Focus Archive > Page 35

Study: Gen Z Flocking to Fast-Casual Restaurants

These days, members of Gen Z are flocking to quick-service restaurants. In the 12 months ending July 2022, Gen Z consumers made 5 billion total restaurant visits, and 4.3 billion of those visits were to …

USDA Wants Farmers to Increase Double-Cropping

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to grow two crops on one piece of land, a practice known as double-cropping, to bolster global food supplies, which are threatened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. …

Why Wegmans Was Forced to Abandon Scan-and-Go App

Wegmans, regrettably, has decided its scan-and-go app has got to go. Wegmans is among retailers realizing scan-and-go, which seemed like such a good idea at the beginning of the pandemic when contactless checkout solutions gained …

AeroFarms Unveils World’s Biggest Aeroponic Smart Farm

AeroFarms on Tuesday unveiled what it says is the world’s largest aeroponic smart farm. The 140,000 square-foot indoor facility, located in Danville, Virginia, is capable of growing more than 3 million pounds of fresh leafy …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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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 …

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, …

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 …