Threatened Mexico Tariffs Have CPG Manufacturers Scrambling

The Trump administration’s 25% tariff on Mexican goods has left F&B companies scrambling to respond. Many are making contingency plans.

How McDonald’s Won Over Gen Z Consumers

The Magnetic 100: Restaurants report by dcdx reveals the top brands captivating Gen Z, with McDonald’s, Wingstop, and Starbucks leading the pack due to their organic online engagement and unique customer interactions.

Navigating New Trade Barriers: The Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Food and Beverage Industry

President Trump’s unprecedented use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China marks a significant shift in trade policy, potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for the food industry. Industry executives must navigate these challenges by adopting strategic tariff mitigation practices.

6 Food Retail Trends Grocery Stores Can’t Afford to Ignore

The food retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, and technological advancements. In “The Future of Food Retail” webinar recently hosted by The Food Institute, R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical …

Winning Recipe: A Former NFL Star’s Quest for the Perfect Plant-Based Snack

As a retired NFL star with a family full of athletes, Ed McCaffrey understands the ins and outs of sports nutrition firsthand. He’s been on a quest to develop the perfect plant-based, gluten-free snack for athletes for several years and launched McCaffrey Protein Bites this month.

Canada Boasts Noteworthy Trade Arsenal in Tariff War

One veteran supply chain expert said the ongoing North American trade war is the most volatile he’s ever seen. The trade spat has several wrinkles – not the least of which is the fact that Canada is the world’s largest exporter of canola, as well as potash that’s used to produce fertilizer.

Mixue and Matcha: Asian Beverages Take Over the World

Mixue Ice Cream and Tea has become the world’s largest F&B chain by number of locations, thanks to its affordable pricing and innovative franchising strategy. The chain illustrates the time-tested popularity of teas, which are increasingly prized by young adults.

Big Food, Big Trouble: Small Brands Steal Share Amid Inflation

Major food companies are losing market share to smaller, often regional brands as consumers – especially Gen Zers – seek out more affordable options. This shift, driven by social media and changing consumer preferences, poses a significant challenge to established brands that rely on measures of success like shelf space and distribution.

Green Means Go: Maximizing Profits on St. Patrick’s Day

One industry insider considers St. Patrick’s Day the “Black Friday for bars and restaurants.” March 17 offers the opportunity for big profits – assuming operators create high-margin LTOs and leverage cost-effective marketing strategies

3 Key Takeaways From Natural Products Expo West

This week, Natural Products Expo West 2025 showcased trends in the natural and organic sectors from nearly 3,200 exhibitors. The show especially highlighted the impact of GLP-1 drugs on snacking habits.

Coming Clean: Consumers Prioritize Ingredient Transparency

The global clean-label ingredients market is expected to reach $212 billion by 2035, driven by increased consumer awareness of the health risks associated with artificial preservatives. The demand for minimally processed foods is prompting companies to prioritize ingredient transparency.

Coffee for Kids? Kiid Coffee Endeavors to Disrupt Children’s Nutrition

New to the scene, Kiid Coffee is a better-for-you children’s nutrition brand that packs vitamins into a coffee beverage. Its founders will appear on Shark Tank on March 7.

Self-Reflection: Retailers Reconsidering Self-Checkout Lanes

Multiple retailers are re-evaluating self-checkout lanes these days. As a result, the kiosks have become heavily debated among industry analysts. “Shoppers with high velocity who want to get their 10 items or less quickly – …

Beyond Meat Fights for Survival

Beyond Meat is struggling financially, with significant losses, leading to a high likelihood of bankruptcy by 2027 due to $1 billion in convertible bonds coming due. Despite this, the stock retains some value due to the slim hope of a turnaround or debt restructuring.

From Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia to Cha-Ching! The Evolution of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds were the most popular functional ingredient on U.S. restaurant menus during Q4 of 2024, according to MenuData, accounting for 38.9% of menu share. A staple in ancient diets for their utility and nutrition, today, the ingredient is gaining momentum with health-conscious consumers.

Price: The Elusive Enemy of Food Delivery

Food delivery shoppers are becoming more price sensitive, indicating that platforms will have to get creative to ensure profits. One key growth lever for companies in 2025 is reinforcing their commitments to grocery, the often-overlooked food delivery service next to restaurants.

5 Cybersecurity Tips for 2025

The food industry is increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with over 167 ransomware incidents reported in 2023 alone. Experts recommend implementing robust access controls, multi-factor authentication and more to protect sensitive data.

Sky-High Egg Prices Send Restaurants Scrambling

Egg prices have reached record highs due to the bird flu outbreak, which has sent restaurants scrambling. Establishments like Waffle House have introduced surcharges, while others have gotten creative and found alternative strategies to manage costs.

Naturally Confused: Natural, Organic Terms Puzzle 40% of Consumers

Roughly 59% of shoppers think it’s important that grocery items are natural and/or organic, according to a new Acosta Group study. Gen Z is especially interested in such products. However, many consumers are confused by terms like “natural” and “organic.”

Kerry Group’s 2025 Trends to Watch: Sichuan, Yuzu, KBBQ

The Kerry Group’s 2025 Global Taste Charts highlighted emerging food trends, such as adventurous taste profiles and wellness-driven goals, with global influences like Sichuan spices and Korean barbecue shaping local markets. Key trends include bold barbecue flavors and evolving citrus varieties.

Revolutionizing Meat Snacks: Mighty Spark’s Poultry Power Play

The Mighty Spark brand aims to revolutionize a meat-stick category traditionally dominated by beef by introducing healthier, chicken-based options. Their products, which are low in calories and free from common allergens, have gained popularity due to their bold taste, leading to rapid expansion in retail.

Upcycled Whole Pods Triple the Value of Cacao Crops Amid Crisis

Amid erratic cocoa price fluctuations, some major companies continue to raise prices. Meanwhile, Blue Stripes is innovating by upcycling entire cacao pods to create more sustainable and valuable products.

Walmart Partnership Pushes Fresh Produce Limits

Walmart is partnering with India-based agritech company GreenPod Labs to clean up its supply chain: the tech innovation endeavors to minimize produce spoilage during transportation.

Black History Month: Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses, Industry Advice

February is Black History Month, and industry insiders say it serves as a reminder that there remains a persistent need for industry collaboration to promote diversity and inclusion.

Mike Tyson Unleashes Plant-Based Ice Cream at ‘Vegan McDonald’s’

Boxer-turned-entrepreneur Mike Tyson recently launched Mr. Fluff-Head at Mr. Charlie’s. The new dessert features a potato-based soft serve topped with a Mike’s Bites vegan chocolate ear and organic strawberry drizzle, celebrating Tyson’s investment in the plant-based QSR chain.

The Secret Sauce Behind Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Meteoric Rise

Dave’s Hot Chicken has been named America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain, with over 700 locations in the pipeline. The chain’s success is largely attributed to its massive social media following.

Egg Shortage Solution: Turkey Steps In as U.S. Battles Bird Flu

A Trump administration official is advocating for vaccination and improved biosecurity measures to combat bird flu. Meanwhile, Turkey has started exporting eggs to the U.S. to address shortages caused by the virus.

A Fizzy Fiasco – PepsiCo Embroiled in Yet Another Legal Battle

The recent lawsuit in California alleging PepsiCo’s engagement in nefarious pricing practices is the latest in an ongoing movement in food and beverage to leverage the Robinson-Patman Act to strengthen small businesses’ economic autonomy. The act is also a fiercely debated issue in the U.S. government.

Is Agritourism the Answer to Agricultural Instability?

Agritourism, a growing, $4.5 billion industry, helps farmers and ranchers cope with economic instability by attracting visitors for entertainment and education, thus generating additional income. Despite its benefits, agritourism is often a supplementary activity due to external factors like weather.

Sustainability, Innovation Take Center Stage at Gulfood 2025

The Gulfood 2025 event in Dubai emphasized the urgent need for sustainable global food systems. The event also showcased innovative solutions and products aimed at enhancing food security, such as AI-based order processing.

The Rise of Churrasco: A Tasty TikTok Sensation

Churrasco, a South American grilling tradition, involves cooking cuts of meat over an open flame, often seasoned with coarse salt. Its popularity on TikTok is driven by its visually appealing grilling process and cultural authenticity.

F&B Supply Chains Brace for Trump Administration Tariffs

Trump administration tariffs continue to warn the F&B sector; however, there are options to evade its impacts through careful sourcing strategies. Data and new technologies present opportunities for brands to take control of the situation.

Global Street Food Takes Over Frozen Aisle

Global street food is hot: contributing over $543.5 million in frozen aisle CPG sales over the past two years.

Cracking the Vertical Farming Code Uncovers New-Age Implications

Vertical farming is at a crossroads: old-age darlings like AeroFarms and Bowery Farming show how difficult it is to succeed in the emerging sector; however, technological advancements are working to drive value for the sector while ushering a new era of smart farming solutions. By 2035, the industry will be shaped by a host of geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental factors.

Solein: The Complete Protein Made from Thin Air

Last year, the Finnish food-tech company Solar Foods debuted Solein, a novel type of protein requiring only renewable energy, airborne materials, and a small amount of minerals to produce. Since it can be made in any weather and without resources like land or water, Solein is highly sustainable – and equally nutritious.

Dairy Milk Makes Comeback, Outpaces Plant-Based Alternatives

Whole milk is making a comeback, with U.S. consumption up 3.2% last year, while plant-based milk alternatives saw a 5.9% decline. This shift is driven by consumer demand for protein and healthy fats, as well as economic factors.