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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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, 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many brands miss the mark when they attempt to connect with Gen Z – a cohort that’s now coming into economic power.
The latest Food Institute news podcast looks at AI’s potential impact on labor, based off a recent university study.
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on the evolution of self-checkout kiosks and customer service.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the growing prevalence of food allergies among American youths.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on big changes in the seafood industry around the world of late.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the Midwest heat wave’s potential impact on agriculture.
The latest FI news podcast touches on Aldi’s big acquisition, which could shake up the grocery category in America.
The latest FI news podcast touches on big changes occurring throughout the alcohol industry, as consumer habits evolve.
This week’s Food Institute news podcast touches on the latest benefits that American employees tend to seek.
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on convenience stores’ big push to sell pizza throughout America.
