The New America: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Political perceptions are shaping how Americans define value – and it’s not just about price. Today’s consumers demand empathy, convenience, and strategic engagement across life stages.

President Trump Eyes Argentine Beef to Solve Domestic Crisis

Beef prices are sizzling at $6.30/lb, and President Donald Trump’s fix – importing Argentine cattle – is sparking bipartisan backlash. Industry leaders warn the move may fuel geopolitical tensions without lowering consumer costs.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 22, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on how the ongoing government shutdown is expected to take a toll on restaurant chains.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 15, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Beyond Meat’s ominous news regarding its tumbling shares.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 8, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast provides an update on the government shutdown and discusses how the event could impact food and beverage businesses.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 1, 2025

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on talks of a potential government shutdown, and its possible impact on the livestock market.

Brands Brace for Shrinkflation as Steel, Aluminum Levies Double

Steel and aluminum tariffs have risen significantly, and grocery prices may soon follow suit. From canned goods to premium imports, food brands face tough choices – shrinkflation, price hikes, or packaging pivots – to absorb escalating costs.

U.S. Brands in Canada: A Trade War is On, But the Market’s Not Closed

Despite escalating trade tensions and a growing Canadian consumer boycott of American products, U.S. brands still have opportunities in Canada, particularly in resilient categories like soft drinks. A poll by Leo & Dragon revealed that Millennials and Gen Z consumers remain open to purchasing American goods.

Food Dye Update: Natural Dyes Approved, Industry Responds

The FDA recently announced that three additional natural dyes have been approved for use in food and beverage products. While some stakeholders are quick to change their formulations, others are hesitant.

CPG Shake-Up: Tariffs and GLP-1 Drugs Challenge Brands

With ingredient bans, rising tariffs, and the influence of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, the CPG industry faces a pivotal moment. Forward-thinking brands that embrace strategic supply chain shifts and data-driven consumer insights are most likely to emerge as winners, experts say.

Tomato Tariffs Heat Up, Prices Expected to Surge This Summer

This summer is expected to bring a major shake-up in tomato pricing, as a 17.09% tariff on Mexican imports takes effect, threatening to disrupt a $3 billion market that supplies 70% of U.S. tomatoes. Importers predict higher costs and fewer choices.

What’s the New World Screwworm? ‘Flying Piranha’ Alarms Ag Sector

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is expanding north from South America, posing a significant threat to livestock and even humans. As a result, experts are calling for urgent containment measures.

For Kraft Heinz, This Isn’t Supposed to Happen

Kraft Heinz’s recent quarterly earnings report posted year-over-year organic volume declines of 7.1% for the period. One potential culprit: the brand’s iconic Mac & Cheese brand is among their weakest performers, per management.

CEOs Tighten Belts Amid Tariff Uncertainty

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.

HHS Plans to Remove Synthetic Food Dyes, Industry Responds

Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA took to the stage to outline a plan to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic dyes as well as take steps to improve the American food supply. The announcement was met with a less-than-enthusiastic industry response.

Retailers, Manufacturers Struggle to Brace for Tariffs

Despite the 90-day pause on many of the reciprocal tariffs impacting the F&B industry, retailers and manufacturers are feeling anything but calm. National Retail Federation data suggests the sector has adopted a conservative approach to the next quarter, with many retailers relying on built-up inventory.

General Mills Sounds Short-, Long-Term Alarms

General Mills faces mounting challenges such as market volatility and cautious consumer behavior, as tariff pressures also begin to weigh on its performance. It begs the question: Can legacy brands reclaim their once-unshakable dominance?

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.

$3 Dilemma: Restaurants Fight to Stay Afloat Amid Wage Hikes

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.

FDA Delays Food Traceability Rule, Industry Rejoices

The FDA recently delayed the compliance date for a fiercely debated section of the Food Safety Modernization Act which requires additional record-keeping requirements for “high-risk” foods. Overall, the industry is pleased with the decision.

Oklahoma Moves to Ban Aspartame, Other Harmful Additives

Oklahoma’s proposed Senate Bill 4 aims to ban several synthetic additives, including aspartame, due to growing health concerns, and would take effect on November 1 if passed. The legislation reflects increasing scientific evidence of the additives’ potential health risks.

Egg Shortage Solution: Turkey Steps In as U.S. Battles Bird Flu

A Trump administration official is advocating for vaccination and improved biosecurity measures to combat bird flu. Meanwhile, Turkey has started exporting eggs to the U.S. to address shortages caused by the virus.

A Fizzy Fiasco – PepsiCo Embroiled in Yet Another Legal Battle

The recent lawsuit in California alleging PepsiCo’s engagement in nefarious pricing practices is the latest in an ongoing movement in food and beverage to leverage the Robinson-Patman Act to strengthen small businesses’ economic autonomy. The act is also a fiercely debated issue in the U.S. government.

F&B Supply Chains Brace for Trump Administration Tariffs

Trump administration tariffs continue to warn the F&B sector; however, there are options to evade its impacts through careful sourcing strategies. Data and new technologies present opportunities for brands to take control of the situation.

FDA Red Dye No. 3 Ban One Week Out: What You Need to Know

The FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 2027, marks a significant shift for food manufacturers, as the colorant has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The decision has sparked debate over food safety, consumer pressure, and the influence of international standards.

New Year, New Administration: Risks & Opportunities for Makers

Manufacturers face a shifting landscape under the Trump administration, with potential deregulation in energy, labeling, and banking offering opportunities to lower costs and enhance access to capital, while also introducing risks like increased scrutiny from consumers and advocacy groups.

Farm Bill Extension: Crisis Averted, but for How Long?

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.

Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Ag Secretary Choice, Targets Foreign Farm Ownership

Donald Trump has nominated Brooke L. Rollins, a farm-raised leader of the America First Policy Institute, as his pick for agriculture secretary. She’s expected to focus on tightening regulations around foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

Circana: E-commerce, Private Label to Shape F&B in 2025

Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.

Makers Eye Precision Fermentation, Alt Protein for Solutions

With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, manufacturers are looking for unique solutions to satisfy the growing consumer base’s nutrient-dense needs. Can precision fermentation be the key?