“What is the route to market?” Carroll wondered. “That’s what we all used to say – ‘what is the route to market?’ Today, though, it’s the route to me. Give me what I want, when I want it, as conveniently as possible.”
Nespresso’s Jessica Padula discusses the company’s history, its unique place in the coffee space, and how it views loyalty.
According to Circana Group and reported by The Wall Street Journal, nearly half of American consumers snack three times or more every day, a figure up 8% in the past two years. Last year, U.S. snack sales soared to over $180 billion, up 11% from the previous year.
There are many notable jerky and meat snack companies out there and most are thriving as the snackification of America continues apace. Jerky in any form has been a staple snack since navigators used sextets to sail the seven seas and discover more jerky, as John Smith is purported to have in the early 1600s when he marked a map of Virginia and wrote, “as drie as their jerkin beefe in the West Indies.”
Input costs are up, prices are falling, volumes are down. It’s an unprecedented environment.
Why is Beyond Meat struggling? What will last in the plant-based category, and will it ever grow again? And what can other founders learn from this classic case of irrational exuberance? The answers may still surprise you.
“Snacking is still a lifestyle in the U.S., fueled by the younger generation,” Wyatt began. “We’re in an unprecedented situation as price hikes in this category are outpacing other food/bev categories.”
Shrinkflation is hitting Americans – hard. Almost three out of four consumers are concerned about the trend of shrinkflation – when companies keep their prices the same, yet give customers less of their products – …
Consumers’ grocery shopping habits are changing as they grapple with inflation, leading to fewer trips but spending more during each visit. Between November 2022 and January 2023, average basket size rose 6% while number of …
Inflation is ebbing and the economy is weathering the rate hikes well. Unemployment is at a 50-year low, and recent tech layoffs are minimal compared to the volume of employees hired by those same companies the past several years.
Dr. James Richardson helps us take a look at what makes a good (and a bad) fan-driven business in the food industry.
Sixty to seventy percent of what is sold at the American ball park is standard stadium fare – hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, and beer. In a year of inflation and supply chain havoc, can fans still afford the bare necessities for a day at the park?
The latest FI news podcast notes that major restaurant chains are reducing menu options to prepare for tough financial times.
Welcome to the FI Newscast! Each week, we note the latest industry trends and consumer insights, with guest appearances by the foremost industry experts. This week’s guest was Hunter Thurman, President of Alpha-Diver – one …
Rosti Soft Spuds launched in 2019 to nearly universal acclaim in the CPG space and among major distributors, even landing a spot on QVC. Watch the replay of The Food Institute’s livestream to hear from …
Welcome to the FI Newscast! Each week, we note the latest industry trends and consumer insights, with guest appearances by the foremost industry experts. This week’s guest was Uday Ahuja, Chief Investment Officer of RSE …
The public markets (and strategic firms) aren’t kind to businesses that don’t make much money and then stop growing. The recent shutdown of Freshly shocked many of its consumers, but not those following the ~$6B …
In the U.S., inflation has been running above 5% since the middle of 2021. For packaged foods players, input cost increases have been even higher. Yet, at least so far, even the companies on the …
Both grocers and their CPG partners are feeling the impact of an uncertain economy and sharing data can be mutually beneficial.
Despite higher grocery inflation, consumers continue to splurge on their favorite restaurant brands at retail, fueling a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. “Restaurants are looking to exploit brand loyalty that really …
When it comes to flavor, every food business aims to hit that taste target. And few are as adept at that as Alison Cayne, creator of Haven’s Kitchen Sauces and host of the hit podcast …
What are Whole Foods top trends for food in 2023? Brands with a mission ranked highly in this year’s report.
A new survey shows the value that having a clear sustainability mission can have for purpose-led brands in the CPG space.
Earlier this year, Coca-Cola (KO) chose to shut down most of the Honest branded beverage business it had acquired from Seth Goldman years earlier. Shutting down an acquisition is a rare decision in CPG firms. …
As inflation continues, consumers are responding by shopping value channels more and buying fewer premium meals and snacks, according to IRI.
What separates the average and the exceptional food and beverage company? A key part of the answer may lie in how leaders within the organization are trained. Traditional management theory would suggest that companies should …
Retailers are looking to outside partnerships and personalized benefits as ways to boost the perceived value of their subscription offerings.
In 2018, Michael Pan rolled up his sleeves, cashed out his 401(k), and took on several loans to start Pan’s Mushroom Jerky. Just 2 years and one Shark Tank appearance later, the product finished 2020 …
Store-brand baking mix sales are on the rise, as shoppers seek “from-scratch” taste without time-consuming work.
