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.

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.

The ‘Return to Real’ Trend: Why ‘Simple’ is the New Superfood

The “Return to Real” trend signals a growing consumer shift toward authenticity–favoring simple, transparent ingredients and tangible, in-person experiences over hyper-enhanced, tech-driven products. For food industry leaders, this presents a chance to embrace nostalgia, highlight natural ingredients, and rethink marketing strategies to align with consumers’ craving for genuine connection.

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.

3 Key Trends Displayed at SIAL Canada

This week’s SIAL Canada event showcased the latest cutting-edge food and beverage products, highlighting trends like nutrient-rich “superseeds,” freeze-dried ice cream, and flavorful mocktails.

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.

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.

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.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 12, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the smaller and regional brands that have begun to emerge as consumers seek affordability.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 4, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on rising global obesity rates, the future of the Walgreen’s pharmacy chain, and more.

Kerry Group’s 2025 Trends to Watch: Sichuan, Yuzu, KBBQ

The Kerry Group’s 2025 Global Taste Charts highlighted emerging food trends, such as adventurous taste profiles and wellness-driven goals, with global influences like Sichuan spices and Korean barbecue shaping local markets. Key trends include bold barbecue flavors and evolving citrus varieties.

FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 25, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on eye-opening stats regarding consumer sentiment towards regenerative agriculture.

FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 19, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses PepsiCo and Coca-Cola’s pending forays into the fast-growing prebiotic soda market.

Flower Power: Gen Z Craves Floral Menu Innovations

As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.

Galentine’s Day + Valentine’s Day: Lucrative Opportunities for F&B

So-called “Galentine’s Day” has evolved into a lucrative dining phenomenon as group reservations surge and Gen Z fuels a rise in double dates – which offers foodservice operators a prime opportunity to capitalize on this nontraditional celebration.

It’s Private Label’s World — On the ‘Cusp of a Super Cycle’

Private label continues to maintain dominance over the CPG sector: in 2024, it grew $9 billion from the year before. As a result, opportunities and innovation abound.

Exec Notes PepsiCo 2025 Gen Z Playbook

PepsiCo recently told The Food Institute that it’s doubling down on Gen Z’s blurred meal and snack habits by embracing bold flavors and immersive brand experiences. The corporation is paying particularly close attention to trends inspired by TikTok.

Sourdough, Dumplings Among 5 Whole Foods Trends for 2025

Whole Foods has predicted major food trends for 2025, forecasting dumplings to become a portable comfort food, while global flavors will inspire bold new snack combinations.

3 Key Takeaways from Fresh Thyme Market’s 2025 Food Trends

Fresh Thyme Market recently revealed its 2025 food trends aimed at identifying the consumer preferences shaping Midwestern palates in the coming year. Mangoes, spicy foods, and non-alcoholic beverages are all slated to grain ground.

Death Sells: F&B Marketing with Masochistic Undertones on the Rise

The trend of brand names like Liquid Death or Death Wish Coffee points to a widespread shift toward shock value.

Jollibee: The Filipino Chicken Chain Winning Over America

Filipino chicken chain Jollibee continues to win over American customers and accelerate its growth. The chain’s leaders insist the keys to their success are rather simple.

Four Key Themes at the Inaugural Newtopia Now Event

Mushrooms and protein-packed pastas stole the show at Newtopia Now this week. The Food Institute was on-site in Denver to note the latest industry trends.

3 Fall Flavors Poised to Surpass Pumpkin Spice in Popularity

The popularity of pumpkin spice has officially fallen like autumn leaves. According to a recent survey of 2,000 American adults by Talker Research, 58% of respondents reported that they now favor alternative fall flavors over pumpkin spice, and 45% reported fatigue with the once-beloved spice blend.

Down Under Pressure: Outback Steakhouse Fighting to Win Back Diners

Outback Steakhouse has turned to value as its traffic dropped and it reduced locations. Industry experts are confident the 37-year-old chain can bounce back – provided it takes a few careful steps.

A for Effort: Parents, Administrators Improving School Lunches

As a new school year approaches, a survey shows parents are prioritizing nutrients and taste far more than cost when shopping for their kids’ school lunch items.

5 Supply Chain Concerns to Watch in Late 2024

There are several global supply chain concerns for the second half of 2024. F&B executives are particularly concerned about geopolitical tensions and severe weather.

Dinner and a Movie: Can In-Theater Dining Save Struggling Cinemas?

The first half of 2024 featured a cold start for the domestic movie industry. Now, theaters across America are as focused as ever on making a “premium push” regarding their food and beverage offerings.

Analysis: Why Has Adoption of AI Been So Slow in F&B?

While restaurant chains like McDonald’s have had notable swings and misses regarding AI, business leaders insist the technology offers invaluable uses to food companies, aiding personalized offers, sales forecasting, and more.

Turning Negative Reviews into Opportunities: A Restaurant’s Guide to Online Feedback

In 2024, online reviews can have an immeasurable impact on restaurants. The difference in public perception between a 4.5-star Google review and a 4.0 rating, for example, can be costly.