Focus Archive > Page 89

Younger Shoppers Seek Natural and Organic Products

It should be no surprise to regular readers of the Food Institute Blog and our other publications that younger shoppers are eschewing traditional food products for natural and organic ones. It seems that every week, …

Is Acme Stumbling in the North Jersey Market?

When the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company first unveiled its bankruptcy plans in 2015, we here at the Food Institute took particular notice. One of its Pathmark stores was just a stone’s throw away …

Online Sales Becoming More Important for Retailers and Grocers

In 2017, I’m not sure anything is more important for retailers, and grocers, than an online presence. Whether a company is an online startup or an established brick-and-mortar retailer, consumers are increasingly expecting digital offerings …

January Florida Crop Update, with a Bit of Texas Too

January is proving to be difficult for Florida growers. From storms to price decreases, agricultural producers in the region are contending with a myriad of challenges impacting their businesses and the quality of their products. …

McDonald’s Making Moves in 2017

Over the past few years, I’m not sure anything in the fast-food sector garnered as much attention as McDonald’s decision to begin offering all-day breakfast. Long awaited by many of the brand’s fans, and spear-headed …

Packaged Foods Rivals Unveil 2017 Product Plans

Jan. 10 was a busy day for packaged food rivals The Kellogg Co. and General Mills as both unveiled their product portfolio plans for the new year. New products, new varieties and new takes on …

West Coast Crabbers Go On Strike

Things haven’t been easy for Dungeness crabbers on the West Coast in recent years. Algae blooms and Domoic acid outbreaks have led to a variety of harvest closures from California through Canada. However, now that …

New Years’ Resolutions Start Early for SNAP Participants

We are in the final stretch of 2016: Thanksgiving is over, and grocery retailers are looking forward to holiday sales fueled by Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, certain things will be …

Cola Rivals Decide to Shake Things Up

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Microsoft vs. Apple. Star Wars or Star Trek? The list of classic rivalries goes on, but in the food sector, is there one as storied as …

Boulder County says ‘NO’ to ‘GMO’

Is there anything more polarizing thna genetically-modified crops? Proponents note that the GMO traits allow farm products to be perfected and grown even in the most adverse conditions, while those against the production technique cite …

Children’s Nutrition on the Rise, but Still Far From Ideal

It’s the week after Thanksgiving, and people across the nation are starting to think about the upcoming holidays. After enjoying a calorie-loaded feast Nov. 24, and anticipating more food opportunities as the end of the …

Thanksgiving 2016: Who’s Doing What?

In a few days, the vast majority of Americans will sit down for a meal with their loved ones and give thanks for a nearly-completed year. However, how those Americans will celebrate varies greatly by …

Looking for Growth in Smaller Settings

Sometimes bigger isn’t better, as more companies are looking at smaller store formats to grow its business. Three grocery operators, Sendik’s Food Markets, WinCo and Raley’s, recently revealed plans to open smaller format stores, while …

America Voted for More Than a President Nov. 8

It’s November 9th, and America has elected a new president. Donald Trump will assume the office of the chief executive on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, and it is certain things will be changing in the …

Advertisement
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
Advertisement

Changes Are Afoot at Whole Foods Markets

The darling of specialty food buyers and producers everywhere, Whole Foods Market seems to be making some shifts to better serve the customers and shareholders. From loyalty programs to CEO streamlining, the company is attempting …

Is the End of the Avocado Shortage In Sight?

For the better part of the year, avocados have been hard to come by. Despite high volumes and great prices for consumers in 2015, 2016 hasn’t been kind to the popular super-fruit. Weather and labor …

USDA Reports Record U.S. Meat Production in 2015

Meat lovers: USDA has good news for you. U.S. red meat and poultry producers had a banner year in 2015, according to USDA. During the year, the two industries combined for a record high of …

One Year Later, Chipotle is Still Looking to Rebound

It’s been quite a year for Chipotle Mexican Grill. As previously reported in the Food Institute Blog, Chipotle Mexican Grill has been on the offensive to woo back customers following disasterous foodborne-illness outbreaks in 2015. …

Robots in Restaurants: Are They Taking Human Jobs?

Technology is developing at an exponential rate, and it’s not isolated to Silicon Valley startups. Food companies across the globe are starting to grapple with the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics in …

Consumers Have Positive Emotions for Food Industry Companies

Emotion, commonly understood as the most significant driver of customer loyalty, can pay huge dividends for companies. And for the food industry; that’s a good thing. According to the 2016 Temkin Emotion Ratings, consumers are …