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.

CEO: C-Stores Must Evolve in Inflationary Environment

C-stores must evolve to provide experiential store journeys rather than serve as just quick, grab-and-go retailers.

What U.S. Restaurants Can Learn from the U.K.

Struggling U.S. restaurateurs could learn a lesson or two from their counterparts in the U.K., where COVID, labor shortages, supply chain and energy issues, and Brexit, have complicated survival, experts say.

Analysis: Summertime Meat Department Sales Strong

Red meat remain strong as IRI reported $8.5 billion in meat department sales in July, with gains of +5.6% versus 2021.

UPDATE: The Latest Regenerative Ag Trend: Criollo Cattle

Criollo cattle have adapted to dry rangelands and could help regenerate soil while needing less water and feed than other cattle.

IRI: Creating Revenue Opportunities Amid Inflation

With the U.S. inflation rate at an elevated 8.7% for July 2022, consumers, manufacturers and retailers alike must remain agile to adapt to ongoing economic pressures. “The past few years of COVID-19 have brought enormous …

Weather Researchers Warn of Pending Megafloods, Megaheat

California could experience “megafloods” as a large portion of the country experiences “megaheat,” according to a UCLA study.

COLUMN: The Hard Seltzer Bubble has Burst

The hard seltzer bubble was starting to burst at the beginning of 2022, and second quarter earnings showed the category is in fact declining.

Innovative Ingredients Helping Consumers Adopt Low FODMAP Diet

The FODMAP diet is gaining prominence among consumers who have sensitivity or intolerance to ingredients like gluten.

Investment in Vertical Farming Market Continues Steady Rise

The vertical farming market is projected to be worth $20.9B by 2029 as it could better contend with droughts, transportation issues and more.

Report Shows Modern Consumers Demand Transparency from Brands

Industry insiders say retailers must offer deeper product information – beyond just labeling – to attract the attention of today’s consumers, many of whom demand environmentally friendly products.

Lawsuit Puts Artificial Coloring in the Spotlight

A recent class-action lawsuit calls Skittles “unfit for human consumption” due to their use of titanium dioxide.

Upcycled Food Association CEO Envisions Massive Industry Growth

Upcycled food has become a $53 billion dollar market, growing faster than plant-based products, but what exactly is it?

Mycelium Deepening Roots in Plant-Based Space

While mushrooms remain all the rage as a whole food ingredient, their physical characteristics are less than ideal for replicating whole cuts of meat. Enter mycelium – the root system from which mushrooms grow.

Young Adults Embracing No- and Low-Alcohol Products

The low- and no-alcohol trend has only heated up in recent months, according to one industry expert.

Experts: Savvy Ghost Kitchen Operators Can Still Succeed

Wendy’s plans to cut back on its use of ghost kitchens, but experts told The Food Institute such operations likely are here to stay.

John Mackey Move Highlights Plant-Based Potential

Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey is listed as a partner in startup Healthy America LLC, which plans to develop a chain of plant-based restaurants and wellness centers.