Food companies limped through a bruising 2025 as CPG giants, grocers, and fast casual chains saw valuations crumble under weak demand and structural headwinds. Yet, recent weeks hint at selective rebounds, rewarding the players best positioned to execute in a more fragmented market.
Health-driven consumer habits are shaping produce trends, with broccolini selected as the 2026 Vegetable of the Year and sweet potatoes earning a spot as the honorable mention. FullTilt Marketing also identified the kabocha squash and endive as vegetables to watch this year.
The well-publicized lawsuit that claims McDonald’s misleads consumers with the McRib’s name has sparked debate over transparency in QSR marketing. While legal impact may be minimal, experts say perception risks could force tighter messaging and PR control.
Digital signage is becoming core QSR infrastructure, boosting ticket sizes, reducing decision fatigue, and strengthening guest trust through real time updates. Operators leveraging dynamic menus and time sensitive promos are benefitting.
AI-powered personalization, shifting health behaviors, and cost pressures are impacting restaurant strategies in 2026. Operators eye takeout growth and rising non alcoholic demand as key levers for expansion.
The Food Institute editorial team shares their 2026 food industry outlook in the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of the new year.
The Food Institute editorial team shares their 2026 food industry outlook in the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of the new year.
Sabine Schommer and Guido Hentschke explore how ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne serve as a meet-up for the snacking industry.
The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on projections for food industry M&A in 2026, including the role wellness is expected to play.
Adam Michaels, CEO of Mama’s Creations, shares how the deli category is evolving and is primed for innovation.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on President Trump’s plans to provide $12 billion in aid for farmers caught up in trade wars.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the future of fast-casual restaurant chains that rely on so-called “slop bowls.”
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.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on projections for a sizable uptick in Cyber Monday shopping.
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.
