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.
Focus Archive
> Page 6
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.
Starbucks’ Brian Niccol Really Doesn’t Want Howard Schultz to Save Him
Only a few months into his new role, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is laying out a radical plan to curry Americans’ favor with the brand. Tensions are high, as ex-CEO Howard Schultz may not be able to save the café chain if Niccol can’t get it back on track.
Executive Chef: Latin Flavor Explosion Has Only Just Begun
Twin Peaks’ executive chef predicts spicy flavors will continue to dominate menus, as consumers increasingly crave regional dishes from Latin America, like birria tacos. Now, more than ever, diners are embracing authentic cuisine.
5 Key Ingredients for Healthy Meals in 2025
Chickpeas, miso, and tahini are among the versatile, nutrient-rich ingredients to watch, according to longtime culinary expert Chef Dennis Littley. After all, modern consumers demand dishes that are packed with protein, fiber, and probiotics.
AI and Independent Restaurants: Experts Share Tips, Predictions
Yum Brands’ new AI platform, Byte by Yum, illustrates the potential of proprietary tech for QSR giants, but independent restaurants can also leverage similar, customizable platforms. Experts advise starting small with AI for specific tasks and monitoring its outputs closely to ensure that it enhances efficiency.
Big Deal Down South: C&S Acquires 170 Grocery Stores from Aldi
C&S Wholesale Grocers, which attempted to play a major role in the failed merger between Albertsons and Kroger, announced the purchase of 170 Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores from Aldi U.S.
The Specialty Shift: Health, Premiumization, Value Will Shape 2025
The demand for better-for-you products is driving shifts across the food industry, prompting demands for premium ingredients and transparent messaging. Consumers are also embracing bold flavors, premiumization, and redefined notions of value, as noted in the 2025 Specialty Food Industry Outlook Report, which FI co-authored.
Healthy by Association: How Alt-Meat Brands Are Earning Trust
Alt-meat brands like Beyond and Impossible are launching new and reformulated products to earn the trust of health-conscious consumers and national health organizations. These innovations have enabled the meat alternatives to quality for the nutrition initiatives of both the American Heart and American Diabetes Associations.
Clutch Coffee Wins With Commuter Corridors, ‘Escape Lanes’
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
Flower Power: Gen Z Craves Floral Menu Innovations
As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.
Instacart, Mountain Dew Among Super Bowl 59 Ad Winners
Super Bowl 59’s commercials leaned on humor and star power, featuring celebrities like Martha Stewart to promote F&B brands.
‘We’re Getting a Beatdown’: How the LA Fires are Affecting the Restaurant Industry
In the wake of historic wildfires, Los Angeles’ food community has rallied to support those in need by offering free meals and raising funds. This collective effort underscores the industry’s commitment to community support.
Report Shows Latin American Grocery Shoppers Seek Value, Private Label
Grocery retail in Latin America is thriving, driven in large part by consumer demand for value. Key trends shaping the market include increased importance of private-label brands and e-commerce growth.
Plant-Based Assessment: Headwinds Harrowing, Future Begets Optimism
The plant-based food industry is at an inflection point: recent data suggests that interest in the lifestyle decreased somewhat in 2024 from the year before. Innovations in the space, however, have given the sector the tools to cater to consumer pain points.
Fueling Innovation: The New Age of Culinary Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are undergoing a makeover, with the vast majority replacing what was once viewed as “desperation” food with real – but not necessarily healthier – offerings. The number of C-stores fell marginally last year, …
Rise and Stall of Amazon Go Illustrates Limits of AI
In its quest to revolutionize retail, Amazon Go has faced significant hurdles, from customer confusion to technical difficulties. Amazon’s challenges in brick-and-mortar retail highlight the complexities of adopting cashierless technology.
Why Meati CEO Carries Confidence into 2025
Meati CEO Phil Graves feels optimistic about the brand’s future as it continues to expand across the U.S. and shrink its ingredients list. Meati has been increasingly incorporating functional ingredients like mycelium, a root-like structure of fungus, into products such as its Classic Cutlet.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing M&A Report: Q4 and year-end 2024
Gut Check: The Hype Behind the Gut Health Craze
With gut health dominating wellness trends – inspiring billions of TikTok views – brands are racing to meet demand for functional foods packed with probiotics and prebiotics. Brands are capitalizing on consumer interest by launching products that support digestion.
Galentine’s Day + Valentine’s Day: Lucrative Opportunities for F&B
So-called “Galentine’s Day” has evolved into a lucrative dining phenomenon as group reservations surge and Gen Z fuels a rise in double dates – which offers foodservice operators a prime opportunity to capitalize on this nontraditional celebration.
MenuData.ai Appoints Two Strategic Advisors, Brian Choi and Danny Saltzman, to Accelerate Growth in Food & Beverage Data Insights
Advertisement
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
Advertisement
Premiumization, Wellness Steal Spotlight at Winter Fancy Food Show
The 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show highlighted the rapid evolution of specialty food. From protein-packed innovations and gut-friendly fermented snacks to cacao alternatives, the show underscored how brands are redefining indulgence and health.
Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win
Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.
Why ‘Open Omnivore’ Flexitarians Could be Plant-Based’s Future
The future of alt-meat could very well be driven not by vegetarians but by adventurous flexitarians – omnivores eager to explore alternatives. Minimally processed plant-based options will be key, said Indy Kauer, leader of the Plant Futures Collective.
Meet the Aji Amarillo Pepper, McCormick’s Flavor of the Year
Aji Amarillo, McCormick’s flavor of the year, is a vibrant pepper known for its fruity, tropical notes and moderate heat. And it’s poised to make waves across food and beverage menus worldwide.
It’s Private Label’s World — On the ‘Cusp of a Super Cycle’
Private label continues to maintain dominance over the CPG sector: in 2024, it grew $9 billion from the year before. As a result, opportunities and innovation abound.
Sprouts Tops List of 5 Brands to Watch in 2025
Sprouts has enjoyed a 7.2% year-over-year visit increase, driven by small-format locations and a focus on high-quality products. Meanwhile, H Mart was also named a brand to watch by placer.ai, mainly for its innovation.
Egg Limits Hit Shelves in Bird Flu’s Wake
Egg shortages and soaring prices are being driven by the double whammy of severe weather and the bird flu, which has wiped out millions of birds and tightened supplies nationwide. As a result, grocers are implementing measures like purchase limits.
Shelling Out Growth: Pea Protein Gains Momentum
Pea protein is gaining traction as a sustainable, allergen-free alternative. Due to its improved taste and texture, the ingredient has been showing up in everything from dairy-free yogurt to functional drinks.
Baily Foods’ Secret to Authentic Asian Cuisine
Innova Market Insights recently noted that two in three consumers are open to trying new international food, with Asian cuisines ranking second most popular for meals (after the consumer’s local cuisine). And, according to a …
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Craze Brightens Outlook for Yogurt
The growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is reshaping the yogurt market, as consumers increasingly seek protein-packed snacks. Multiple brands are innovating with high-protein, low-sugar options.
Specialty Food Spotlight: Sampling Year Ahead With Winter Fancy Food Show
The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.
Brewing Gains: ‘Proffee’ Momentum Grows
Consumers are doubling down on their protein intake with a protein-infused coffee trend dubbed “proffee.” CPGs and retailers alike are hopping on to get a bit of the buzz.