Diageo, the spirits giant, is shifting its long-standing strategy by selectively selling off brands. The industry is watching closely to see whether this pivot will strengthen Diageo’s future or mirror the struggles of American food conglomerates.
Fusion-driven Korean entrees, cleaner frying oils, and multi-textured beverages were a few underrated trends on display at the recent NRA Show. From indulgent Gochujang Fried Chicken Sliders to Noli Fruit Oil’s eco-conscious frying solution and TikTok-worthy Fiery Dill Pickle Lemonade, brands tapped into recent trends.
By 2050, the average consumer’s diet will look much different than today, shaped by AI, sustainability, and ethically sourced ingredients. Experts predict that ancient grains, fermented foods, and berries will land on consumers’ plates far more frequently in the future.
Target has struggled to define a unique place in its market, watching rivals like Walmart and Costco capitalize on growth opportunities while its own stock and sales falter. Target’s leadership now faces a critical moment to convince investors that it can once again turn challenges into triumphs.
The “Return to Real” trend signals a growing consumer shift toward authenticity–favoring simple, transparent ingredients and tangible, in-person experiences over hyper-enhanced, tech-driven products. For food industry leaders, this presents a chance to embrace nostalgia, highlight natural ingredients, and rethink marketing strategies to align with consumers’ craving for genuine connection.
Gen Z men are increasingly embracing meat consumption as part of a shift toward hyper-masculinity, fueled by online influencers and rebranded narratives that position beef as essential for peak physical performance. The trend presents a key opportunity for the food industry.
With ingredient bans, rising tariffs, and the influence of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, the CPG industry faces a pivotal moment. Forward-thinking brands that embrace strategic supply chain shifts and data-driven consumer insights are most likely to emerge as winners, experts say.
Starbucks is betting big on European-style aperitivo culture, launching an afternoon menu of small plates and drinks to boost sluggish post-morning sales. CEO Brian Niccol aims to rekindle the coffee chain’s social ambiance.
This year, moms are wishing for a “timeout” on Mother’s Day, with 44% of participants wanting someone else to plan the big meal in an OpenTable survey. The research also revealed that nearly a third of moms are considering dining out solo on Mother’s Day in 2025, reflecting an increased desire for “me time.”
Bold global flavors are captivating the culinary world, with 87% of Gen Z diners craving international tastes like those offered by Minor’s sauces and concentrates. As consumer demand for diverse cuisines surges, such products can help food businesses thrive in the trend-driven market.
Independent cafés and mid-sized coffee chains are chipping away at the dominance of Starbucks and Dunkin’, leveraging bold menu experimentation to capture customers. Challenger brands are expanding aggressively, too.
Recent moves in the yogurt segment from CPG giants signal a strong category foundation heading into an uncertain economic future—a white horse amid other stagnating retail categories. Danone, for example, beat out analyst expectations with its Q1 sales.
Daily coffee consumption has increased nearly 7 percent since 2020, partly thanks to the continued interest in specialty brews. FI spoke with several industry professionals about the latest trends, and the impact that tariffs will have on the industry.
Kraft Heinz’s recent quarterly earnings report posted year-over-year organic volume declines of 7.1% for the period. One potential culprit: the brand’s iconic Mac & Cheese brand is among their weakest performers, per management.
Amid an uncertain economic environment instigated by tariffs, C-suite executives across the U.S. are dialing back business expenditures. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump indicated he may alter course on his economic plan.
The beverage industry is witnessing a seismic shift as younger, socially conscious consumers favor cold drinks, like cold brew coffee and functional juices. Nestlé Professional Solutions has capitalized on this momentum with innovative product launches that expand opportunities for foodservice businesses.
The popularity of GLP-1 medications is compelling brands to innovate with smarter portion sizes and functional ingredients. This shift represents a revolutionary convergence of biotech, nutrition science, and consumer demand, reshaping how food supports appetite management and metabolic health.
General Mills faces mounting challenges such as market volatility and cautious consumer behavior, as tariff pressures also begin to weigh on its performance. It begs the question: Can legacy brands reclaim their once-unshakable dominance?
The 2025 American Diner Trends Report uncovered the top dealbreakers that deter diners, such as negative word-of-mouth, health inspection warnings, and long wait times. With distinct preferences emerging among Gen Z and older cohorts, the report illustrated how restaurants can win over consumers.
The battle between private label and name brands has taken a new form as analysts portend a stagnating global own brand market. The path ahead relies on innovation and retail portfolio synergy, NIQ noted.
With food-related holidays happening almost daily, brands are capitalizing on events like National Burrito Day (April 3) to drive sales, boost loyalty program engagement, and introduce gamified promotions. Restaurants from Chipotle to Taco Bell are taking advantage, rolling out limited-time deals.
Non-alcoholic wines, such as alcohol-removed Sauvignon Blanc, are growing in popularity as more consumers aim to moderate or eliminate alcohol consumption. Despite challenges in replicating the complexity of traditional wines, innovations in production methods are driving opportunities in NA wine.
The 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo featured celebrity chefs, expert mixologists, and food suppliers. Key themes included authenticity, “unreasonable hospitality,” and organically growing and cultivating a staff.
The plant-based food industry may have found a way through its stagnation. A recent report found consumers increased their plant-based purchases throughout 2024, a signal of a healthy year ahead. Nutpods CMO Patrick Coyle recommended brands in the sector strike the right balance between “value” and “values.”
Gen Z consumers demand authenticity from brands, viewing them as extensions of their personal identity. One restaurant consultant notes that, to capture Gen Z’s loyalty, businesses must align with their values and leverage micro-influencers for genuine connections.
A recent report from NCS Solutions shows that nearly 50% of Americans are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2025, with Gen Z leading the movement. Bill Shufelt, CEO of Athletic Brewing Company, highlighted the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic sector, driven by health-conscious trends, at the recent UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference.
Hungryroot, a survivor of the DTC meal-kit boom, pivoted from a narrow CPG business model to a distributor model with a limited assortment retail interface, leading to significant success. By focusing on a small list of ingredients, Hungryroot transformed into an online grocer that offers personalized meal planning.
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.
The plant-based food industry is at an inflection point: recent data suggests that interest in the lifestyle decreased somewhat in 2024 from the year before. Innovations in the space, however, have given the sector the tools to cater to consumer pain points.
So-called “Galentine’s Day” has evolved into a lucrative dining phenomenon as group reservations surge and Gen Z fuels a rise in double dates – which offers foodservice operators a prime opportunity to capitalize on this nontraditional celebration.
The future of alt-meat could very well be driven not by vegetarians but by adventurous flexitarians – omnivores eager to explore alternatives. Minimally processed plant-based options will be key, said Indy Kauer, leader of the Plant Futures Collective.
As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.
The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.
As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.
Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.
