Grocery Grit: What’s in the Cart When Money’s Tight?
Nik Modi of RBC Capital Markets breaks down grocery trends and consumer behavior amid inflation, tariffs, and more.
Tag: grocery
Economic Strain: Food Bill Gets Unruly
Despite wage gains, food inflation continues to outpace earnings, leaving consumers increasingly anxious about grocery costs. Meanwhile, new tariffs threaten to disrupt the food industry, with stakeholders bracing for volatile pricing and potential shifts in shopper loyalty.
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.
Spread the Pain: Walmart, Competitors Consider Global Price Hikes
Amid the latest round of tariffs, global retailers like Walmart are weighing controversial price hikes beyond the U.S., a move that could shake consumer trust. Experts warn that spreading costs globally may backfire, leading to unintended economic fallout.
Olipop Vs. Poppi: The First Social Media Driven Arms Race in The Beverage World
Olipop and Poppi’s social media arms race is a powerful reminder for founders of new brands that an energetic face-off competitor only energizes the entire space, according to FI’s resident CPG industry expert, Dr. James Richardson.
FI News Review (May 23 2025): Top Food and Beverage Stories
Food Delivery Showdown: Mergers, Acquisitions, Repositions
Food delivery giants like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Grubhub are making bold strategic moves – from acquisitions to service diversification – to capture both consumer loyalty and merchant partnerships. As competition heats up, these platforms are doubling down on technology, international expansion, and grocery delivery integration.
Grocers’ Gen Z Digital Playbook
Grocers are rethinking the shopping experience to engage with Gen Z, which wields $984 billion in spending power and demands digital-infused interactions.
How F&B Companies Can Maximize Return on Tech Investments
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 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.
‘Status Quo’ Wont Cut It: Private Label Market Share Threatened
The battle between private label and name brands has taken a new form as analysts portend a stagnating global own brand market. The path ahead relies on innovation and retail portfolio synergy, NIQ noted.
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.
Tariff Trouble: Fresh Produce Prices Expected to Spike
The proposed tariffs by the Trump administration on Mexico and Canada are expected to significantly increase fresh produce costs in the U.S.
Hungryroot – A Master Class in Pivoting
Hungryroot, a survivor of the DTC meal-kit boom, pivoted from a narrow CPG business model to a distributor model with a limited assortment retail interface, leading to significant success. By focusing on a small list of ingredients, Hungryroot transformed into an online grocer that offers personalized meal planning.
6 Food Retail Trends Grocery Stores Can’t Afford to Ignore
The food retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, and technological advancements. In “The Future of Food Retail” webinar recently hosted by The Food Institute, R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical …
Big Food, Big Trouble: Small Brands Steal Share Amid Inflation
Major food companies are losing market share to smaller, often regional brands as consumers – especially Gen Zers – seek out more affordable options. This shift, driven by social media and changing consumer preferences, poses a significant challenge to established brands that rely on measures of success like shelf space and distribution.
The Future of Food Retail
Black History Month: Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses, Industry Advice
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.
Sustainability, Innovation Take Center Stage at Gulfood 2025
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.
Report Shows Latin American Grocery Shoppers Seek Value, Private Label
Grocery retail in Latin America is thriving, driven in large part by consumer demand for value. Key trends shaping the market include increased importance of private-label brands and e-commerce growth.
FI Spotlight: How AI Powered Solutions Are Transforming the Shopping Experience
Why ‘Open Omnivore’ Flexitarians Could be Plant-Based’s Future
The future of alt-meat could very well be driven not by vegetarians but by adventurous flexitarians – omnivores eager to explore alternatives. Minimally processed plant-based options will be key, said Indy Kauer, leader of the Plant Futures Collective.
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.
Cautious Optimism Fuels Retail Boom
As traditional post-pandemic headwinds subside, retailers are ready to meet today’s savvy consumers to inspire growth. To succeed in today’s market, it’s prudent to understand how cautious optimism shapes buying habits.
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Innovation in Food: The Evolution of an Industry at a Crossroads
The F&B industry is at a transformative crossroads, where AI-driven advancements, and the rise of functional foods, are reshaping how we think about nutrition. In 2025, the challenge will be balancing innovation with preserving the cultural essence of food.
Retail’s Hidden Secret: Unlocking Quarter 5 Potential
The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.
FI News Review (December 13, 2024) – Behind the Kroger/Albertsons Merger Fallout
Retail Opportunity: Private Label Wins Heading Into 2025
The private label category continues to enjoy seismic growth, slated to reach 24% by 2030. In a recent webinar, stakeholders discuss why the category has endured success, and what’s ahead in 2025.
Value, Value, Value: Cash-Strapped Holiday Shoppers Get Creative
As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.
Acosta Group Winning at Retail with Smart Retail Media and Shopper Personalization
Column: Walmart, Amazon in High-Tech Food Fight
Amazon’s chief engineer used to have a dog named Rufus who ran up and down the halls fetching tennis balls. That doesn’t seem like a big deal for a multibillion-dollar business. But recently, Amazon brought …
Grocery Shop 2024: What’s the Best Choice for Future Food?
FI Spotlight: Can Foxtrot Succeed the Second Time Around?
Game the System: Gamification in Grocery & Retail
Gamification refers to the idea of point scoring and applying competitive techniques to encourage consumer engagement.
Case Study: Elevating the Grocery Checkout Experience
Customer engagement company Birdzi has partnered with retail solutions provider ECRS for tech that allows grocery shoppers to redeem digital coupons in real-time.
Consumers Are Warming to the Idea of Smart Carts and Frictionless Shopping
About 77% of shoppers say they’re interested in trying new technology within a grocery store. And major retailers are finally warming to the idea of providing innovations like electronic shelf labels.