FI Fast Break audio news: June 25, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break podcast notes how July brings another round of U.S. minimum wage increases in states such as Alaska.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 18, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on the latest related to Pres. Trump’s tariff plans, and the outlook for the energy drink market.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 11, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on a recent study that suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs alter the “taste perception” of users.

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.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 4, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on how Americans are scaling back on summer travel plans due to economic uncertainty.

FI Fast Break audio news: May 28, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on a new study suggesting that many GLP-1 drug users have reduced their beef intake.

FI Fast Break audio news: May 21, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses how trade tensions continue to drive consumers to tighten their wallets.

FI Fast Break audio news: May 14, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on thawing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and more trending industry news.

FI Fast Break audio news: May 7, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Starbucks’ big plans to boost afternoon traffic, an uptick in cyberattacks, and more.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 28, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on what, exactly, defines the latest U.S. “vibecession,” as well as more industry news.

The New Rules of Food Innovation in the Age of GLP-1

The popularity of GLP-1 medications is compelling brands to innovate with smarter portion sizes and functional ingredients. This shift represents a revolutionary convergence of biotech, nutrition science, and consumer demand, reshaping how food supports appetite management and metabolic health.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 16, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on a study that puts the impact of recent strikes in an eye-opening perspective.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 9, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on messaging about carbon footprints on food labels that may be key to sustainable food choices.

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.

Tariffs and Trade Wars: How the Food Industry Can Adapt

Fresh tariff legislation is reshaping the food industry’s landscape, with skyrocketing costs and logistical hurdles threatening the flow of fresh produce across North America. To thrive in this era of uncertainty, businesses must embrace innovation, leveraging automated tools and real-time data to adapt swiftly and maintain supply chain efficiency.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 2, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the future of the Hooters restaurant chain, after it filed for bankruptcy on March 31.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 26, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on an innovative new product that uses pea protein and targets those using weight-loss drugs.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 19, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes new research that points to the link between diet and lung cancer.

‘Bed Rotting’ Culture: What the F&B Industry Needs to Know

A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.

Seal the Deal: Proven Tips for Slashing Food Packaging Costs

Businesses can significantly reduce food packaging costs by using strategies like group purchasing. In 2024, there is an ever-growing list of factors to consider first, however.

Uber, Lyft, Take Minimum Wage Debate to Next Level in Massachusetts

Agreement by Uber and Lyft in Massachusetts to pay a minimum wage of $32.50 an hour plus some benefits to drivers takes the whole minimum wage debate to a new level and raises questions about what it will mean to other sectors.

Column: Why Your Company Needs an Innovation Center

An Innovation CoE is the creative engine of an organization, dedicated to spotting the next big trends, carving out new opportunities, and developing strategic, forward-thinking solutions.

Column: The Food Industry is at a Crossroads

Food industry leaders face myriad challenges in the months ahead, like elevated inflation, geopolitical risks, and economic recession. How leaders act could serve as a litmus test for long-term success or failure.

Experts: Weather-Related Disasters Increasing, Taking Toll on Food Industry

As of October 11, the U.S. has experienced a total of 15 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters this year, making 2022 the eighth consecutive year with 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.

Execs: Food Industry on Verge of Major Tech Transformation

The food industry is on the precipice of a tectonic shift, according to industry insiders. Technology is the driving force behind the projected change.

7-Eleven’s Recent Acquisition Could Reshape Delivery Space

7-Eleven’s recent acquisition of start-up Skipcart offers the convenience store chain many future opportunities, a consultant said.

IRI: Consumers Seeking Bargains Amid Inflation

Grocery shoppers are on the hunt for deals with food-at-home prices rising 14.4% year-over-year as of July 31.

Analysis: Why Demand for Cold Storage is Sky High

The food industry feels cold storage space helps hedge against volatile agriculture prices, but such space is in short supply of late.

The Psychology of Food: A Deeper, Actionable Understanding of the Modern Consumer

Food and beverage companies have historically used demographic analysis to understand consumer and shopper behavior. The traditional demographic framework involves segmenting a population into buckets based on age (e.g., Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennial, Gen ...

Food & Beverage Industry M&A: What to Expect in 2022

This webinar, hosted by the Food Institute, will look at the major M&A trends in the food and beverage industry in 2022, featuring presentations by John Siegler of BMO Capital Markets and David Schoeder of ...

Probiotics: Consumer Perceptions and Opportunities

More than ever, consumers are prioritizing health and finding ways to make positive changes to their lifestyle. To address wellness needs in this health-focused consumer landscape, food processors turn to functional ingredients like probiotics to ...

Navigating the Supply Chain Crisis in 2022

As we enter 2022, many food and beverage executives are wondering if the supply chain crisis will abate this year. In this FI-exclusive webinar, we delve into the questions that are top-of-mind for many companies: ...

FI Small Bites: Is Walmart Getting into the “Metaverse?”

Walmart recently filed applications to engage in business in the virtual world, a significant move amidst Facebook’s new launch of Meta.

2022 Outlook of Plant-Based and Next Gen Protein

With plant-based products making deep inroads in 2021, many food industry insiders and investors expect plant-based foods to become an even larger part of our diet moving forward. With consumers increasingly focused on health and ...

Discover the Power of Purple: The MaquiBerry from Chile

This webinar was sponsored by ProChile, Chilealimentos, and the MaquiBerry from Chile Committee.  Superfruits are often touted as having remarkable health benefits. Many consumers already know of about superfruits such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai …

Sizing up the Sugar Reduction Trend: Key Insights and Industry Applications

As the world emerges from the pandemic, it’s no surprise that consumers are taking a more proactive approach to their health and wellness. In particular, sugar reduction is top-of-mind, as consumers are increasingly conscious of ...