The New America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Political perceptions are shaping how Americans define value – and it’s not just about price. Today’s consumers demand empathy, convenience, and strategic engagement across life stages.
Tag: economy
Junior Size Me: 44% of U.S. Adults Now Order Kids Meals
Nearly half of U.S. adults now order kids’ meals, driven by inflation, smaller appetites, and a craving for comfort. Restaurants are responding with nostalgic offerings, downsized portions, and delivery deals to match.
4 Key Takeaways From Transform Food & Agriculture USA
At this week’s Transform Food and Agriculture USA event, industry leaders tackled inflation, AI, and the protein boom with cautious optimism. From pineapple byproducts to predictive tech, the future of food appears to be leaner and considerably more sustainable.
Energy Drink Makers Navigate a Choppy Environment
Energy drinks hit turbulence in 2024, with Celsius and Monster both facing unexpected sales slowdowns. While stock prices have rebounded, lingering consumer uncertainty raises questions about the sector’s long-term prospects.
As Importers Race the Clock, Cargo Surges
Retailers are bracing for a summer cargo surge, but tariffs and cautious consumer spending may temper volume. With air freight disrupting traditional shipping channels, supply chains are scrambling to adapt before the holiday rush hits full speed.
Feeling Peachy: Summer Darling Leads Beverage Innovation
Peach-enhanced menu items are growing in popularity, now on 19.8% of foodservice menus, according to one report. The fruit has found its stride in beverage innovation, with legacy brands experimenting with the flavor.
5 Thriving Fast-Food Chains in 2025
Despite rising costs, 2025 is shaping up to be a fairly strong year for many restaurant chains, with top players like Cava and Chick-fil-A thriving by mastering efficiency, marketing, and customer experience. The smartest brands are pricing strategically and leveraging technology to drive success.
Economic Strain: Food Bill Gets Unruly
Despite wage gains, food inflation continues to outpace earnings, leaving consumers increasingly anxious about grocery costs. Meanwhile, new tariffs threaten to disrupt the food industry, with stakeholders bracing for volatile pricing and potential shifts in shopper loyalty.
Roark Capital’s Aggressive Buyout Strategy May Not Be Working
Roark Capital has built a restaurant empire rivaling McDonald’s in system-wide sales, yet questions linger over its investment strategy. With limited financial transparency and stalled IPOs, has Roark’s aggressive approach truly paid off for investors?
Father’s Day Spending to Reach Record-breaking $24 Billion
With Father’s Day spending projected to hit new heights, consumers are looking past the uncertain state of the economy to celebrate with their loved ones. Analysis of industry reports suggests that food and beverage industry experiences will take center stage during the holiday.
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.
Diageo Considers American Brand-Selling Strategy
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.
Tariff Talk, State of Ag at 2025 BMO Global Farm to Market Conference
Food industry leaders gathered at the 2025 BMO Farm to Market Conference to dissect key challenges, including tariff pressures. Despite economic uncertainties, brands and retailers are deploying strategic pivots to ensure continued growth.
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.
Despite a Rough Q1, Investors Believe Fast Food Will Rebound
Despite sluggish sales and weak traffic in Q1, fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have seen their stocks rebound, reflecting investors’ confidence in pricing adjustments to revitalize the sector. QSRs are positioning themselves for a more efficient, profitable future.
For Kraft Heinz, This Isn’t Supposed to Happen
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.
CEOs Tighten Belts Amid Tariff Uncertainty
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.
Chipotle Gives Reason to React, Not Overreact
Despite Chipotle’s recent sales slump heading into 2025, investors are not worried about the future of the company. Although Chipotle stock has fallen 27% since December 6, its modest performance is peanuts compared to the fast casual sector, and its historic strength signals it can brace the bump.
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.
General Mills Sounds Short-, Long-Term Alarms
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 Stock Market Thinks Tariffs (Mostly) Benefit Food Industry
Tariffs rattled the stock market, leading to a sharp overall decline, yet food industry stocks like McDonald’s demonstrated resilience, buoyed by their perceived safety in economic downturns. This reaction highlights the food sector’s potential advantages in navigating recessionary environments.
‘Status Quo’ Wont Cut It: Private Label Market Share Threatened
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.
Canada Boasts Noteworthy Trade Arsenal in Tariff War
One veteran supply chain expert said the ongoing North American trade war is the most volatile he’s ever seen. The trade spat has several wrinkles – not the least of which is the fact that Canada is the world’s largest exporter of canola, as well as potash that’s used to produce fertilizer.
Egg Shortage Solution: Turkey Steps In as U.S. Battles Bird Flu
A Trump administration official is advocating for vaccination and improved biosecurity measures to combat bird flu. Meanwhile, Turkey has started exporting eggs to the U.S. to address shortages caused by the virus.
Advertisement
FI-Home-NEW-2020Gaps
Advertisement
Holy Guacamole: U.S. Avocado Imports Soar Ahead of Super Bowl
Demand for avocados is surging. Fueled by eased import restrictions, growing interest in ethnic flavors, and heightened awareness of health benefits, U.S. avocado consumption has skyrocketed, driving significant economic contributions across both the U.S. and Mexico.
Cautious Optimism Fuels Retail Boom
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.
Impact of Inflation: F&B Industry Preps for 2025 Challenges
Economists warn of a potential recession in 2025. As a result, food and beverage companies must focus on innovation and sustainability as they navigate economic challenges and interest rate cuts.
FI Spotlight: Navigating Soaring Food Prices: Will Inflation Ever Subside?
How Much Does Sustainability Influence Consumer Shopping Habits?
Consumers in the U.S. and Canada say that they are willing to pay more for products that practice eco-friendly sustainability and ethics in their development, packaging, and sale of products, particularly around animal cruelty and ocean pollution.
Debunking the Myths Surrounding Gen Z Consumers
Many brands miss the mark when they attempt to connect with Gen Z – a cohort that’s now coming into economic power.
FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 1, 2024
The latest Food Institute news podcast looks at AI’s potential impact on labor, based off a recent university study.
FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 15, 2023
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on the evolution of self-checkout kiosks and customer service.
FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 6, 2023
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the growing prevalence of food allergies among American youths.
FI Fast Break audio news: August 30, 2023
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on big changes in the seafood industry around the world of late.
FI Fast Break audio news: August 23, 2023
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the Midwest heat wave’s potential impact on agriculture.
FI Fast Break audio news: August 16, 2023
The latest FI news podcast touches on Aldi’s big acquisition, which could shake up the grocery category in America.