FI Spotlight: Modern Twists on Southern Staples at the 2025 Food + Wine Classic Charleston

The 2025 Food + Wine Classic in Charleston showcases modern twists on southern staples that are shaping the industry in 2026. From global flavors and Lowcountry staples to non-alcoholic beverages and bold culinary innovation, here’s ...

FI Spotlight: The Ultimate Food Industry Taste Test – Are Private Labels Worth the Savings?

We all know that private label products are easier on the wallet these days, but how do they hold up, taste-wise? We put several private label foods to the test, comparing it in a blind ...

FI Spotlight: Are Victory Gardens Stealing Your Shoppers?

Victory gardens are making a comeback, but this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a market signal for grocery and food & beverage executives. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are growing their own food for savings, health, and ...

FI Spotlight: Surviving Tariffs – True Stories from Food Entrepreneurs

We all know about tariffs. We can’t stop hearing about them in the news and in daily conversations. But what are tariffs really​ like for business owners? The Food Institute talked to 5 business owners ...

FI Spotlight: What Makes Maduros So Special?

To kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, we're shining a spotlight on a staple that's evident in a wide variety of Hispanic cuisines and comes from the multibillion-dollar global market giant that is the plantain. ...

FI Spotlight: Groceryshop 2025 – The Must-Attend Event for Grocery Executives

Do you work in the Grocery industry? Mark your calendar for Groceryshop 2025, which will take place from Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. In the meantime, Groceryshop VP of content Rocquan ...

FI Spotlight: CEOs Reveal 4 Key Trends Driving Consumer Behavior in 2025

Inflation. Flavor Trends. Tariffs. These are just some of the issues surrounding the food and beverage industry, especially the specialty food category. Where are consumers doing the most grocery shopping right now? What topics are ...

FI Spotlight: Customer Retention Secrets Most Restaurants Miss

In this episode, The Food Institute uncovers some of the most overlooked customer retention strategies in the foodservice industry—tactics even seasoned operators often miss. Discover: Proven methods to increase repeat visits and boost guest loyalty ...

FI Spotlight: How This Sweet Shop Became a DIY Destination

Discover how Simple Treasures scaled with 400 popcorn flavors, private label deals & a DIY twist—built on reinvention, community, and customer experience. In this video, we explore: How they created buzz with word of mouth ...

FI Spotlight: Food Tech CTO Shares AI Implementation Strategies That Actually Work

When Thrive Market CTO and Co-Founder Sasha Siddhartha thinks about his company, he focuses on creating a customized experience that combines convenience with intentional grocery shopping. FI’s Digital Media Director Susan Choi recently got to ...

FI Spotlight: 2 Million Scoville Hot Sauce Proves Flavor Beats Heat

Blair’s Death Sauce offers up to 2 million Scoville units of extreme heat, and bold, cravable flavor to the specialty food market—proving flavor beats heat every time. In this Summer Fancy Food 2025 interview, The ...

FI Spotlight: Baking Industry Leader Reveals Why Sustainability Is The Future of Food

When it comes to flour, most bakers will think of King Arthur Baking Company first. Why is that? What does the business prioritize when developing products? What values do they possess that lead to their ...

FI Spotlight – The Secret to This Specialty Food Company’s Success: Quality Control and Creativity

For famed Philly-based brand Di Bruno Bros., attending the annual Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC is a must, and 2025 is no different. What is it about this trade show that stands out above ...

FI Spotlight: Authentic Italian Food Gives Consumers What They Really Want

Eataly's Head of Branded Products, Stefania Iacobelli, reveals how traditional Italian food culture meets modern consumer demand for authentic global flavors at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. Discover how Eataly's trusted brand leverages clean ...

FI Spotlight: What’s The Biggest Mistake Food Companies Make?

Snacks, Drinks, Ready to Eat meals – the CPG market in the U.S. has exploded with new options in recent years. With all the variety in products, how can businesses stand out from their competition? ...

FI Spotlight – Unlocking Global Markets: How Food Export Drives Business Growth

This video is sponsored by Food Export. How can food businesses expand their capabilities in the current economic landscape? Enter Food Export. This non-profit organization dedicates itself to helping small and mid-sized food businesses grow ...

FI Spotlight: Are Trade Shows Worth it? De Soi CEO Gets Real About ROI

Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, joins FI Spotlight to discuss the brand’s positioning amid the sober-curious movement, marketing strategies, and the business value of celebrity partnerships. Learn about the ROI in participating in trade ...

FI Spotlight: Nutrition Policy Shifts Food Brands Must Watch

Nutrition trends, changing food policy, and rising consumer health demands are reshaping the food and beverage industry. Nutrition expert Dr. Marion Nestle joins us to break down the current state of nutrition in the U.S., ...

FI Spotlight: What Today’s Health Conscious Consumers Really Want

How are changing consumer attitudes toward health, wellness, and aging reshaping the food and beverage industry? In this episode of FI Spotlight, Susan Choi speaks with Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group, about new ...

FI Spotlight – Smarter Packaging: Flat Pack Plant-Based Milk Explained

Discover how Milkadamia’s innovative flat-pack technology transforms plant-based milk logistics, reducing shipping weight by 85% and packaging waste by 94%. This packaging format is a game-changer for food and beverage businesses moving toward more sustainable ...

FI Spotlight: Discover How Asian American Founders Are Shaping Food and Beverage

May is AANHPI month, and what better way to honor the Asian American community than through their accomplishments in the food and beverage industry? Check out this latest episode of FI Spotlight, as The Food ...

FI Spotlight: Petmalu! Why Filipino Food Is Exploding in Popularity Right Now

American consumers are loving new food experiences right now. At the moment, many are turning their attention to the Philippines. Statistics show that interest in Filipino food has risen by 50 percent in the past ...

FI Spotlight: How Lifeway Leads the Functional Dairy Revolution With Trendy Flavors

Explore how Lifeway Foods is shaking up the fermented dairy space with innovative, globally inspired kefir flavors, collagen blends, and ready-to-pour salad dressings. CEO Julie Smolyansky shares how the brand is meeting consumer demand for ...

FI Spotlight: 3 Smart Gardens Reviewed by a Plant Expert

Technology has paved the way for growing fresh produce anywhere, but which smart garden is best for your needs? Join us on FI Spotlight as Tyler Mason, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Oklahoma State University, ...

FI Spotlight: How Seraphim Social Beverage Elevates Drinking Minus The Alcohol

With trends like the sober curious movement and Dry January, the move to drink without a buzz is growing by the second, and Seraphim Social Beverage shines in this spotlight. It’s a non-alocholic wine that ...

FI Spotlight: Hawaiian Cuisine Is Exploding—Here’s Why Everyone Wants a Taste

Hawaiian cuisine is making waves in the U.S., with Hawaiian barbecue and mac salad skyrocketing in popularity. Learn what’s fueling this surge, how businesses are capitalizing on it, and why consumers crave island flavors. Watch ...

FI Spotlight: Unveiling The Truth About Food Fraud

It’s not just limited to handbags, shoes, and clothes. Fraud has been affecting the food industry, worldwide, in a big way. But just how bad has it gotten? How much money are we losing to ...

FI Spotlight: What Makes Clean Label Products Clean?

Organic, Non-GMO, Keto, Paleo - the list of phrases that are now on many food products goes on and on. Here's another one - clean-label certified. What does that mean? Why is it important? The ...

FI Spotlight: What’s Behind Final Boss Sour’s Social Media Domination?

The umami flavor has had its moment. The spicy flavor has had its moment. Now, it's the sour flavor's turn. According to co-founder James Hicks, that was part of the motivation for the creation of ...

FI Spotlight – Life Smoothies: Reviving The Beverage Category

Appetizing flavors, conveniently packaged, 100% natural - these are just some of the phrases to describe Dubai-based company Life Smoothies. The Food Institute CEO and Managing Partner Brian Choi got an inside look at the ...

FI Spotlight: Why People Got Sweet on the Sour Flavor of Pickles

2024 was dubbed “The Year of the Pickle” by many, with influencers on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram going crazy for anything dill or dill-flavored. And the trend isn’t slowing down – we’re still seeing a ...

FI Spotlight: How Nordic Culture Inspired This Food Trend

Check out this better-for-you product that is popping off in the snack category. Jöey Seed Crisps are gluten-free, packed with protein, and inspired by Swedish Crispbread. Produced By the FI Video Production Team: Susan Choi and Brittany ...

FI Spotlight: Unboxing the Specialty Food Association’s New Winter FancyFaire Show

It’s the ultimate unveiling - join The Food Institute as we do a deep dive into The Speciality Food Association’s new Winter FancyFaire show! From immersive food experiences to ultimate industry networking opportunities, this new ...

FI Spotlight: How Steeped is Disrupting the Coffee Game

Forget Coffee Makers, French Presses, Scales, or Grinders - now, all you need is a bag. That's the concept behind Steeped, a single serve method of brewing coffee which steeps in a cup of hot ...

FI Spotlight: How AI Powered Solutions Are Transforming the Shopping Experience

Want to look into the latest innovations in retail tech that were showcased at NRF’s 2025: Retail’s Big Show? Join The Food Institute as we give you a quick roundup of the exhibitors we found ...

FI Spotlight: Food Delivery Robots Take Over Campus

Are you considering incorporating robotic delivery into your business? Join FI Reporter, Brittany Borer, at UNC Charlotte in North Carolina to see how this school campus utilizes robots for restaurant food deliveries. Learn how autonomous ...