In the latest FI Fast Break news podcast, we examine the trend of diners demanding absurdly spicy food at restaurants.
In other food industry news, on Wednesday, two Tyson beef plants were expected to lay off approximately 5,000 total employees, following the company’s decision late last year to close its Lexington, Neb., facility and convert its Amarillo, Texas, beef plant to “a single, full-capacity shift,” reported MEAT+POULTRY. Full Story
Meanwhile, the 2026 Winter FancyFaire spotlighted a wave of genre-bending innovation, from collagen-packed “beauty drinks” to Asian-inspired comfort mashups. Wellness shots, playful chocolates, and global better-for-you brands largely stole the show. FI Focus
Elsewhere, the recent ban of intoxicating hemp products and beverages could pose a threat to C-store retailers investing in the category, according to NACS. “The convenience industry is ideally suited to carry hemp and THC products that customers want – the industry’s track record for responsible retailing of age-gated products is unmatched,” the NACS said. Full Story
And finally, the E.U. is considering a so-called “trade bazooka” as President Trump continues to threaten to take over Greenland. E.U. ambassadors have agreed to ramp up diplomatic pressure to stop Trump’s threat of 10-25% tariffs unless the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland, reported USA Today. Full Story
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