Asian Food & Grocery Proliferates

According to recent data from Technomic, Asian casual-dining chains experienced sales growth of more than 24% in 2023 – nearly six times the average for casual dining as a whole. 

Sealing the Deal: Certifications Become Competitive Edge for Food

Today’s consumer is interested in far more than just taste when it comes to the food they purchase. The values and the mission of the brands they buy from need to align with consumers’ beliefs. …

High-Fat Diets Linked to Anxiety

New research may make some consumers think twice before ordering a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, suggesting high-fat diets may fuel anxiety.

AI-Driven CPG Platform Keychain Adds Former Whole Foods Exec to Key Role

CPG manufacturing platform Keychain has appointed Mitchell Madoff to Head of Retail Partnerships. The Foxtrot transplant and former Head of Whole Foods Private Label brings with him an extensive background in CPG and private label spanning over two decades.

Sustainably Sourced Chocolate: An Evergreen ESG Splurge?

Consumers frequently express a willingness to pay extra for products they perceive to be sustainable, but actual shopping behavior often tells a different story. What sets sustainably sourced chocolate apart from the rest?

Intermittent Fasting 101: How the Diet Trend is Reshaping Habits

Intermittent fasting is an approach to weight management that many people swear by these days. The simple act of reshaping how you eat – and strategizing when you eat — provides benefits that may improve one’s overall health. Here’s what you need to know.

Going Electric: Walmart Commits to Digital Signage

“The digital element presents an expanded shopper/marketer revenue stream for the company,” Zakowicz said.

Fountain of Youth? Collagen-Infused Beverages Show Big Potential

Collagen-infused drinks are catching on. Dr. Danielle Kelvas, for one, thinks using collagen – a protein that, among other things, gives skin its elasticity – as an ingredient can create ideal functional beverages.

Hummus: The Original Plant-Based Dip

According to Brightfield research group, the top need states searched online with hummus over the past three years are functional health, digestive health, and sustainability, while the top nutrition states are low sugar, low carb, and high protein – all benefits from the humble chickpea.

Innovation and Inflation: Dual Forces Shaping the Plant-Based Milk Market

Milk alternatives continue to hold the largest share of the plant-based category as innovations intrigue a broader group of consumers. But inflation remains a challenge and some varieties are facing more scrutiny from consumers.

Has Raw Milk Gotten a Raw Deal?

While cow’s milk has waned in popularity, the reputation of raw milk has curdled from being the only show in town to a product whose mere mention is fodder for the most heated of internet debates.

Trade Tensions Escalate: China Targets EU Pork and Dairy Amid EV Dispute

China is fighting back against EU anti-subsidy plans, and is collecting evidence for an investigation into EU pork and dairy products.

Luxury Fruit is Now a Status Symbol

From $8 strawberries to $400 pineapples, a niche group of U.S. shoppers are paying top dollar for premium fruits.

Survey Shows In-Store Shopping Still Very Much Matters

While e-commerce continues to gain ground, most consumers still appreciate the in-store shopping experience, according to a new survey.

Survey Shows Retail Workers Prefer Practical Tools over AI

Today’s retail workers are most eager to be equipped with tools that help them tackle inefficient tasks, particularly when interacting with customers.

Brewing Change: Iced Tea Stealing Spotlight from Soda

Iced tea has enjoyed sweet success of late, and a new survey suggests the drink poses a serious threat to carbonated soft drinks.

Top 5 Casual-dining Restaurant Chains by Sales

Olive Garden’s sales have bloomed even as the economy has wilted, topping the list of U.S. casual-dining chains in terms of systemwide sales.

Gone ‘til September: Huy Fong’s Sriracha is Orange and in Short Supply

Huy Fong doesn’t just lead the category in the United States – it by and large created the category over 40 years ago when it debuted its sriracha in 1980, fostering a dedicated fandom that has only grown via endless professional collaboration and licensing coupled with decidedly non-professional experimentation from hotheads coast to coast, kitchen to kitchen.

Fast-Food Chains Betting on Bite-Sized Snacks

These days, mini meals have major appeal for Gen Z. QSRs have taken notice, with new offerings like KFC’s Apple Pie Poppers.

Dollar Stores Have Reached An Inflection Point

The performance of dollar store stocks suggested investors believed Walmart’s best days were behind it. They were wrong.

Harvard: Planetary Health Diet Can Lower Risk of Premature Death

A new study revealed that people who eat a according to a Planetary Health Diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death.

Plant-based Consumers’ Favorite QSRs

U.S. consumers love fast food and those who follow a plant-forward diet are no exception. Which quick service restaurants (QSRs) are plant-based consumers seeking out this year?

Frozen Heats Up the Market at Frozen IQ 2024

The agenda at Frozen IQ was very simple – to empower and grow the frozen food industry through the sharing of insights and opportunities.

Wild Results: Buffalo Wild Wings Promotion Pays Huge Dividends

The promotion, which started in mid-May, saw visits on Monday, May 27 increase nearly 56% compared to the average number of Monday visitors from the four months prior.

Feeling the Squeeze: Orange Juice Prices Continue to Climb

Orange juice futures are up more than 400% since 2020, and the rising prices have consumers wondering if the juice is truly worth the squeeze.

Gut Feelings: Experts Largely Bullish on Prebiotic Sodas

Many industry experts believe prebiotic sodas represent a gut-health trend with real staying power as major soda brands appear poised to respond.

Prognosis Positive: Dr Pepper Overtakes Pepsi as No. 2 Soda in America

Dr. Pepper: call it soda or call it pop, but either way, there’s a new no. 2 soda in America, and it isn’t Pepsi.

Top Trends to Spice Up Summer Grilling Sales

One in five consumers plan on grilling more this summer according to new shopper survey insights from Acosta Group.

Chef Robert Irvine’s 4 Pillars to Business Leadership

Despite his unrivaled work ethic, celebrity chef Robert Irvine has learned the value of delegating, and listening to, employees. “I learned to listen, because you get more from listening,” he told FI.

The Food Dye Dilemma: Manufacturers Navigate New Regulations

Are the days of artificial red coloring numbered? Perhaps, judging by recent regulations and subsequent moves by major food manufacturers.

Private Label Drives Summer Growth

For many major retailers, the latest quarterly results tell a familiar tale: consumers are fed up with high prices, spending less, and commodifying their loyalty by taking the best deal right now, regardless of whose logo adorns their grocery bag or shopping cart. 

Investors See Cava as the “Next Chipotle”

Cava has intrigued investors, as CEO Brett Schulman has argued that Mediterranean food is the “next large-scale cultural cuisine category.”

A Fork in the Road to Sustainability: Nestlé’s New Plant-Based Fork

The innovation is a key part of its commitment to eliminate or reduce plastics in packaging while scaling reusable and refillable systems.

Bird Flu Approaching Danger Point

The USDA is ramping up efforts to stem H5N1 avian influenza as the virus has spread to a third worker, and cattle in at least nine states,

Can Limited Ingredients Boost Plant-Based Snack Sales?

Consumer demand for clean labels, convenience, and health continues to rise, and many plant-forward snack brands are tapping into this trifecta. Can limited ingredients boost plant-based snack sales?

The Age of Discontent: Gen Z is Frustrated At Work

Gen Z workers reported being less engaged with their jobs than all workers (81% versus 88%) and continue to drive the “quiet quitting” trend according to new research.