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.
Focus Archive
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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 …
The Zero-e Pineapple Has Arrived
Produce is a low-margin, high-risk industry. Hans Sauter would know – he’s been in the produce game for over 35 years. He’s not only Senior Vice President of Research and Development for Fresh Del Monte, …
Storms Ease California Drought, for the Moment
California officials fear the recent spate of storms that eased the area’s severe drought conditions may, actually, simply be a prelude to drier weather, the Los Angeles Times reported. David Rizzardo, hydrology section manager for …
‘Tipflation’ Leaving Consumers Confounded
To tip or not to tip? Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer, but let’s be honest, society judges bad tippers. However, in this economy, shelling out extra cash, however well-warranted, is becoming more and more …
Grocery Sticker Shock Has Changed Buyer Habits
Consumers who want to save money on groceries are turning to coupons, loyalty programs, and rewards while cutting back on snacks, a survey by Seattle retail technology platform Swiftly indicates. The online True Cost of …
Self-Checkouts Often Inaccessible to Disabled Shoppers
Disability-advocacy groups are calling upon retailers to address the issue of inaccessible self-checkout lanes.
Does the Restaurant CPG Trend Have Staying Power?
Despite higher grocery inflation, consumers continue to splurge on their favorite restaurant brands at retail, fueling a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. “Restaurants are looking to exploit brand loyalty that really …
Major CPG Players Fueling Alt Cream Cheese Innovation
Amidst the booming cultured dairy market, major food manufacturers are taking plant-based cream cheese to the next level.
Consumers Largely Positive Heading into 2023
Consumer spending habits and behaviors are shifting, with frugality taking a front seat in the face of rising prices and uncertainty over the economy, a new survey of consumer trends by Attest indicates. “Frugality is …
CEO: Food Allergy Issue Now an ‘Epidemic’ in America
Approximately 110 million Americans are directly or indirectly impacted by either a severe food allergy or food sensitivity in their household, prompting some in the food industry to call for increased transparency on labeling.
Meet the Two Biggest Enemies of Indoor Farming
Getting the vertical farming industry to reach its objectives will require much collaboration and benchmarking, industry insiders note.
Data-and-Dash: Cybersecurity and the Food Industry
Crime is a malicious (and inevitable) branch of progress. As industry and technology evolve, so too do the machinations of those willing to test, infiltrate, and break the system for personal profit. As integrated web …
Ag Roundup: Brazil’s Record Grain Crop, Inflation Impacts Organic
Brazilian officials said the country’s grain crop is expected to hit a record 312.2 million tons, up 15% from last year, Reuters reported. The estimate, however, was lower than previous projections. The government food and …
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Analysis: Consumer Spending Slowing, Even for the Wealthy
Due to the current inflationary environment, and with fears of a looming recession, analysis shows consumers are trading down in their spending, looking at less expensive brands and going for deals.
Analysis: the Most Innovative LTOs of the Year
Restaurants are getting rather creative with their limited-time offers, or LTOs, lately. “LTOs can be a great way to drive business, but you have to know your audience and what appeals to them,” Leith Steel, …
Diverse Offerings Will Be Key to Grocery Success in 2023
Grocers need to prepare for a changing environment as they head into 2023, and bringing in new products will give them a competitive edge.
American Aquaculture Catching On
The new year represents a key juncture for American aquaculture. Kai Sato has observed the evolving industry long enough to know that. “Each year the U.S. becomes a more viable market for aquaculture entrepreneurs to …
Is Plant-Based Still a Powerhouse?
Plant-based products continue to proliferate across the industry despite significant barriers to adoption, including taste and affordability.
Conservation Could Soon Take Center Stage for Many F&B Companies
Food and beverage companies are finding water and energy conservation practices are not only good for the planet, but good for the bottom line. Intense drought is making finding fresh water more difficult while Russia’s …
Rutgers Food Innovation Program Appoints Five Advisory Board Members
Experts Dish Regarding Latest Dessert Trends
A recent report by Technomic noted global dessert trends, revealing that 41% of consumers would welcome more vegan or dairy-free desserts on restaurant menus.
Analysis: Coffee Prices to Level Out Amid Inflation Setbacks
With inflation remaining steady, many companies currently face dilemmas. Some are doing everything in their power to absorb the higher operating costs and to keep their prices down. Others, however, have been able to pass …
Understanding the Snow Crab Crisis
The cancelation of the Alaskan snow crab season has upended an entire chain of fishing, restaurant, grocery, and wholesale industries with one of its seasonal (and most delicious) mainstays.
Bird Flu Cull Surpasses 2015
More than 52 million birds in 46 states have been culled so far this year due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, topping the record set in 2015, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service …
Experts: Weather-Related Disasters Increasing, Taking Toll on Food Industry
As of October 11, the U.S. has experienced a total of 15 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters this year, making 2022 the eighth consecutive year with 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.