Bold global flavors are captivating the culinary world, with 87% of Gen Z diners craving international tastes like those offered by Minor’s sauces and concentrates. As consumer demand for diverse cuisines surges, such products can help food businesses thrive in the trend-driven market.
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.
Many F&B companies aren’t getting the results they desired from tech investments due to factors ranging from insufficient data to inadequate planning. Industry experts shared actionable strategies with FI to help companies resolve these issues.
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.
Stricter immigration policies are set to worsen labor shortages in the restaurant industry, driving wages up by as much as $3 per hour and putting financial pressure on operators, according to industry data. Many mid-tier and independent establishments could face closures as a result.
The 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo featured celebrity chefs, expert mixologists, and food suppliers. Key themes included authenticity, “unreasonable hospitality,” and organically growing and cultivating a staff.
Lou Biscotti from CBIZ explains how uncertainty, tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and inflation are impacting the food and beverage industry.
Gen Z consumers demand authenticity from brands, viewing them as extensions of their personal identity. One restaurant consultant notes that, to capture Gen Z’s loyalty, businesses must align with their values and leverage micro-influencers for genuine connections.
Wendy’s has set aspirational financial goals for the next few years and is leveraging innovative practices to achieve them. Capitalizing on various dayparts with compelling value propositions and tapping collaborations are key tools the brand is using to achieve a new era of growth.
At Expo West, a handful of brands stood out for their innovation and compelling missions. From Pi00a’s inclusive pizza environment to Wild Orchard’s sustainable tea, these brands exemplify how unique stories and purposeful missions can leave a lasting impression.
Mixue Ice Cream and Tea has become the world’s largest F&B chain by number of locations, thanks to its affordable pricing and innovative franchising strategy. The chain illustrates the time-tested popularity of teas, which are increasingly prized by young adults.
Egg prices have reached record highs due to the bird flu outbreak, which has sent restaurants scrambling. Establishments like Waffle House have introduced surcharges, while others have gotten creative and found alternative strategies to manage costs.
February is Black History Month, and industry insiders say it serves as a reminder that there remains a persistent need for industry collaboration to promote diversity and inclusion.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has been named America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain, with over 700 locations in the pipeline. The chain’s success is largely attributed to its massive social media following.
The Gulfood 2025 event in Dubai emphasized the urgent need for sustainable global food systems. The event also showcased innovative solutions and products aimed at enhancing food security, such as AI-based order processing.
Twin Peaks’ executive chef predicts spicy flavors will continue to dominate menus, as consumers increasingly crave regional dishes from Latin America, like birria tacos. Now, more than ever, diners are embracing authentic cuisine.
Yum Brands’ new AI platform, Byte by Yum, illustrates the potential of proprietary tech for QSR giants, but independent restaurants can also leverage similar, customizable platforms. Experts advise starting small with AI for specific tasks and monitoring its outputs closely to ensure that it enhances efficiency.
The demand for better-for-you products is driving shifts across the food industry, prompting demands for premium ingredients and transparent messaging. Consumers are also embracing bold flavors, premiumization, and redefined notions of value, as noted in the 2025 Specialty Food Industry Outlook Report, which FI co-authored.
Tibersoft’s Chris Hart traces the history of data collaboration in the food away from home industry, with an eye towards the future.
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
Super Bowl 59’s commercials leaned on humor and star power, featuring celebrities like Martha Stewart to promote F&B brands.
Innova Market Insights recently noted that two in three consumers are open to trying new international food, with Asian cuisines ranking second most popular for meals (after the consumer’s local cuisine). And, according to a …
André Moraes of PepsiCo Digital Lab shares how experiences, microinfluencers, and the Local Eats program can help propel restaurants in 2025.
The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.
At the recent Retail’s Big Show event by the NRF, technology took center stage, showing the need for businesses to transform their operations with a digital future in mind. Here’s a look at three themes slated to take over retail in the new year.
The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.
