FI Spotlight – Food Industry Alert: Top Tech Trends from CES 2026

CES 2026 did not disappoint! From fully automated robotic baristas to self-charging warehouse vehicles, here are a few of our highlights from this year’s show.

Food for Thought Leadership: 2026 Food Industry Outlook

The Food Institute editorial team shares their 2026 food industry outlook in the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of the new year.

What’s Ahead in 2026?

2025 was a year of major shifts for the food and beverage industry, shaped by tariffs, rapid advances in AI, the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, and evolving consumer expectations. But what comes next? In ...

Food for Thought Leadership: How Mama’s Creations Is Reinventing the Deli Case

Adam Michaels, CEO of Mama’s Creations, shares how the deli category is evolving and is primed for innovation.

This AI Robot Cooks Burgers In Half the Time

Do you like burgers? How about getting a burger in a fraction of the time it might take you just to give your order? That’s the purpose of the Alpha Grill. It’s a new invention ...

FI Spotlight: Modern Twists on Southern Staples at the 2025 Food + Wine Classic Charleston

The 2025 Food + Wine Classic in Charleston showcases modern twists on southern staples that are shaping the industry in 2026. From global flavors and Lowcountry staples to non-alcoholic beverages and bold culinary innovation, here’s ...

Beyond the Brand: The Road Ahead for Private Label

Private label products are no longer a quiet category — they’re leading the charge in food retail innovation. In this FI-exclusive webinar, industry leaders explore how shoppers balance value, quality, and brand trust as private ...

Food for Thought Leadership: AI Agents Are on the Rise in the Food Industry and Here’s Why

Barry Thomas, senior thought leader at Kantar, unpacks the rapid rise of agentic AI — a new class of AI systems that don’t just generate information, but take action on behalf of the user.

CES 2026: The AI Revolution Unleashed

It’s that time again! The Food Institute takes a closer look at the tech industry’s hottest trade show, CES. We speak with CTA Sr. Director of Trends and Innovation Brian Comiskey about what to expect ...

Food for Thought Leadership: How Lasso is Reinventing Food Manufacturing

Former Oatly U.S. President Mike Messersmith explores how Lasso’s SpinTech could transform food processing, creating sustainable, high-protein, clean-label innovations with new textures and ingredient possibilities.

How This Top Robotics Company is Enhancing the Shopper Experience

When it comes to retail technology, it’s all about innovation and precision, and Tally is no exception. A new creation from Simbe Robotics, Tally helps grocers stay on top of all retail operations, from inventory ...

Winter FancyFaire Surprises You Can’t Miss

SPONSORED CONTENT The Specialty Food Association knows how to host a good trade show, and now they are taking it to the next level. Join the Food Institute as we get the latest on their ...

How MenuData Unlocks the Future of Foodservice and Retail Data

The Food Institute’s CEO & Managing Partner, Brian Choi, sits down with Sunny Khamkar, Co-Founder and CEO of MenuData, for a high-level discussion on the future of food and beverage. Their conversation explores how data ...

FI Spotlight: The Ultimate Food Industry Taste Test – Are Private Labels Worth the Savings?

We all know that private label products are easier on the wallet these days, but how do they hold up, taste-wise? We put several private label foods to the test, comparing it in a blind ...

Acosta Group Shares Insights and Key Strategies for the Convenience Channel

SPONSORED CONTENT What foods and beverages are shoppers looking for in convenience stores? How often are they shopping convenience and does location matter? How can c-store retailers connect with these consumers in the most effective ...

Food for Thought Leadership: The Return to Real with Robyn Carter

Robyn Carter, founder and CEO of Jump Rope Innovation, explores the concept of the “return to real” in today’s food industry.

How Albertsons Is Redefining the Shopping Experience

Retail media is getting personal. George Hajjar of The Food Institute talks with Liz Roche of Albertsons Media Collective about how data, creativity, and collaboration are transforming how brands connect with shoppers in-store and online. ...

Why Retail Media Networks Are Transforming Food Marketing

Do you want to know what’s driving consumer behavior in 2025? Or how about how to better engage the shopper with smarter retail media strategy? Check out FI’s interview with Bobby Watts, SVP and Executive ...

FI Spotlight: Are Victory Gardens Stealing Your Shoppers?

Victory gardens are making a comeback, but this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a market signal for grocery and food & beverage executives. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are growing their own food for savings, health, and ...

Why The Winter FancyFaire App Will Change Your Trade Show Experience

SPONSORED CONTENT If you’ve ever been to a trade show, the first feeling of attending is always overwhelming - so much to do and see, and so little time. That’s where the Specialty Food Association ...

Food for Thought Leadership: How SKU Is Shaping the Next Generation of CPG Brands

Kellanova vice president Dr. Deepali Palta shares how a focus on the consumer, business, and technology impact global innovation at the company.

How This Smart Shelf Tech Is Transforming Grocery Retail

Discover how VusionGroup is helping grocers modernize their shelves with digital price tags, real-time pricing, and data-driven ROI. From boosting efficiency to enhancing the shopper experience, this is what the future of grocery retail looks ...

Identifying Key Insights and Effective Strategies to Drive Growth in the Grocery Retail Space

SPONSORED CONTENT Today’s grocery shopping space is changing by the minute. With the goal of getting back to growth for retailers and CPG, what are the tools, from revenue growth management to retail media networks ...

What Makes San Diego Perfect for Food Lovers? SFA’s Winter FancyFaire Investigates

SPONSORED CONTENT From fish tacos to authentic gelato to bold-flavored cocktails, San Diego has long been known for its vibrant culinary scene. Now, it’s a place the Specialty Food Association wants to explore to the ...

The Power of the Consumer: Top Industry Execs Share the Latest Food Retail Insights

Shoppers are playing a bigger role than ever in shaping the future of the food and beverage industry. From emerging trends to the rise of the MAHA movement, understanding what drives consumer choices is key ...

Where to Find Top Food Trends in 2026

SPONSORED CONTENT These days, consumers don’t just want delicious food – they also want unique eating experiences. So, what should food companies know when it comes to the latest trends in the F&B industry? That’s ...

Q4 Crunch Time: Foodservice Foot Traffic & Trend Insights

Foot traffic and consumer trends are shifting across the foodservice landscape—from fast-casual to full-service to quick-service segments. The Food Institute hosted a data-driven discussion on the factors shaping restaurant performance in the second half of ...

Food for Thought Leadership: Kellanova’s Deepali Palta on AI, Sustainability, and Growth

Kellanova vice president Dr. Deepali Palta shares how a focus on the consumer, business, and technology impact global innovation at the company.

Why Is Everyone Excited for the Winter FancyFaire?

SPONSORED CONTENT After dominating the specialty food space with its fancy food shows, The Specialty Food Association is ready to take the category by storm once again, with the first annual Winter FancyFaire. Taking place ...

FI Spotlight: Surviving Tariffs – True Stories from Food Entrepreneurs

We all know about tariffs. We can’t stop hearing about them in the news and in daily conversations. But what are tariffs really​ like for business owners? The Food Institute talked to 5 business owners ...

Food for Thought Leadership: Nostalgia vs. Novelty with Mike Kostyo

Menu Matters vice president Mike Kostyo joins Chris Campbell to discuss the push and pull between nostalgia and novelty in the food industry.

Metabolic Health and Weight Management in the GLP-1 Era

It is no surprise that consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness. In particular, weight management has become a key priority for many consumers, with GLP-1 drugs emerging as one of several tools being ...

FI Spotlight: What Makes Maduros So Special?

To kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, we're shining a spotlight on a staple that's evident in a wide variety of Hispanic cuisines and comes from the multibillion-dollar global market giant that is the plantain. ...

Smarter Supply, Smarter Service: How AI is Transforming Foodservice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the foodservice industry—from how food is produced and delivered to how it’s prepared and served. The Food Institute explored how AI is driving innovation and efficiency across the entire foodservice ecosystem, ...

FI Spotlight: Groceryshop 2025 – The Must-Attend Event for Grocery Executives

Do you work in the Grocery industry? Mark your calendar for Groceryshop 2025, which will take place from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. In the meantime, Groceryshop VP of content Rocquan ...

FI Spotlight: CEOs Reveal 4 Key Trends Driving Consumer Behavior in 2025

Inflation. Flavor Trends. Tariffs. These are just some of the issues surrounding the food and beverage industry, especially the specialty food category. Where are consumers doing the most grocery shopping right now? What topics are ...