FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 22, 2025

The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on eye-opening findings regarding alcohol consumption in America.

Alcohol Threats Abound: From Surgeon General to Dry Jan

Alcohol manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice segments have a lot to worry about heading into the new year, with Dry January and Surgeon General advisories advocating for sober-curious lifestyles. Time will tell if these movements make an impact.

Fewer Drinks, More Dessert at Home: Inflation’s Impact on Indulgence

Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease Increasing Sharply Among Women

“Was it the six-pack of wine called ‘Mommy’s Little Helper?’ Or ‘Mommy’s Time Out’ wine? Was it the funny phrase, ‘The most expensive part of having kids is all the wine you have to drink?’ The clothes and other goodies branded with, ‘Who is moderation?’ or ‘This is how you adult?’ Our society thinks it’s funny when women drink heavily,” Pengov said.

CosMc’s: Unraveling the Hype for the “Skip the Buzz” Generation

The arrival of McDonald’s new CosMc’s concept sent a wave of excitement rippling through the fast-food world.

Alcohol and No/Low Trends in 2024

Dozens of brands are experimenting in the nonalcoholic (NA) and low-alcohol space, offering consumers the opportunity to not so much choose sides but merely choose wisely according to their preferences, dietary needs, and personal goals. 

FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 3, 2024

The latest weekly Food Institute news podcast touches on the United Arab Emirates’ first brewery in its history.

Analysis: 3 Foodservice Delivery Trends in 2023, according to Third-Party Delivery

Even in the face of record inflation, consumers have remained resilient and have stuck with third-party delivery apps for the convenience of a delivered meal. But what exactly did they order in 2023?

L’Eggo My Waffle-flavored Adult Beverage

Mountain Dew, Simply Orange, and SunnyD have all launched alcohol products recently which have drawn the ire of consumer advocates.

What’s Up in the Wide World of Wine?

With younger generations seeking experiences and unique alcoholic beverages, what’s going on in the wide world of wine?

The Champagne Party Is Over. Or Is It?

According to media reports, the “party” may be over in champagne. After two years of record sales, France’s Comite Champagne announced in late July that 2023 champagne sales will be down to about 314 million …

FI Fast Break audio news: August 9, 2023

The latest FI news podcast touches on big changes occurring throughout the alcohol industry, as consumer habits evolve.

Analysis: Assessing Modelo Especial’s Ascent in America

For the first time, Mexican beer Modelo Especial recently became the top-selling beer in North America, surpassing Bud Light, which had been the number one beer for two decades. Modelo’s ascent in North America begs …

Alcohol To-Go Isn’t Going Away

Alcohol to-go has become a permanent fixture around the United States, presenting a massive growth opportunity for businesses.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 21, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on a potential breakthrough in diabetes care and insulin medication.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 14, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the future of vertical farms and controlled-environment agriculture.

Study: Most Americans Are Interested in Sober Bars

It appears many Americans are rather intrigued by the “sober curious” movement. A new study reveals that 51% of Americans wish they had access to a sober bar as an alternative to traditional watering holes …

FI Fast Break audio news: May 24, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the growth of seltzers and hard spirits as Summer 2023 approaches.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 26, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the uptick in alcohol purchases by consumers of late.

Economy Inspiring Big Changes Among Wine Brands

Recent financially driven decisions by major wine producer E&J Gallo underscore key changes impacting its industry. In the changing U.S. wine industry, it appears “less” may be “more.”

Report: Alcohol Increasingly Part of Super Bowl Parties

It appears overall alcohol consumption will be up at Super Bowl parties this year. Research by retail insights company 84.51°, however, shows an eye-opening drop in planned alcohol consumption among younger adults this year.

Drinking Less Isn’t Reserved for ‘Dry January’ Anymore

Less people are participating in Dry January this year, but data suggests that’s because drinking less alcohol is now on-trend year round.

Experts Predict Asian Food Boom in 2023

To hear experts tell it, an Asian food boom has begun in America. During Tuesday’s Food Institute webinar – “What’s Ahead in 2023?” –Solomon Choi, CEO of Jabba Brands, noted that internationally-inspired hard seltzers and …

High Tolerance: How Functional THC-infused Drinks & Snacks Could Alter the Industry

THC is one of the fastest growing ingredients in foodservice, increasingly legal, and visible amid a key demo—the millennials.

Kerry Unveils Flavor Trends to Watch for 2023

This article is written and sponsored by Kerry. Each year, Kerry evaluates trending flavors and tastes across five key categories: sweet, salty snack, savory, hot and dairy-based beverages, and cold and water-based beverages. Within each category, …

Survey Reveals Four Ways Americans are Cutting Food Costs

Inflation is hitting Americans hard and is causing most to cut back everyday items. A recent survey from Attest proves that food and beverages are not immune to necessary cutbacks. Dr. Lin Carson, CEO of …

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 2, 2022

The latest Food Institute news podcast analyzes recent predictions for a cooldown for food inflation in 2023.

Young Adults Embracing No- and Low-Alcohol Products

The low- and no-alcohol trend has only heated up in recent months, according to one industry expert.

IRI: Consumers Keeping Drinking Occasions Closer to Home

Consumers are looking to create entertaining experiences at home, and retailers should emphasize premium alcohol products as a result, IRI says.

Report: Canned Cocktail Craze Hitting High Gear

The canned cocktail trend is gathering momentum as the summer of 2022 rolls on.

Amid Labor Shortage, Michigan Allows Self-Service Alcohol Taps

After more than a decade of rapid growth, Starbucks is retrenching and closing several U.S. outlets due to security concerns.

FI Fast Break audio news: July 20, 2022

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we update worsening drought conditions in the U.S. and Europe. The Food Institute Podcast · FI Fast Break News – July 20, 2022 The FI …

Canned Cocktails Seen Growing on Convenience, Health Halo

Coca-Cola is teaming up with Jack Daniel’s distiller Brown-Forman to make a Jack-and-Coke cocktail in a can. The mashup is the latest development in the rapidly growing canned cocktail segment. In fact, the ready-to-drink cocktail …

Alcohol Outlook: Gen Z Pregaming and Exploring New Flavors

City National Bank’ Steve Ramirez and RBC Capital Markets’ Nik Modi discuss the alcohol outlook for beer, wine, and spirits.

A Closer Look at Alcoholic Beverage Trends

Steve Ramirez is a Vice President and Relationship Manager with City National Bank’s food and beverage group. Based in Los Angeles, he provides cash flow, asset-based lending, real estate and equipment financing expertise to family …

A Clear-Headed Look at the ‘Sober Curious’ Movement

The term “sober curious” has become part of the national lexicon in recent months. What is it, exactly? “Sober curious” is a social wellness movement that involves self-selecting out of alcohol consumption at times, without …