Grocery Grit: What’s in the Cart When Money’s Tight?
Nik Modi of RBC Capital Markets breaks down grocery trends and consumer behavior amid inflation, tariffs, and more.
Tag: Economics
Third-Party Delivery Giants Instacart, DoorDash Enter a Virtuous Circle
Despite consumer cost-consciousness in 2025, third-party delivery giants Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart have defied expectations with double-digit order growth. Now, investors are betting big on a future in which streamlined logistics keep customers engaged.
Winner, Loser Disparity Widens Among Casual Dining Eateries
Casual-dining stocks have significantly outperformed the market over the past three years, with Brinker International especially posting eye-opening returns, while chains such as Applebee’s continue to struggle. Clearly, consumers are rewarding brands that offer differentiated experiences.
Target Has Fallen Behind Retail Rivals – Again
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.
Strikes Cost Food Industry $145.9 Million in 2024
Strikes cost F&B companies and employees $145.9 million in lost wages and revenue in 2024, according to a review by Noggin. Last year’s strikes were complicated by other issues like supply chain pressures as well, signaling the need for better communication among employees and management to avoid labor strife.
Retailers, Manufacturers Struggle to Brace for Tariffs
Despite the 90-day pause on many of the reciprocal tariffs impacting the F&B industry, retailers and manufacturers are feeling anything but calm. National Retail Federation data suggests the sector has adopted a conservative approach to the next quarter, with many retailers relying on built-up inventory.
Burgernomics: Fast Food Inflation and an $18 Big Mac Combo
The recent uproar over a McDonald’s in Darien, Connecticut, that charged a whopping $17.59 for a Big Mac combo meal is more than just local news; it’s a snapshot of the changing economic landscape.
Experts Weigh In on 2022 Inflation Outlook
The Current State of the U.S. Farmer
What’s the current state of the U.S. farmer? With historic heat, record droughts, and unprecedented supply chain problems, The Food Institute Podcast invited Wells Fargo agricultural economist Dr. Michael J. Swanson to discuss market conditions, …
Study: Independent Grocers Spur Significant Economic Growth
Independent grocers now account for 33% of total U.S. grocery sales, according to a new research from the National Grocers Association (NGA). The independent sector, which includes 21,574 stores nationwide, contributes more than $255 billion to the …
The Ongoing Problem with Brand Accelerators in the U.S.
This article is the first in the FI Quarterly Series on Emerging Consumer Brands. The continuing problem with corporate and independent accelerators is two-fold: the screening process and the mentors available to each cohort. An …