Employers across the U.S. decreased hiring in December, as COVID-19 cases were up and cities reimposed business restrictions. Throughout the month, job losses were largely concentrated among restaurants, bars, hotels, casinos, and other entertainment venues, …
While plant-based beef held center stage in 2020, vegan-friendly seafood appears to be waiting in the wings for its big moment. Veganism is as popular as ever, according to Google data showing vegan-related searches were …
With the USDA expected to issue a report Jan. 12 reducing its domestic corn stock outlook, grain prices spiked with corn prices nearing $5 per bushel Jan. 5. The increasing prices could signal a boon …
Impossible Foods is cutting foodservice distributor prices for the second time in a year as part of its push to better compete with traditional ground beef. The maker of soy-based meat alternatives is dropping prices …
Shake Shack is starting 2021 by spicing up fast food’s chicken sandwich war. The chain is rolling out the Korean-style Fried Chick’n Sandwich and Korean-style Gochujang Chick’n Bites, reported CNN (Jan. 5). Though the new …
Consumers are looking for healthier snacks and CPG companies are taking notice. Mondelez International’s 2020 State of Snacking report found that consumers are highlighting the importance of snacks that enable them to lead healthier lifestyles. At the …
McCormick & Company, which manufactures spices, seasoning mixes, and more for a large swath of the food industry, has worked feverishly in recent months to strengthen and diversify its business through strategic acquisitions. In particular, …
Since the beginning of the pandemic, indoor dining has been a point of contention for restaurants. After being banned for some time — leaving restaurants to rely on outdoor seating – indoor dining was brought …
The U.S. government’s latest dietary guidelines keep current allowances for sugar and alcohol consumption unchanged. The decision by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services rejected recommendations by a scientific advisory committee …
The coronavirus pandemic, and its subsequent restrictions, sent a shockwave through the U.S. job market in 2020, causing a ripple effect felt through much of the labor force. In short order, many jobs shifted, creating …
In addition to uncovering surprises in ancestral lineage, biotech services are now using DNA tests to develop personalized nutrition plans to help individuals reach optimum health, based on their genetic makeup. And while popular genealogy firms …
If 2020 proved anything, it’s that Americans simply can’t get enough hot chicken and pizza and pandemic lockdowns only strengthen the country’s demand for the two delivery staples. With many consumers preferring to eat at …
Among the changes forced by COVID-19, the typical consumer lunch hour has shifted to in-home dining. And consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are betting that relocation is a trend that’s here to stay. In fact, …
From Washington DC to farm fields throughout much of the country, the acronym ESG has become a rather hot-button issue of late. Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is a movement that’s undeniably gathering steam, …
Online sales for the 2020 holiday season started strong on Black Friday, coming in at a record-breaking $9 billion. That spending represents a 22% increase over a record $7.4 billion spent online in 2019. Traffic to physical …
In today’s world, people are looking for more than just an average cup of joe. And because the pandemic is keeping many consumers away from their local coffee shops, there’s a growing trend to recreate …
After months of uncertainty, 2021 looks more promising than one might assume for the food industry. For starters, Congress’s recent COVID-19 relief bill should provide a measure of assistance to restaurants and beer manufacturers alike. …
A new variant of COVID-19 and increasing concerns about the country’s exit from the European Union are causing significant problems in the U.K. days before Christmas. NEW COVID-19 VARIANT PUTS LONDON IN LOCKDOWN London and …
There is no doubt that restaurants have been beaten down during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or for a long period of time throughout the U.S., while others face uncertainty as many …
While some people have strayed from regular diet and exercise routines over the course of the pandemic, others have capitalized on the new stay-at-home lifestyle by focusing on wellness. Against this backdrop, and ahead of …
Food companies are showing their appreciation for employees in several ways as 2020 comes to a close. Chipotle has paid out over $40 million in bonuses and assistance pay to employees during COVID-19, reported QSR …
The pet food industry has grown sales throughout the pandemic, with pet adoption and pet gifts on the rise as well, reported MarketWatch (Dec. 17). Pet food helped boost sales at General Mills during its …
With limited quantities of the COVID-19 vaccine available, many groups a seeking priority for their employees—including the food industry. Administration of the vaccine began on Dec. 14 in the U.S. with early doses being set …
After missing analyst forecasts in its fourth quarter earnings report, Post Holdings has made acquisitions to diversify its portfolio. The company reported net sales of $1.4 billion—a decrease of 2.2% over the last year and …
Uber customers in California will see higher prices for rides and food deliveries to cover new driver protections, reported CNN (Dec. 14). The flat fees, ranging from $0.30 to $2, will take effect on Dec. …
Despite reaching a sobering coronavirus milestone earlier this week, U.S. drug stores and grocers are increasingly optimistic that they will be able to support in-store COVID-19 vaccination efforts as supplies become available at their stores. …
The QuickChek acquisition by Murphy USA in a $645 million deal, capping off a string of convenience store acquisitions during the first half of December. QuickChek, which began its operations as a dairy delivery service …
Almost 40% of Americans plan to spend less on gifts this holiday season, according to a CNBC economic survey. The average U.S. citizen plans to spend $886, down 10% from a year ago, as the …
The coronavirus pandemic has caused 8,400 retailers and 110,000 restaurants to close across the U.S. this year, according to industry statistics, reported The Economic Times (Dec. 14). And even more closures could be on the …
Despite its unassuming appearance and a flavor described sometimes as subtle or muted, the avocado’s growth in popularity has been quite an attention grabber. Whether it’s the fruit’s superfood status, the rise of guacamole as …
Starbucks has recently made several notable updates to its business, including boosting its outlook, announcing planet-forward initiatives, more diversity on its board, and better pay for employees. In its latest financial release, Starbucks reaffirmed its …
Three leading meat-industry trade groups are asking U.S. governors to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine access for meat workers, reported Winsight Grocery Business (Dec. 9). The North American Meat Institute, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the …
DoorDash raised $3.4 billion in its IPO, making it the second highest IPO in 2020, according to Renaissance Capital. The IPO represents a year of massive growth for the food delivery company. In the first …
Some McDonald’s franchisees said they would raise prices on Happy Meals after the company revoked a longstanding rebate to subsidize the cost of toys, reported The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 8). In January, the company …
U.S. online grocery sales reached $8.1 billion during November, continuing a trend of more than $8 billion in monthly sales dating back to May, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey. The survey …
China has started buying U.S. supplies of soybeans from next year’s crop much earlier than usual, reported Bloomberg (Dec. 7). The world’s top importer is loading up on U.S. crops, including corn and soybeans, to …
