How Grocers Can Prepare for a Delivery-Centric Future

Grocery delivery is here to stay, but the option can be costly for grocers. Here is expert advice from fulfillment professionals on how to maximize profitability.

CEO: Consumers Adopting ‘Drastic’ Lifestyle Changes, ‘Inflation Diet’

With August food prices increasing 11.4% year-over-year, Americans are experiencing a fundamental shift in their everyday patterns, with some even adopting an “inflation diet.” A recent survey by consumer research platform Attest took a closer …

Surge of Energy: Energy Drinks Market Overflowing

The energy drink category has become rather crowded in 2022. Gatorade recently added a caffeinated product called Fast Twitch. Monster Energy recently unveiled a new, Ultra Peachy Keen zero-sugar beverage. REDCON1 is set to launch …

Predictive-Maintenance Tech Aiding Manufacturers’ Efficiency

Predictive-maintenance technology – smart software that listens to machines to predict equipment failures before they happen – could prove to be a valuable service, especially as manufacturers grapple with supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. …

Report: Trends to Watch Include DTC Plant-Based Brands

The $7.44 trillion U.S food industry is investing in ecommerce, robotics, and technology like never before. Here are three noteworthy trends for food producers and grocery retailers to prioritize in the year ahead.

$21M Judgment vs. Foodbuy May Improve Transparency in GPO Industry

A U.S. District Court judge ruled in August that Foodbuy actively concealed billing practices, deceived manufacturers and systemically overcharged – a ruling that some feel could bring more transparency to the GPO industry.

Investors Demand Profitability for Delivery Stocks

Perhaps the biggest change in the equity markets over the past 18 months has been the sudden focus on profitability. For years, both public and private companies were allowed – more accurately, encouraged – to …

Port Pain Points Shifting but Industry not in ‘Downturn’

The supply chain continues to be a challenge for food importers, but the pain points are shifting. And despite media reports claiming a “downturn,” rates are still elevated when compared to the pre-pandemic period. That’s …

Thanksgiving Turkeys Could be More Expensive This Year

Avian flu and energy prices are pushing turkey prices to new heights, with breast meat going for more than $6.50 a pound.

Is the End of Expiration Dates Upon Us?

Major grocers in the U.K. plan to scrap expiration dates from certain perishable goods to reduce waste; will U.S. grocers follow suit?

Starbucks Plots a Revival

A wave of unionization efforts spurred by frustrated workers and outdated systems are signs that Starbucks must plot a revival. At this pivotal moment for the coffee giant, what exactly needs to change? Let’s take …

Report: Cheese-flavored Snacks as Popular as Ever

New research conducted by international food company Kerry reveals consumers worldwide are enamored with cheese-flavored snacks. In a survey of 8,790 consumers from 16 countries, approximately 62 percent of consumers said cheese flavors add excitement …

As Food Recalls Mount, Experts Urge Food Safety ‘Culture’ Change

Recent food recalls illustrate a “disturbing” lack of food safety culture, according to Dr. Vanessa Coffman. One in six Americans fall ill from foodborne illness annually these days. Making matters worse, the public is often …

CEO: Marketing to Loyal Grocery Shoppers Imperative in 2022

Grocers must focus on solidifying loyalty among shoppers during economic turmoil, and a carefully considered advertising approach is key.

Instacart Aims to Broaden Grocery Delivery’s Appeal

Instacart has launched several new features, including shoppable carts curated by celebrities, in an effort to broaden the appeal of the grocery delivery platform. Could these new features signal a transitional period for the grocery …

The Next Big Fast-Food Fight: The French Toast Stick Wars

On the foodservice battleground, the chicken sandwich wars are now giving way to … the French Toast Stick Wars. Wendy’s, Burger King, Jack in the Box, and Sonic are all offering French toast sticks now, …

Poll Notes Top Concerns Regarding Plant-Based Foods

In a recent LinkedIn option poll, The Food Institute asked members to indicate their biggest current concerns regarding the plant-based category.

Consumer Spending Favors In-Person Experiences

While shoppers are still spending in today’s high-inflation environment, they are prioritizing where to invest their dollars, according to a Gravy Analytics trends report from the second quarter of 2022. Dining Preferences Shift Many consumers …

Breaking Down Calif.’s Controversial FAST Act Bill

California’s FAST Recovery Act – the first bill of its kind to take on the fast-food industry – could prove a boon for workers and labor unions but a burden to the mom-and-pop restaurants that …

Analysis: Mercaris Weighs in on Prospects for Organic Dairy Market

In 2021, organic dairy and eggs outperformed pre-pandemic levels by nearly 11%, which offers promise of potential growth for the category.

4 Tips for Foodservice Operators Post-Pandemic

Foodservice operators have faced numerous obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic, not the least of which is an unrelenting labor shortage. “I went to a local restaurant recently,” Patrick O’Reilly, principal at Marcum LLP said. “There …

Retail Loyalty Programs Now Include… Video Streaming?

Retailers are looking to outside partnerships and personalized benefits as ways to boost the perceived value of their subscription offerings.

AI Becoming Key to Customer Retention

As many shoppers trade down brands in the wake of rising inflation these days, what retailers need to do to attract these customers differs based on their usual value proposition.

Grocery Shoppers Weigh Delivery Fees Amid Inflation

As inflation takes its toll on household finances, consumers are weighing their grocery delivery options. “Delivery continues to be very strong—averaging 9-11 percent of total store sales. Grocers are now planning for, and investing in, …

WATCH: Autonomous Sprayer Robot Unveiled

Solinftec said its scouting and sprayer robots can aid farmers by spot spraying as much as 96 acres per day.

COLUMN: Why the Climatarian Movement is Gaining Momentum

A relatively new sustainability model should be taken into consideration by most food businesses these days, according to one industry analyst.

Will AI Ordering Go Mainstream at Restaurants?

In response to labor shortages, some restaurants are turning to AI-powered bots that answer phones and communicate with customers.

Amid Labor Shortage, Gen Z Demanding ‘EWA’ Pay

Companies like McDonald’s are allowing workers to access hourly pay on demand in the hopes of shoring up the ongoing labor shortage.

Alternative Seafood Investments Are on the Rise

Investment in plant-based, fermented or cell-based “alternative seafood” amounted to $178.2 million between January and mid-July this year, as interest in the sector continued to grow. (Fish Farming Expert, July 28) In fact, the alternative …

Consumers Cutting Back … But Not at Coffee Shops

During a dark economic time, coffee shops seem to be doing just fine, with sales actually rising as the rest of the industry stalls.

CASE STUDY: How Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Scaled During COVID

Looking ahead, Pan’s plans to stay true to its core values of reducing meat consumption by making nutritious foods from mushrooms.

Supermarket Stocks Flip the Script on Big Box Retailers

The trend of pure play grocers struggling has flipped since 2020, with supermarket stocks for grocers like Albertsons holding their own.

Could Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ Soon Vanish?

Toxic PFAS chemicals found in items like fast-food wrappers are impossible to destroy – until now, it would appear, thanks to new research.

Analysis: Changing Pack Sizes Can Aid Grocers Amid Inflation

As many shoppers trade down brands in the wake of rising inflation these days, what retailers need to do to attract these customers differs based on their usual value proposition.

Report: Consumers Taking Notice of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation isn’t sneaking by savvy shoppers, and many consumers are changing their purchase behaviors in response.

Analysis: Weighing Nutritional Value in Plant-Based Products

Although the nutritional merits of plant-based food have faced mounting scrutiny by consumers in recent months, discrepancies by variety suggest that not all alternative products are created equal.