BREAKING: Panera CEO Steps Down

Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?

Circana Offers Advice for Avoiding Next Supply Chain Crisis

A new report urges grocers and manufacturers to adopt proactive strategies to navigate supply chain disruptions using real-time data analysis. Highlighting recent events like the Listeria-tainted meat recalls, the report underscores the importance of adapting swiftly to prevent inventory downturns during crises.

Starbucks Launches New Menu Laced With Global Flavors, Vegan Options

Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.

CES 2025 Preview: Sustainability, Automation Take Center Stage

CES 2025 promises to spotlight cutting-edge advancements in ag-tech and food tech. Food industry executives attending the event will gain firsthand insight into technologies addressing global challenges like sustainability, automation, and precision agriculture.

Chicken Chains Leading Fast Food’s Next Wave

Chicken chains are outpacing the broader dining sector, with fried chicken restaurants seeing a 4.3% increase in visits, driven by chicken’s versatility. KFC is taking advantage by launching its new “Saucy” brand.

Innovation in Food: The Evolution of an Industry at a Crossroads

The F&B industry is at a transformative crossroads, where AI-driven advancements, and the rise of functional foods, are reshaping how we think about nutrition. In 2025, the challenge will be balancing innovation with preserving the cultural essence of food.

Bird Flu Update: Scientists Fear U.S. Headed Toward Red-Light Scenario

The spread of bird flu has alarmed experts as it increasingly infects cattle and swine. With human cases rising and genetic mutations detected, the virus’s trajectory toward higher transmissibility could pose significant risks to humans, and the food supply chain.

Exec Notes PepsiCo 2025 Gen Z Playbook

PepsiCo recently told The Food Institute that it’s doubling down on Gen Z’s blurred meal and snack habits by embracing bold flavors and immersive brand experiences. The corporation is paying particularly close attention to trends inspired by TikTok.

FDA, USDA Evaluate Food-Labeling Burnout

The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.

Stories of the Year: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants

Hart House abruptly closed all four locations despite Kevin Hart’s backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing plant-based restaurants.

Stories of the Year: TGI Friday’s Bankruptcy Leaves Franchisees Holding $50M Liability

TGI Friday’s franchisees worry they may be on the hook for nearly $50 million in unredeemed gift card balances following the chain’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Stories of the Year: 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.

‘Bed Rotting’ Culture: What the F&B Industry Needs to Know

A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.

Farm Bill Extension: Crisis Averted, but for How Long?

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.

Retail’s Hidden Secret: Unlocking Quarter 5 Potential

The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.

Fewer Drinks, More Dessert at Home: Inflation’s Impact on Indulgence

Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.

Nestlé Protein Shots Touted as an Economical Ozempic Rival

Nestlé is tapping into the booming weight-loss market with Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a 45-calorie whey-protein solution designed to reduce appetite. Experts caution consumers about the shots’ limited effectiveness.

Navigating Food Supply Chain Challenges: Key Strategies for 2025

The global food supply chain faces mounting challenges, with 30% of food lost or wasted annually. To combat these hurdles, industry leaders are leveraging real-time tracking, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven automation.

California Declares State of Emergency Due to Bird Flu

California has declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu outbreaks affecting the poultry and dairy industries, with the first severe U.S. human case confirmed by the CDC and concerns over pandemic risks rising.

Food Industry Outlook: Where Are We, Where Are We Going?

Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.

Why Conagra Is Ready to Say ‘Arrivederci’ to Chef Boyardee

Conagra is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chef Boyardee brand, a once-dominant player now struggling amid shifting consumer preferences for healthier options, as many similar legacy brands face limited growth prospects.

IFMA Introduces Rebranded Identity at 2024 Presidents Conference

The 72-year-old organization recently unveiled a rebrand in a new video that retraces its history and reflects the changes seen in the food-away-from-home category since the pandemic.

Super Saturday to Entice Record Number of Shoppers

An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.

Driving Profit with the Better-for-You Shopper

The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.

Everyone’s an Expert: How TikTok Democratized the Culinary Scene

TikTok is driving viral food trends while spiking sales for some businesses. For food brands and restaurants, the platform’s unparalleled reach can spark both massive success and unexpected controversy.

Plant-Based 2.0: An Uphill Battle

Despite losing steam in recent years, the plant-based movement is still experiencing pockets of growth, supported by innovation. During the recent FI webinar on the F&B market, industry experts discussed the segment’s future.

GLP-1 Drugs: Food Industry Threat or Dieting Fad?

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are transforming dieting culture, offering a relatively easy solution to weight loss. While these drugs may disrupt food consumption patterns, their long-term impact hinges on overcoming high dropout rates and premium pricing, one industry insider says.

Concerned About Cybersecurity? Here’s 10 Crucial Tips

Imagine this scenario: it’s a busy Friday wrapping up the quarter. Your accounting department receives an urgent payment request from a key ingredient supplier. The request comes from the usual contact’s email and references a …

Fusion 2.0: ‘Chaos Cooking’ Turns Global Flavors on Their Heads

Chaos cooking, a culinary movement popularized by TikTok, involves combining unexpected ingredients to create bold, experimental dishes like birria ramen. Its playful fusion especially resonates with Gen Z.

5 Keys for Brands When Considering Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.

Brown Butter: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Trend to Watch in 2025

Brown butter is emerging as a major 2025 flavor trend, according to an Edlong report. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, its versatility and affordability make it a favorite among chefs and young demographics.

Phygital Prowess: 2025’s Recipe for Restaurant Success

As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.

Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets

Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.

Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks

Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.

Flat-Out Innovative: Oat Milk Sheets Require 94% Less Packaging

The new Flat Pack oat milk sheets by milkadamia reportedly reduce packaging waste by 94%. The shelf-stable solution allows consumers to make fresh oat milk in customizable portions, addressing the bulk of the category’s environmental challenges at the source instead of placing the burden on consumers.

BNPL Boom Boosting Holiday Spending

Buy-now-pay-later services are surging in popularity, with Adobe projecting $18.5 billion in holiday purchases this year. While retailers benefit from increased sales and lower fees compared to credit cards, experts warn that BNPL poses risks if not carefully regulated.