When ordering tacos from a foodservice outlet, the last thing you might expect would be this phrase: “Would you like fries with that?” Yet, on Jan. 25, across the nation, diners at Taco Bell will …

I remember when I first began my career with the Food Institute, I was a bit flustered by the enormity of it all. At times, the food industry can seem like a mammoth. Regulatory issues, …

In the U.S., the spotlight is on Amazon, and for good reason. The company’s recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market, it’s potential foray into the pharmaceuticals business and its omnipresent share of e-commerce sales during …

It was but a few moments after I clicked “SEND” on Today in Food that the buzz around the office started: Target was buying Shipt for $550 million. So let’s dive on in to this …

What do you do when you announce you are about to close nearly 400 stores, but then find out through the legal system you are obligated to keep more than 75 of them open? Starbucks …

The trials and tribulations of Chipotle Mexican Grill is not a new topic for The Food Institute Blog. Both Jennette and I have opined in the past regarding the slew of food safety scares and …

On a recent visit at a friend’s house, I had a moment of clarity to see how technology is becoming such a major facet of everyday life. Clearly, we cover technological advancements pretty regularly here …

After four days out of the office, we are back doing what we do best at the Food Institute offices: keeping an eye on the food industry. Although today is Cyber Monday, we are starting …

Hurricane Irma was not kind to Florida’s citrus industry, which was already besieged by dwindling production and citrus greening disease. In an effort to defend Florida’s iconic agricultural industry, both federal and state government programs …

In just over a week, families across the U.S. will be sitting down for a Thanksgiving meal that features turkey, mashed potatoes and a variety of other American staples. I know my family will be …

There are about two months remaining in 2017, and retailers are preparing for the Thanksgiving and winter holiday seasons. However, savvy industry members are also looking to what will be hot in 2018, and Whole …

Food labeling regulation, once a stalwart of FDA policy, has entered a state of flux. Food companies now need to negotiate a minefield of changing rules and evolving enforcement policies. Manufacturers also face an increasing …

At a recent meal out, I took a look at the table-top tablet in front of me and took stock of changes affecting the restaurant industry. Customers are beginning to expect personalization in ways never …

Voice-ordering devices. Smart thermostats. Mobile-connected cameras. Even Internet of Things-enabled fridges that allow for re-ordering: It seems brands and retailers want to get into consumers’ homes, but the level is accelerating. About a month ago, …

Pesticides and herbicides are a controversial subject of discussion in the food world. Some would argue they are absolutely vital to a thriving food system by ensuring pests and invasive weeds do not decimate crops, …

If you’ve been following the Food Institute in any capacity over the course of the past year, you know we’ve been keeping our eyes on sugary beverage taxes, or “soda taxes.” We’ve reported on some …

One thing is clear: Florida’s all orange forecast will be down in the 2017-2018 season. The real question is, “by how much?” USDA’s 2017-2018 Florida all orange forecast is at 54.0 million boxes, 21% less …

Led Zeppelin released Led Zeppelin II on Halloween of 1969, and the following year, “Whole Lotta Love” was released as the lead single for the record. Although an interpretation of the song’s lyrics might not …

There’s a lot to be optimistic about in the food and beverage industry. Manufacturers have continued their solid run over the past year, and the near-term outlook looks bright as well. But in an industry …

When you go to the supermarket and grab an item, what is the first thing you check? The nutrition label might be a logical answer, but for many Americans, this might not be the case. …

Autumn is officially upon us, but it doesn’t feel like it at the Food Institute headquarters where we are still contending with ninety degree days. However, in the spirit of the season, the American Farm …

Here at the Food Institute Blog, we regularly write about how retailers and food producers are trying to get a foothold in customers’ doors. From grocery delivery programs to Internet of Things-connected fridges to digital …

For many children throughout the country, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple. And if we are being honest, it remains a frequent aspect of my adult diet, as well. However, with the rising …

If you’ve been reading The Food Institute Blog, you know that sugar-sweetened beverage taxes have been one of the hottest topics in the food industry over the past two years. Proponents note the potential health …

The U.S. Apple Association held its annual Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference Aug. 24 and Aug. 25 in Chicago, IL, and the meeting gave a peek into what is coming for regional U.S. apple …

Production of both cattle and calves and hogs and pigs in the U.S. and Canada are on the rise, according to a pair of joint reports issued by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and …

Ah, the internet. As a Millennial, I can admit my life pretty much revolves around the use of it. At work, I scour the web for stories for Today in Food, The Food Institute Report …

Cook County, IL, first approved a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks, in hopes of raising $200 million a year, in November 2016. It was the seventh local government in the U.S. to pass such a …

It seems that Target doesn’t want to sit on its laurels. Yesterday, Jennette wrote about two moves from Target. Specifically, she noted that the company hired executives that had previously worked at Walmart and General …

News can come at you fast in the food industry, so today, I’m going to provide a few quick updates on two stories I’ve been following recently in our blog. Story 1: The Tale of …

For an industry still reeling from the effects of avian influenza, the European egg market may see some dramatic changes in the coming weeks after a pesticide scare was reported in connection to certain Dutch …

When it comes to sugary beverage taxes, nothing is ever quite simple. In the past, The Food Institute Blog has looked at the tax in Philadelphia and a similar ordinance in Berkeley, CA. Although retailers …

For the first time in nearly a decade and a half, Japan will increase emergency tariffs on imported frozen beef due to soaring shipments. Japan plans to raise tariffs on imported beef from the current …

“We’re fascinated with robots because they are reflections of ourselves.” The quote above is attributed to Kenneth Y. Goldberg, an American artist, writer, inventor and researcher in the field of robotics and automation. Additionally, his …

In what is becoming a common refrain in the Food Institute offices, it appears Chipotle Mexican Grill just can’t catch a break. As Jennette expertly opined on last week, Chipotle is contending with a new …

By now, if you haven’t heard about the Amazon deal to purchase Whole Foods Market, you’ve clearly been living under a rock. In the wake of the news, much of the press has focused on …