The latest FI Fast Break news podcast examines the numerous CEO roles that changed hands at major CPG brands in 2025.
In other food industry news, the NRF estimates that a record 159 million shoppers will participate in the ‘Super Saturday’ event on Dec. 20. Moreover, nearly half of these shoppers will shop both online and in-store that day. Full Story
Meanwhile, a new survey revealed that 68% of shoppers are struggling to afford groceries. Swiftly’s survey also found that nearly 80% of consumers trust their neighborhood brick-and-mortar grocer to offer fair deals more than national retailers like Walmart or Amazon. Full Story
Elsewhere, food M&A is set for a health kick next year, with a recent advisory forum noting that protein and fiber will likely drive deal-making. There’s a decent chance of consolidation in protein, for example, because there are so many products that “you would think at some point they’ll get rolled up,” said Jeff Hechtman, partner at Kilpatrick Townsend, reported Just Food. Full Story
And finally, most business leaders agree that AI is the future; they just wished it worked better right now. A Forrester Research survey showed that just 15% of respondents saw profit margins improve from AI in the last year, and BCG found that only 5% of executives report widespread value from AI initiatives, reported Reuters via MSN. Full Story
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