gluten-free cookies. The trend reflects consumer demand for cleaner ingredients and allergen-free alternatives.

Plant-Based Maker Claims Landmark Milestone, Efficiency

Rebellyous is set to unveil a production system that would enable the company to produce plant-based meat that competes in price and quality.

From Urban Markets to Suburban Sprawl: Grocers Testing New Territories

Across the U.S., national retailers are expanding both in their communities and testing new markets. Trader Joe’s alone expects 22 additional locations to open by year’s end.

4 Reasons Fresh Meatless Chicken Nuggets Aren’t Selling

The alternative meat market has struggled across the board in recent years, but some plant-based products are bearing the brunt. Sales of fresh, meatless chicken nuggets have sharply declined by 56.2% in 2024 – but why?

Impact of Inflation: F&B Industry Preps for 2025 Challenges

Economists warn of a potential recession in 2025. As a result, food and beverage companies must focus on innovation and sustainability as they navigate economic challenges and interest rate cuts.

Private Label: an Increasingly Effective Retail Lever

Private label represents roughly 19% of the market. It offers brands and retailers an opportunity to deliver on price, taste, and quality.

A Sip of Sheconomy: 3 Drink Trends to Watch in an Increasingly Women-Owned World

A recent trend report by Yelp revealed that women-owned businesses saw a 17% increase in new openings across several industries in 2024, with book bars, colorful matcha concoctions, and “sleepy girl mocktails” on the rise.

Consumer Behavior Modifying Retail Seasons

The back-to-school shopping season has spread across multiple waves due to shifting consumer behavior. This trend may impact holiday shopping too, with retailers expecting slower sales growth.

Imports Surging Ahead of East, Gulf Port Strike Threat

Retailers have ramped up their merchandise deliveries amid a threatened strike by U.S. dockworkers that could disrupt the imminent holiday shopping season. 45,000 dockworkers are poised to walk out at 36 ports along the East and Gulf coasts following the expiration of the longshoremen’s six-year master contract, which expires on October 1.

Groceries, Healthcare Prove a Winning Retail Combination

A new report from Placer.ai highlights that grocery stores offering in-store healthcare services are seeing increased foot traffic, particularly from higher-income customers. Wellness offerings not only boost store visits but also enhance customer loyalty.

Protein-Packed Products Have Become an American Obsession

Is America overdosing on protein? Some experts feel that Americans have developed a dangerous obsession with protein-packed items like steak, ready-to-drink workout shakes, and snack bars.

New Report Envisions ‘Grocery Shopper of the Future’

A new report from 84.51° highlights key shifts shaping the future grocery shopper, including an aging, more diverse population, and the growth of single-person and multigenerational households.

Consumers Double Down on Convenience, Fresh

A new report reveals that 52% of consumers value convenience more than before. Grocers are responding by investing in convenience offerings, but face challenges competing with C-stores.

Pistachios: The Little Green Nut Surging in Popularity

Google trends analysis shows a 60% rise in searches for pistachios since 2019, putting product manufacturers, restaurateurs, and grocers in a unique position to leverage this explosive growth to their advantage.

Getting to the Heart of Hart House: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants

The vegan QSR chain Hart House abruptly closed all four of its locations based in Los Angeles on September 10 despite Kevin Hart’s celebrity backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing the plant-based sector.

Breaking Boundaries: Latina Chefs Infusing Innovation into Latin Dishes

As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks into high gear in the U.S., The Food Institute highlights four Latina chefs who honor their heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine.

The Cheat Code: 4 Tips for Marketing to Video Game Fans

Food and beverage brands are tapping into the gamer market with marketing tactics like in-game product placements and creative snack options. Protein-packed and handheld snacks are also on the rise as gamers seek healthier choices.

Death Sells: F&B Marketing with Masochistic Undertones on the Rise

The trend of brand names like Liquid Death or Death Wish Coffee points to a widespread shift toward shock value.

Guest Column: Explaining CEOs’ Short Shelf Life in 2024

The pressure is on restaurant chain CEOs to deliver fast in 2024. Private equity is largely to blame, according to one industry leader.

3 Key Takeaways From Plant Based World Expo 2024

Innovation was rife at this year’s Plant Based World Expo; on display were breakout processes to better deliver on taste, texture, and even price.

The Lunch Line: What’s Driving Higher Costs at QSRs?

Data from the Toast digital restaurant platform show eating out at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) for lunch in the second quarter got more expensive, with prices up more than 4% from last year. And though hourly …

The Shifting Landscape of Grocery Retail: Four Key Trends

Retailers are navigating a complex landscape right now marked by regulatory scrutiny, rising shrinkage, and financially stretched consumers. These pressures are forcing retailers to adapt quickly, according to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert.

7-Eleven Parent Clarifies Buyout Rejection

7-Eleven owner Seven & i Holdings Co. commented on its rejection of Alimentation Couche-Tard’s proposal to acquire the company.

Aloha Protein Bar Brand Riding Wellness Wave to Big Growth

Aloha CEO Brad Charron is bullish on plant-based products. And it’s easy to see why, considering his better-for-you protein bar brand experienced 500% growth from 2020 to 2023.

Beyond Religion: The Business Case for Kosher Certification

Kosher certification is trusted by more than 10 million Americans who have a range of dietary requirements from various religious backgrounds. Attaining a kosher certification is easier than you might think – and it can boost a brand’s bottom line.

African Swine Fever Vaccine Rolled out Amid Virus Surge

The Philippines has begun rolling out an unproven African swine fever vaccine produced in Vietnam to try to stem an outbreak of the virus plaguing pig farming across three continents, SciDev.Net reported. ASF is caused …

Jollibee: The Filipino Chicken Chain Winning Over America

Filipino chicken chain Jollibee continues to win over American customers and accelerate its growth. The chain’s leaders insist the keys to their success are rather simple.

Survey Says: Today’s Students Are Giving These 5 Foods the Old College Try

According to a recent survey of college students, affordable protein sources and international flavors are among the top food preferences of college students in 2024.

Philly’s Latin Love Affair: Latino Restaurants Celebrated During Restaurant Week

A Philadelphia fiesta is set to take place starting September 15. A unique, weeklong event will highlight some of America’s most innovative Latin restaurants.

Moving Targets: Does Pizza Hut’s New Box Signal a Return of Pandemic Trends?

Pizza Hut launched the Moving Box Table, a pizza box that doubles as a makeshift table for moving-day meals. This unique marketing tactic hints at a potential resurgence of strategies popularized in 2020.