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: inflation
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.
Meat Mania: Meat Makes Comeback With Focus on Protein
Meat is reclaiming its spot on consumers’ plates as the benefits of protein-heavy diets are noted on social media. With fresh meat sales projected to surpass $137 billion this year, the industry is sizzling.
Father’s Day Spending to Reach Record-breaking $24 Billion
With Father’s Day spending projected to hit new heights, consumers are looking past the uncertain state of the economy to celebrate with their loved ones. Analysis of industry reports suggests that food and beverage industry experiences will take center stage during the holiday.
Diageo Considers American Brand-Selling Strategy
Diageo, the spirits giant, is shifting its long-standing strategy by selectively selling off brands. The industry is watching closely to see whether this pivot will strengthen Diageo’s future or mirror the struggles of American food conglomerates.
Target Has Fallen Behind Retail Rivals – Again
Target has struggled to define a unique place in its market, watching rivals like Walmart and Costco capitalize on growth opportunities while its own stock and sales falter. Target’s leadership now faces a critical moment to convince investors that it can once again turn challenges into triumphs.
FI Fast Break audio news: May 21, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses how trade tensions continue to drive consumers to tighten their wallets.
FI Fast Break audio news: May 14, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on thawing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and more trending industry news.
Despite a Rough Q1, Investors Believe Fast Food Will Rebound
Despite sluggish sales and weak traffic in Q1, fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have seen their stocks rebound, reflecting investors’ confidence in pricing adjustments to revitalize the sector. QSRs are positioning themselves for a more efficient, profitable future.
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.
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?
Sticker Shock: 44% of Companies Plan to Pass Tariff Costs to Customers
A new survey by Zilliant reveals that nearly half of businesses plan to pass tariff-related costs onto consumers. As companies navigate tariff-related challenges, transparency with consumers will be critical to maintaining trust and avoiding backlash.
For Oatly, Execution Has Been the Biggest Problem
Once valued at over $15 billion, Oatly’s market capitalization has plummeted by 98% due to poor execution in expanding production and mounting financial losses. Its sluggish growth in plant-based products makes Oatly’s future murky, according to FI’s resident stock expert.
Tariff Time: Unraveling the New Normal in Global Trade
Jodi Ader from RSM US LLP joined The Food Institute Podcast to discuss which products and inputs are currently subject to tariffs, and how to best mitigate supply chain risks.
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.
How Food and Beverage Can Contend with Uncertainty
Lou Biscotti from CBIZ explains how uncertainty, tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and inflation are impacting the food and beverage industry.
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.
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.
Fewer Drinks, More Dessert at Home: Inflation’s Impact on Indulgence
Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.
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.
The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation
Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.
FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 16, 2024
The latest FI news podcast touches on the notable reduction in drinking among young adults — especially when it comes to wine.
FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 9, 2024
The newest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Instacart’s new AI-powered smart cart, the Caper Cart, and more.
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FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 2, 2024
The latest Fast Break news podcast touches on PepsiCo’s acquisition of a Mexican-American brand and what that says about consumer demand.
FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 25, 2024
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on the surge in interest regarding specialty coffee.
Impact of Inflation: F&B Industry Preps for 2025 Challenges
Economists warn of a potential recession in 2025. As a result, food and beverage companies must focus on innovation and sustainability as they navigate economic challenges and interest rate cuts.
Imports Surging Ahead of East, Gulf Port Strike Threat
Retailers have ramped up their merchandise deliveries amid a threatened strike by U.S. dockworkers that could disrupt the imminent holiday shopping season. 45,000 dockworkers are poised to walk out at 36 ports along the East and Gulf coasts following the expiration of the longshoremen’s six-year master contract, which expires on October 1.
FI Fast Break audio news: Sept. 18, 2024
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on fallout from the headline-grabbing Boar’s Head recall.
News Roundup (September 13, 2024): Food Inflation, Buyout Stalled, Waffle House CEO Passes
From slowing inflation to Seven & i Holdings’ refusal to be bought by Alimentation Couche-Tard to the passing of a beloved chain’s CEO, don’t miss the latest episode of FI News Review.
FI Spotlight – Cold Snap: The Hard Earned Success Story of Crazy Mason Milkshakes
FI News Review (August 9, 2024) – How Much Are Consumers Spending Right Now?
FI Spotlight: Navigating Soaring Food Prices: Will Inflation Ever Subside?
Dollar Stores Have Reached An Inflection Point
The performance of dollar store stocks suggested investors believed Walmart’s best days were behind it. They were wrong.
Feeling the Squeeze: Orange Juice Prices Continue to Climb
Orange juice futures are up more than 400% since 2020, and the rising prices have consumers wondering if the juice is truly worth the squeeze.
Fast-Food Chains Racing to the Bottom to Attract Inflation-Weary Consumers
All of a sudden, $5 value meals are everywhere, from fast-food chains to major retailers. Industry insiders say the deals are simply a short-term solution, however.