Study Suggests Plant-Based Category Losing Luster

The Food Institute spoke with Rob Dongoski, Agribusiness Leader at EY, about the future of alternative proteins and whether consumers have moved on.

Report: Assessing the Post-Pandemic Alcohol Landscape

Consumers are embracing ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and drinking at home at a significant rate, according to a new Circana report on alcohol. “The pandemic has been a huge influence on the beverage industry. People got …

Latin, Asian Food Innovation on Display at COEX Event

TAMPA, Florida – A record number of chain restaurant operators, on-premise providers, foodservice manufacturers and others attended the COEX event on March 5-7. Among the food industry event’s highlights: Jack Li and Megan Lynberg of …

Despite Challenges, St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations are Back

As the pandemic wanes, the National Restaurant Federation says 61% of consumers expect to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, spending an average of about $44.

In the Age of Self-Checkout, Great Employees Can Offer Standout Experiences

Convenience is an important aspect of the modern retail landscape, from self-checkout lines to completely cashier-free stores, but frontline associates can still define the experience — particularly in grocery.

Report: Latest Fast-Food Innovation Paced by Taco Bell

At 2023’s outset, several restaurant chains have been innovating their dine-in experience to stay relevant and competitive; some with great success. A recent report by Placer.ai noted that some chains are making waves with consumers …

CPG: Economic Pressure Impacting All Consumer Groups

Economic pressure continues to put a squeeze on consumers across all income tiers, leaving them vulnerable to further downturns in the year ahead.

America’s Top 5 Grocery Loyalty Programs in 2023

As food prices continue to rise in these economically uncertain times, value is at the forefront of many consumers’ minds and grocery loyalty programs are more important than ever. But which grocery loyalty programs do consumers value most?

Report: Less Than Half of Consumers Grocery Shop In-Store

Walking into a grocery store used to be how most people bought groceries, but now only 44% of consumers do most of their shopping on premises.

Poll: Consumer Optimism Plummeting

Optimism grew around the world last year as the pandemic receded and economies improved, an Ipsos poll of 24,000 global citizens indicated, but that consumer optimism faded as 2023 dawned. Many of those queried expressed …

3 Keys to Understanding Gen Z Employees

The generation gap is back. Gen Zers say they’re misunderstood by their elders – including those people who a couple of generations back said they’d never trust anyone over 30. How did we get here? …

Catching Lightning: TikTok & Blowing Up Your Brand

The TikTok algorithm doesn’t care about followers; it cares about what you watch. The No. 1 thing consumers watch is authentic brands and people.

Study: Consumers Crave Instantly Edible Foods Most

Instantly edible food that does not need to be cooked, peeled, or unwrapped is around 15% more appealing than food that requires any form of preparation, according to a new study.

Report: CAVA & Chicken Salad Chick Earn Rave Reviews

As inflation persists, it becomes more challenging for restaurants to lure customers. Nevertheless, new research shows a few chains are making strides when it comes to winning guests. Merchant Centric, a data analytics and reputation …

The Kids Aren’t Alright: Restaurant Bans Children Under 10

You’re sitting at the table in a moderately priced restaurant, and the 9-year-old twins at the next table are throwing rolls at each other, or the 5-year-old behind you is having a melt-down because he …

Can Vegan Dating Apps Impact the Plant-Based Category?

A growing number of vegan dating apps are putting a social spin on the plant-based movement. But how relevant are these meatless match-making services to the food industry at large?

Free Decatur Supermarket Shuttle Drives Shoppers to Publix

City officials in Decatur, Georgia have partnered with Publix to test out a free electric shuttle that drives shoppers to the supermarket following the closure of a downtown Kroger location.

NA Drinks & Wings Win Super Bowl Sunday

Chicken wings are cheap and beer is expensive. Amid inflation, brands need an omnichannel approach to reach consumers, especially as it relates to snacking.

Study: Portion Control Top of Mind for Many Americans

The goal of Georgetown’s study was to learn whether America’s eating habits have changed lately. Clearly, Americans now want smaller portions.

Report: Gen Z, Millennials Boosting Candy Sales

New research suggests many consumers have an undeniable sweet tooth these days, and candy sales back that up. A report by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) revealed that non-chocolate candy is the second-largest selling confectionery …

Report: Alcohol Increasingly Part of Super Bowl Parties

It appears overall alcohol consumption will be up at Super Bowl parties this year. Research by retail insights company 84.51°, however, shows an eye-opening drop in planned alcohol consumption among younger adults this year.

America’s Top 3 Grocery Stores Ranked by Consumers

Aldi was named America’s most popular grocery store overall, but it wasn’t the favorite among every demographic, according to a recent poll.

‘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.

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 …

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.

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.”

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.

Placer.ai Analysis Notes 10 Retail Brands on the Rise

New analysis from Placer.ai suggests Whataburger, Wawa, and Dave & Buster’s are among the top brands to watch in 2023, with all three gaining traction through expansion. 

Consumers’ Top 10 Craveable Coffee Chains

Technomic polled consumers to rank their top coffee chains, finding consumers valued taste, specialty flavors, and high-quality beans.

Smart-Voice Technology: Coming Soon, to a Drive-Thru Near You

In a world of fast-changing consumer demands, the classic fast-food drive-thru window is evolving. From doubling lanes to fully digital menu boards, restaurants have made all kinds of improvements to the drive-thru service. With technology …

Functional Health, Global Flavors Driving Ingredient Trends

Consumers are redefining healthy eating with a growing taste for functional, authentic, and adventurous ingredients, according to a new report from Tastewise.

Holiday Spending Rises as Consumers Show Appetite for Experiences

This holiday retail season looked different than years past, industry experts noted. Retailers discounted heavily but consumers diversified their holiday spending to accommodate rising prices.

Experts Predict Asian Food Boom in 2023

To hear experts tell it, an Asian food boom has begun in America. During Tuesday’s Food Institute webinar – “What’s Ahead in 2023?” –Solomon Choi, CEO of Jabba Brands, noted that internationally-inspired hard seltzers and …

2023 Flavor Forecast: Expect Influx of French Cuisine

When it comes to classical cooking and decadent flavors, look no further than France. With centuries of tradition and innovation, excellent French cuisine is some of the most celebrated and sought after. Flavor giant McCormick …

Grocery Sticker Shock Has Changed Buyer Habits

Consumers who want to save money on groceries are turning to coupons, loyalty programs, and rewards while cutting back on snacks, a survey by Seattle retail technology platform Swiftly indicates. The online True Cost of …

Self-Checkouts Often Inaccessible to Disabled Shoppers

Disability-advocacy groups are calling upon retailers to address the issue of inaccessible self-checkout lanes.