Podcasts

FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 4, 2026

In the latest FI Fast Break news podcast, we examine the growing number of bankruptcies hitting the F&B world lately.

In other food industry news, some restaurants are hoping new, no-download mobile apps could inspire diners to order from them directly online, rather than DoorDash or Uber Eats. Tech startup Curate, which just raised $10M, says its “instant apps” help restaurants increase direct orders by allowing diners to bypass the app store, reported Restaurant BusinessFull Story

Meanwhile, AI-powered shelf intelligence is becoming grocers’ secret weapon for Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day demand surges. Real‑time, SKU‑level insights help retailers deploy labor strategically and keep popular shopping windows fully supplied. FI Focus 

Elsewhere, Impossible Foods CEO Peter McGuinness has stepped down after nearly four years in the role. The plant-based meat company said an executive leadership team will assume McGuinness’ responsibilities rather than a single CEO, reported Just FoodFull Story 

And finally, arsenic found in Fla. candy is raising wider concerns about food safety. Testing that flagged arsenic in some candy products is renewing fears of heavy metal contamination and highlighting broader regulatory and supply chain challenges for manufacturers, reported Food NavigatorFull Story 

Want to sponsor FI’s Fast Break podcast series? To discuss advertising options, contact FI’s Sales Director, Paola Garcia (paola.garcia@foodinstitute.com), or VP, Content & Relationships, Chris Campbell (chris.campbell@foodinstitute.com).