COLUMN: Why Vertical Farming Is the Future of Produce

Vertical farming can play a pivotal role to reduce the carbon footprint and provide a sustainable alternative for consumers.

‘Keto’ Was Most Searched Diet Plan in 2022

Americans searched for “keto diet plan” an average of 52,000 times per month last year, according to a Total Shape report.

What Food Companies Can Do to Mitigate Cyber Risk

The food and beverage industry has proven to be a vulnerable target for cyber criminals this year. At least 40 companies in the sector have suffered cyberattacks, of which ransomware events have been the most …

Expert: Price Hikes Could Moderate this Year

Consumers could be getting a break with companies like Conagra Brands, maker of Hunt’s ketchup and other popular packaged groceries, pulling back on price hikes following last year’s worst inflation in four decades. In its …

Video Analytics Reshaping Supermarket Experience

Experts believe that video analytics will soon define grocery, from checkout-free shopping to efficient stocking.

Chicken or the Egg? HPAI’s Impact on Pricing

On the surface, the appearance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2022 should have pushed prices up for both chicken and eggs at an equal level. But anyone keeping an eye on supermarket shelves …

CEO Sees Extensive ‘Runway’ for Healthier Plant-Based Snacks

The founder of That’s it, a functional snack brand, feels that there’s a significant runway within the plant-based category, especially for healthier-for-you snacks.

Shortages of Potatoes, Onions Send Industry Scrambling

Bad potato and onion crops, coupled with cost and availability issues, may have consumers hearing, “You want zucchini sticks with that burger?” Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said supplies of onion rings and French fries have …

Heavenly Hydration: Drinkable Rainwater on the Rise

As climate concerns continue to shake up the food industry, Richard’s Rainwater is bottling fresh rain with a focus on localized access and sustainability.

Survey: Consumers Already Bracing for Recession

Though experts still are split on whether the U.S. Federal Reserve’s inflation-fighting moves will plunge the economy into a recession, consumers apparently aren’t waiting for the official figures, already trimming their grocery bills and choice …

Future Foods, Flavors & Trends from the Fancy Food Show

This edition of The Weekender is a brief link round-up of some of the best of what we saw and experienced at the Winter Fancy Food Show.

On the Scene: Fancy Food Show, Day 3

Foods, flavors, trends, and more from Day 3 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nev., by the Specialty Food Association.

Trials Show Workers Love Condensed Workweeks

Restaurant owners are following the corporate world’s lead in having employees test the four-day workweek – but a south Florida Chick-fil-A owner has gone further by having employees in his fast-food establishment work 13 to …

PHOTOS: Fancy Food Show, Day 3

Pics, coverage, flavors, foods, trends, and more from Day 3 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, by the Specialty Food Association.

On the Scene: Fancy Food Show, Day 2

Foods, flavors, trends, and more from Day 2 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from the Specialty Food Association.

PHOTOS: Fancy Food Show, Day 2

Pics, coverage, flavors, foods, trends, and more from Day 2 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, put on by the Specialty Food Association.

Drinking Less Isn’t Reserved for ‘Dry January’ Anymore

Less people are participating in Dry January this year, but data suggests that’s because drinking less alcohol is now on-trend year round.

Analysis: ‘Value’ Food Manufacturers Positioned Well for Recession

In the U.S., inflation has been running above 5% since the middle of 2021. For packaged foods players, input cost increases have been even higher. Yet, at least so far, even the companies on the …

Mondelēz Report: Consumers Prioritizing Snacking

Mondelēz’s latest State of Snacking report reveals that a majority of consumers continue to prioritize snacking, even amid rising prices.

3 Keys to Discount Grocers’ Recent Success

Mainstream grocers can learn priceless lessons from successful off-price brands like Aldi, according to one industry analyst. Chief among those lessons is the value of growing private-label offerings.

In-Store Bakeries Offer Opportunities for Sweet Success

In-store bakery performance is on the rise, with a whopping 95% of shoppers eating a bakery item at least occasionally and 63% doing so weekly, according to a new FMI report. The report, which explored …

PHOTOS: Fancy Food Show, Day 1

Pics, coverage, food, flavors, trends, and more from Day 1 of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, put on by the Specialty Food Association.

Atmospheric Rivers Deluge California, Yet Drought Persists

Atmospheric rivers have deluged California in recent weeks, dumping 8.61 inches on the San Francisco area since December 26, yet drought persists.

Experts: ‘Veganuary’ Offers Big Opportunity for Food Businesses

Experts say restaurants and food manufacturers can capitalize on the “Veganuary” movement even without making significant investments.

On the Scene: Winter Fancy Food Show, Day 1

Trends, flavors, and more from the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Blaze Pizza Favorite QSR Among Gen Z

Blaze Pizza, in the opinion of college kids, is “lit.” And sandwiches from Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s, apparently, “just hit different.”

Survey: CEOs see Slowed 2023 Growth

CEOs and other C-suite executives see slow growth and digital innovation ahead, the Conference Board 2023 C-Suite Outlook found. Some 1,131 C-suite executives responded to the board’s annual survey. Projected economic growth is expected to …

Experts Call on F&B Manufacturers to Assist SNAP Participants

With 42 million Americans participating in the Agriculture Department’s SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – and more than half of U.S. households earning less than $75,000 a year, food manufacturers are in a unique …

Schnucks’ ‘Flexforce’ Answers Gen Z’s Calls for Flexibility

Schnucks is giving workers the flexibility to choose shifts at a time and store location that works for them with the expansion of its “Flexforce” employment option.

Analyst: U.S. Egg Industry in ‘Unprecedented Times’

The U.S. egg industry is in “unprecedented times” as the threat of avian influenza continues to impact prices and availability. That’s according to Eggs Unlimited Global Trade Strategist Brian Moscogiuri, who told The Food Institute …

How Brands’ Online Content Sways Consumers

Roughly 82% of shoppers feel product content online is more important than brand names. One executive notes how brands and retailers can deliver ideal information.

Can Climate Labels on Fast-Food Menus Change Consumer Behavior?

Climate labels on fast-food menus can influence consumers to order less beef and opt for a more sustainable meal instead.

Challenges Ahead for Plant-Based Innovation

Innovation continues to play a critical role in plant-based product advancement, but significant challenges remain in the year ahead.

Uncommon Grounds: Sustainable, ‘Beanless’ Coffee Unveiled

A rather innovative, environmentally-friendly cold brew is set to debut. Could it be the next big thing in coffee?

Ergonomic Assessment Key to Increasing Productivity for F&B Manufacturers

Reports show that $1 out of every $3 spent on workers’ compensation claims results from a lack of proper ergonomics. By matching workplace conditions to workers’ needs, food and beverage manufacturers can avoid costly injuries.

QSRs’ Chicken Sandwich Wars Reignited

Experts are predicting chicken sandwiches will dominate menus in 2023. According to a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, which polled over 500 industry experts, chicken sandwiches – both classic and new variations – …