FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 18, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the push for $25 per hour among employees at a major U.S. restaurant chain.

Expert: TikTok Shop Offers Huge Opportunity for CPG Companies

In September, TikTok became more than a video sharing social media platform. The app known for dance fads, cooking demos, viral challenges and conversation duets is taking on e-commerce. TikTok Shop, which launched for all …

Ozempic’s Business Impact: Weight Loss Drug Could Make Snack-Makers Tighten Belts

Blockbuster diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which have become the darlings of the weight-loss industry, could have an unintended side-effect: shrinking the bottom lines of major snack-making companies. Junk food has been widely blamed …

Just Egg CRO: College Students ‘Bullseye Target’ for Plant-Based

A recent confluence of headlines reporting a shift in sales and venture-backed capitalism indicate a change in consumer mindsets surrounding alt meat products and their pseudo-competitors – particularly seafood, fungi, and the versatile mushroom.

The Rise of Gen H: Hispanic Culture’s Influential Young Adults

On Day 2 of The Food Institute’s Latam Food Week, a new generation was coined: Generation H. “Think of it as Gen Z meets Hispanic culture,” said Hunter Thurman, president of Alpha-Diver, “a high-sensory, emotion-first …

Unpacking How and Why Gen Z Snacks

Everyone in the food industry wants to crack the code on Gen Z, but what are the reasons behind the generation’s food purchases?

Snack 50: The Surprising WHYs Behind Gen Z’s Snack Decisions

Earlier this summer, market research company Alpha-Diver and The Food Institute released the first ever Snack 50 report, the industry’s first measure of the psychological drivers of real-world consumer decision-making as it relates to snacking. …

Six Steps to Appealing to Gen Z Consumers

As a consumer group, Gen Z has very specific preferences and expectations – and the cohort’s young members aren’t afraid to let businesses know exactly how they feel. This tech-savvy and socially conscious generation has …

WATCH: Frozen Food Category Making Moves

Since 2019, frozen food sales have increased 23%, and major players like Nestle and Unilever continue to seize upon the segment’s popularity.

Report: Plant-Based Stuck in Neutral While Bowls are Accelerating

A new report by Brandwatch shows the plant-based category is largely idling while QSRs serving bowls are gaining traction.

Alcohol To-Go Isn’t Going Away

Alcohol to-go has become a permanent fixture around the United States, presenting a massive growth opportunity for businesses.

Research Shows Gen Z Welcomes Loyalty Programs, Sharing Data

Gen Z and millennials may be coming into their own, but those aged 18-43 differ markedly from both Gen Xers and baby boomers when it comes to restaurant habits, and attitudes toward loyalty programs. A …

Analysis: What Gen Z Seeks From Supermarkets

A new study found that 78% of Gen Zers are concerned about the economy and, somewhat surprisingly, 97% of the youthful cohort still shops in-store.

3 Key Takeaways from the 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo

CHICAGO – Nearly 18,000 people attended the National Confectioners Association’s 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo recently, the final show to be held in Chicago before moving to Indianapolis (2024, 2025) and Las Vegas (2026). At …

Study: Plant-Based Attains Popularity with Gen Z

An eye-opening 81% of college students will choose a plant-based food offering when it’s the default option, according to a recent study led by foodservice provider Sodexo. And these Gen Zers are more interested in …

Latin America’s Gen Z Consumers Evolving Rapidly

Gen Z consumers in Latin America are evolving rapidly and reshaping the market. And that fact has created a few challenges – as well as opportunities – for companies like those in the food sector. …

Report: Gen Z Embracing Restaurants’ New Tech, Experiential Offerings

Restaurants are picking up the pace regarding innovation for their offerings. After an era of low-contact transactions due to coronavirus fears, an increasing number of consumers prefer the tech-based service restaurants are now offering. The …

Gen Z, Veganism, and the Future

Gen Z says their veganism not a phase. In fact, 72% of Gen Z vegans plan to stay that way for at least the next five years, according to a new survey.

Why Indian Food is Gaining Momentum in America

Indian food is gaining momentum globally. One restauranteur said it’s due to adventurous Gen Z consumers and bolstered by the cuisine’s health halo.

What Convenience Means to Each Generation of Shoppers

Convenience is a high priority for most grocery shoppers regardless of demographic, but is especially high for millennials.

Survey: Boosting Alt-Meat Adoption

A new survey by Sweet Earth explores the decline in alt-meat adoption to source potential solutions to reignite consumer interest.

5 Secrets to Winning Over ‘Zoomer’ Consumers

At the recent Future Menus 2023 – a gathering of menu innovators from around the world – emerging food trends were discussed. This year, it was all about offering “arm candy”, as well as appealing …

Webinar Shows ‘Healthy’ Top of Mind for Consumers

The Food Institute was recently joined by two registered dieticians to discuss the state of wellness for the Food Industry. Marie Molde (MBA, RD) from Datassential and Barbara Ruhs (MS, RDN, RD) from Avocados from …

FI Fast Break audio news: March 15, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on easing egg prices, and Gen Z’s penchant for spending despite inflation.

Report: Less Than Half of Consumers Grocery Shop In-Store

Walking into a grocery store used to be how most people bought groceries, but now only 44% of consumers do most of their shopping on premises.

Game On: Restaurants Use Gaming Tech to Boost Efficiency

Restaurants are a tricky business and the competition is fierce. That’s one reason why it’s imperative to set yourself apart and find ways to attract and retain high-quality employees. In that spirit, Perfect Company recently …

3 Keys to Understanding Gen Z Employees

The generation gap is back. Gen Zers say they’re misunderstood by their elders – including those people who a couple of generations back said they’d never trust anyone over 30. How did we get here? …

Catching Lightning: TikTok & Blowing Up Your Brand

The TikTok algorithm doesn’t care about followers; it cares about what you watch. The No. 1 thing consumers watch is authentic brands and people.

Drinking Less Isn’t Reserved for ‘Dry January’ Anymore

Less people are participating in Dry January this year, but data suggests that’s because drinking less alcohol is now on-trend year round.

Mondelēz Report: Consumers Prioritizing Snacking

Mondelēz’s latest State of Snacking report reveals that a majority of consumers continue to prioritize snacking, even amid rising prices.

Blaze Pizza Favorite QSR Among Gen Z

Blaze Pizza, in the opinion of college kids, is “lit.” And sandwiches from Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s, apparently, “just hit different.”

Schnucks’ ‘Flexforce’ Answers Gen Z’s Calls for Flexibility

Schnucks is giving workers the flexibility to choose shifts at a time and store location that works for them with the expansion of its “Flexforce” employment option.

Grocery Sticker Shock Has Changed Buyer Habits

Consumers who want to save money on groceries are turning to coupons, loyalty programs, and rewards while cutting back on snacks, a survey by Seattle retail technology platform Swiftly indicates. The online True Cost of …

Consumers Largely Positive Heading into 2023

Consumer spending habits and behaviors are shifting, with frugality taking a front seat in the face of rising prices and uncertainty over the economy, a new survey of consumer trends by Attest indicates. “Frugality is …

2023 Labor Outlook: Layoffs, Automation on Horizon

Inflation threw a wrench into pandemic recovery, and with interest rates rising and the threat of a recession looming, the 2023 labor market could look very different than it does today. Major tech companies have …

High Tolerance: How Functional THC-infused Drinks & Snacks Could Alter the Industry

THC is one of the fastest growing ingredients in foodservice, increasingly legal, and visible amid a key demo—the millennials.