CEO Sees Extensive ‘Runway’ for Healthier Plant-Based Snacks

The founder of That’s it, a functional snack brand, feels that there’s a significant runway within the plant-based category, especially for healthier-for-you snacks.

Experts: ‘Veganuary’ Offers Big Opportunity for Food Businesses

Experts say restaurants and food manufacturers can capitalize on the “Veganuary” movement even without making significant investments.

Holiday Spending Rises as Consumers Show Appetite for Experiences

This holiday retail season looked different than years past, industry experts noted. Retailers discounted heavily but consumers diversified their holiday spending to accommodate rising prices.

Analysis: Consumer Spending Slowing, Even for the Wealthy

Due to the current inflationary environment, and with fears of a looming recession, analysis shows consumers are trading down in their spending, looking at less expensive brands and going for deals.

Consumers Break Black Friday, Cyber Monday Records

Despite recession fears, consumers were in a spending mood to kick off the holiday season, breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales records.

‘Contextual Commerce’ Reimagines Need-based Shopping

Grocers seeking the full potential of their digital platforms may want to investigate contextual commerce, wherein they present products to customers based on their wants and needs rather than the contents of traditional store aisles.

Survey: Despite Inflation, Americans Embracing Food Delivery

According to a new survey, on average, consumers spend $13 per order on so-called “hidden” delivery fees. Despite such fees, young adults seem willing to pay.

Sustainable Packaging Goals Must Be Aspirational and Achievable

As consumers are starting to demand more sustainable packaging solutions for foodservice products, operators, suppliers, and distributors must make sound business choices in their sustainability journeys.

Survey: Tracking Gen Z Food Preferences

Here are key stats on what, and where, Gen Z is eating these days, according to Piper Sandler’s Fall Taking Stock with Teens survey.

Halloween 2022 Preview: Less Candy, Cheaper Food Purchases

By the sounds of things, Halloween 2022 could be rather subdued. October 31 could have a different look and feel this Fall because many consumers are cutting back on spending. Retail data company 84.51° recently …

IRI: 5 Keys to Drive CPG Growth in 2023

As inflation continues, consumers are responding by shopping value channels more and buying fewer premium meals and snacks, according to IRI.

WATCH: Extreme Weather Continues to Threaten Supplies

Extreme weather events are making their impact felt across the globe, and that’s putting a strain on global food production and distribution.

How to Address Shoppers’ Health and Wellness Demands

Many shoppers remain health-conscious these days, despite rising food prices – 29% of consumers will pay a premium for products with health and wellness attributes.

Expert: Shoppers Looking Across Variety of Retailers for Best Deal

Grocery delivery is here to stay, but the option can be costly for grocers. Here is expert advice from fulfillment professionals on how to maximize profitability.

Trends Impacting the Dairy Industry

Jennifer Pricco Braasch is a managing director with City National Bank’s Food & Beverage Group. Based in Milwaukee, she supports industry executives with creative financing solutions and industry intelligence. The Food Institute recently asked her …

How Inflation’s Impacting Plant-Based Meat Sales

As a variety of factors aggravate the downward trajectory of alternative meat sales at retail, refrigerated varieties continue to fuel the category’s deceleration.

Q&A: Top Trends at 2022 Plant-Based World Expo

Culinary creativity was booming at the Plant-Based World Expo on September 8 in New York City. In this Q&A, Ben Davis, VP of Content at Plant Based World unpacks expo trends and key developments across the plant-based industry.

Report: Trends to Watch Include DTC Plant-Based Brands

The $7.44 trillion U.S food industry is investing in ecommerce, robotics, and technology like never before. Here are three noteworthy trends for food producers and grocery retailers to prioritize in the year ahead.

CEO: Marketing to Loyal Grocery Shoppers Imperative in 2022

Grocers must focus on solidifying loyalty among shoppers during economic turmoil, and a carefully considered advertising approach is key.

Analysis: Changing Pack Sizes Can Aid Grocers Amid Inflation

As many shoppers trade down brands in the wake of rising inflation these days, what retailers need to do to attract these customers differs based on their usual value proposition.

Report Shows Modern Consumers Demand Transparency from Brands

Industry insiders say retailers must offer deeper product information – beyond just labeling – to attract the attention of today’s consumers, many of whom demand environmentally friendly products.

Grocery Stores Diversify Pizza Offerings to Stay Competitive

As Americans aim to save on dining out amid inflation and restaurants battle labor and supply shortages, grocery stores strategize to please consumers’ pizza palates with frozen variety to deli and delivery convenience. Deli pizza …

‘Locavorism’ Trend Gaining Steam Despite Misconceptions

Eating local has developed a connotation for positive impact, from ethics to environment and even health, but how does the practice actually affect food systems, human systems and the planet? “There is not much evidence …

Amazon’s Grubhub+ Offering Signals New Approach to Loyalty

Food-based add-ins are playing a larger part in Amazon’s subscription plan, as retailers across the industry seek ways to combat fading customer loyalty and reduced spending. The addition of a year of Grubhub+ to Prime …

Some Pandemic Food Tech Here to Stay

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of U.S. adults released July 5 reveals nearly half of U.S. adults want to ditch virtual activities and ordering groceries online – but they’d still like …

Report: Modern Consumers Snacking with a Purpose

Earlier in the pandemic, snacking complemented remote work and supplemented restaurant dining and continues to replace meals with added bonuses. This year, Grubhub’s infamous lunch promotion was prompted by 69% of New Yorkers surveyed saying …

Cold Beverages Red Hot at Coffee Fest 2022

CHICAGO – While coffee shops had previously been viewed as a “third place” to hang out and meet friends over a cup of hot java, shops are evolving to offer more cold beverages along with …

TikTok Expert: Authenticity Key for Food Brands Marketing to Gen Z

With an endless supply of content and more than 50 million daily users, there is no shortage of ways for brands to market themselves on TikTok – particularly to Gen Z. In fact, half of …

‘Everything Shortage’ Intensifying, from Condiments to Corn

Add condiments and corn to the abundance of shortages from the international supply chain crises. Australia’s low on lettuce, the Philippines are short on sugar, and sunflower oil is scarce in Spain, Bloomberg reported. Inflation, …

Gen Z Stakes Its Claim as The ‘Foodie’ Generation

Being a “foodie” is now a central component of the Gen Z identity, according to a recent study from Cassandra by Big Village. According to the report, Young & Hungry, Gen Z considers themselves the …

Summer Fancy Food Show Highlights What’s Next in Plant-Based

Plant-based was a unifying theme at the Specialty Food Association’s 2022 Summer Fancy Food show last week, with companies showcasing unique innovations across multiple food and beverage categories. With that, the plant-based specialty retail market …

Rising Gas Prices Prompt Changes in Shopping Habits

With gasoline prices topping $6 a gallon in some parts of the U.S., consumers have been rethinking their shopping habits, opting against multiple trips and turning to superstores and online solutions to cut down on …

Sunny Side Definitely Up for Plant-Based Egg Market

In a quiet evolution from shelf stable baking substitutes to refrigerated scrambles and beyond, plant-based eggs are on the rise. Consumer awareness of plant-based egg products has been increasing, but it is still a small …

Consumer Spending Shifts as Recession Warnings Loom

With COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine buffeting supply chains, food availability and energy prices, economists are warning of dire times ahead as consumers shift spending patterns to cope with inflation. JPMorgan Chase & Co. …

Expert: Nutrition Should Be Focus for Plant-Based

When it comes to perceived health benefits, plant-based alternatives are at a pivotal juncture. On a recent Food Institute Podcast, Kerry Nutrition Scientist Nathan Pratt, PhD, RD, unpacked the challenges — and responsibilities — food …

Dollar Stores Cashing in Amid Inflation

Price-squeezed Americans are increasingly turning to discount stores, leading Dollar Tree and Dollar General to increase sales forecasts for the year. Dollar General even plans to open 1,110 new stores during the 2022 fiscal year, …