FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 24, 2024

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plans to disqualify soda from programs like SNAP. 

Super Saturday to Entice Record Number of Shoppers

An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.

FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 18, 2024

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast examines Walmart’s plans to equip employees with body cameras at some U.S. locations.

BNPL Boom Boosting Holiday Spending

Buy-now-pay-later services are surging in popularity, with Adobe projecting $18.5 billion in holiday purchases this year. While retailers benefit from increased sales and lower fees compared to credit cards, experts warn that BNPL poses risks if not carefully regulated.

AI Beyond the Buzz: 3 Invaluable Food Industry Applications

Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ads sparked backlash for prioritizing spectacle over substance, highlighting a key lesson for food industry players: AI must deliver real-world value to resonate.

C-Stores Draw Market Share From Grocery, Retail

Casey’s and Maverik are highlighting breakfast while Buc-ee’s and Rutter’s are leveraging increased square footage and store footprints to drive sales and steal market share away from grocers and retailers.

Consumers’ Cookie Craze Picks Up the Pace

Nostalgia and fond memories have kept cookies popular and the treats remain a favorite because of their portability and versatility. 

Loitering Encouraged: Have a Seat at the C-Store

The contemporary C-store is not just a place of commerce and connection, but community and expanded food/bev services. No Loitering signs are giving way to invitations to pull up, sit down, and stay a while.

Holiday Spending Rises as Consumers Show Appetite for Experiences

This holiday retail season looked different than years past, industry experts noted. Retailers discounted heavily but consumers diversified their holiday spending to accommodate rising prices.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 30, 2022

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on trends to watch for 2023, including … pickle slushies?!

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 23, 2022

The latest FI news podcast touches on the rising demand for ingredients like chocolate within the ice cream industry.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 16, 2022

The latest FI news podcast updates the push toward automation throughout multiple elements of the food industry.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 9, 2022

The latest FI news podcast analyzes some interesting recent findings about the evolving American consumer.

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 2, 2022

The latest Food Institute news podcast analyzes recent predictions for a cooldown for food inflation in 2023.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 26, 2022

The latest Food Institute news podcast examines the recent growth in functional, better-for-you beverages.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 19, 2022

The latest FI news podcast looks at the major companies making layoffs, the first-ever cancelation of the Alaskan snow-crab season, and more.

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 12, 2022

The latest Food Institute news podcast looks at holiday spending projections, and updates the outlook for the energy drinks market.

Holiday Shopping Update: ‘Turkey Wednesday’ a Boon for Grocers 

Last-minute Thanksgiving shopping led to major gains for the nation’s top grocery stores this year. A new report by analytics firm Placer.ai shows the nation’s top grocery store chains saw a big jump in foot …

Thanksgiving 2021: Buy Early, Expect Higher Prices, Look for Substitutes

Following a year of supply chain issues and inflation, Thanksgiving dinner could look a little different—and more expensive—this year. Consumer Reports found that turkey prices could go up anywhere from 10 to 15% this holiday …

Analysis: What’s Influencing Increased Candy Sales this Year

It appears many consumers have a sweet tooth ahead of Halloween 2021. The pre-Halloween candy buying period is drawing more consumers this year than ever before, according to Numerator’s Candy Tracker. Omnichannel seasonal candy sales …

Holiday Food Sales Seen Rising if Pandemic Constraints Kept in Check

As the holiday season approaches and retail projections begin rolling in, food sales look promising. That is, as long as the pandemic and its accompanying labor and supply constraints are kept in check. Overall, holiday …

Food Industry in the Spotlight as Fourth of July Celebrations Return

Two-thirds of Americans plan to return to normal Independence Day celebrations this weekend, according to Numerator. So, as pandemic restrictions ease and Americans resume their Fourth of July traditions, The Food Institute takes a closer …

Retailers Make Changes to Prepare for the Holidays

Food Institute Focus – Retailers Make Changes to Prepare for the Holidays

Holiday Grocery Shoppers Turn to Prepared Meals to Avoid Stress

Food Institute Focus – Holiday Grocery Shoppers Turn to Prepared Meals to Avoid Stress