FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 17, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we examine rising food prices, the so-called “shroom boom,” and more. The Food Institute Podcast · FI Fast Break News – Nov. 17, 2021 The …

Experts: Inflation, E-Commerce Require Companies to Rethink Strategies in 2022

During CPG Growth Strategies in an Inflationary 2022 – a recent webinar presented by IRI and RBC Capital Markets – experts noted what to expect in the months ahead regarding food prices, the labor pool, …

UPDATED: Sysco, US Foods’ Steep Prices Hikes a Harbinger of Things to Come?

(Updated Nov. 11, 2021 with Sysco Q3 numbers) Prices for supplies from foodservice distribution giants US Foods and Sysco rose 11.5% and 13.4% respectively during the third quarter but had little effect on soaring demand …

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 10, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we examine changing consumer purchasing habits, the lunch day-part’s recovery at restaurants, and more. The Food Institute Podcast · FI Fast Break News – Nov. …

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 …

NPD Exec: Restaurant Operators Must Lean Into Off-Premises Opportunities

Prior to last year, David Portalatin noticed it all the time. In his hometown of Houston, restaurant customers sought “Instagrammable moments,” in which they snapped photos of tasty-looking food and friends with whom they were …

FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 3, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we examine encouraging holiday retail sales news, and update trucking delays. The Food Institute Podcast · FI Fast Break News – Nov. 3, 2021 The …

Food Industry Execs: Inflation Could Worsen Yet

Overall CPI rose 0.4% in September, slightly ahead of estimates of 0.3%, with the indexes for food and shelter contributing to more than half of the monthly increase. The food price index climbed 0.8%, with …

FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 20, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we examine inflation’s impact on major CPG companies and more. The Food Institute Podcast · FI Fast Break News – Oct. 20, 2021 The FI Fast …

As Grocery Inflation Nears a Tipping Point, CEOs Weigh In

Food inflation is approaching pivotal levels in the U.S., with prices for food consumed in the home increasing 4.5% in September compared with the same month of 2020. As input costs continue to rise, more …

Facing Mounting Pressures, Kroger Becomes Latest to Pass Along Higher Prices

On a recent earnings call, Kroger CFO Gary Millerchip said the retailer will be “passing along higher cost to the customer where it makes sense to do so.” The CFO acknowledged the company’s facing pressures …

How High Can Prices Go: Top Consumer Foods

As pandemic restrictions eased, pent-up consumer demand kept inflation elevated. In July, the overall consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.5%, a somewhat moderate gain relative to recent increases. Yet, over the past 12 months, price …

FI Fast Break audio news: Aug. 11, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we examine how consumers are stocking their pantries due to the Delta variant, the restaurant industry’s recovery, and more. The Food Institute Podcast · FI …

Restaurant Sales are Booming, But for How Long?

The restaurant industry continued to regain its financial footing in June, but the pandemic aftershocks have yet to subside. “The industry right now is extremely strong and is surging. For many operators, they have more business …

FI Fast Break audio news: July 28, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we break down the surging prices of both seafood and coffee, vaccination requirements in California, and new unemployment statistics. The Food Institute Podcast · FI …

‘Double Whammy’ of Drought, Frosts in Brazil Propels Coffee Prices

Extreme weather and supply chain issues have impacted prices for the vast majority of commodities in 2021, ranging from lumber to corn. Until recently, coffee (and avocados) seemed to be surviving in an inflationary market …

The Implications of Higher Inflation and COVID-19 Infection Rates for the Food Industry

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: higher inflation and COVID-19 infection rates, public health policy changes, vaccine passport, the …

How High Can Prices Go? Inflation Spurs Price Hikes Among CPGs

With inflation on the rise, major CPG companies are projecting price increases. Here are a few of the top brands to announce such pending hikes: UNILEVER After already raising prices 1.6% in the second quarter, …

FI Fast Break audio news: July 21, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we break down the major ingredient shortages multiple QSRs are dealing with, the growth of online grocery shopping, and the future of alternative seafood. The …

Exclusive: Wells Fargo Economist Addresses State of U.S. Agriculture

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: an interview with Wells Fargo agricultural economist Dr. Michael J. Swanson on a …

Analyzing China’s Import Activity and Its Efforts to Achieve Food Security

Among the factors behind soaring agricultural commodity prices this past year has been China’s food imports and its efforts to boost food security. And while pandemic-related supply constraints among exporters grabbed headlines, China has been …

Meat Prices Continue to Rise After Pandemic Push

Inflation is affecting prices across the food continuum, and meat is no exception. Meat prices were up in the first two quarters of the year when compared to both 2020 and 2019, according to analysis …

FI Agriculture Recap: Pandemic Relief for Livestock Producers

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications next Tuesday from livestock producers who suffered pandemic losses as a result of their inability to gain sufficient access to processing. Relief will come from the …

FI Fast Break audio news: July 14, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we break down a few innovative strategies for navigating the labor shortage, examine a major new company entering the cultured-meat market, and more. The Food …

Conagra Latest CPG Brand to Increase Prices

With the Consumer Price Index rising 0.9% in June, food brands are raising prices to keep up with inflation. The latest major company to follow suit is Conagra. Conagra recently cut its fiscal 2022 outlook …

How Food Businesses are Fighting Inflation

The Federal Reserve raised its median forecast for inflation this year, projecting consumer prices will rise 3.4% in the fourth quarter compared to a year prior. Since the pandemic began, grocery bills have gone up 8%-9% …

Food Industry Financials: Don’t be surprised to spend an extra $6K on food this year

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: grocery inflation, menu price hikes, cost saving ideas, and more. Don’t be surprised …

IRI Analysis: CPG Demand Patterns Shift as Economy Reopens

Consumers resuming active lifestyles are still maintaining at-home habits, according to a new IRI report highlighting key trends and growth opportunities for CPG manufacturers and retailers. In April, food and beverage sales for at-home consumption …

Food Industry Financials: Retail Sales, Darden Restaurants, and more

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: retail sales, supply crunch, global forecast, earnings from Darden Restaurants (DRI), and more. …

UPDATE: QSRs Rethinking Value Meals as Costs Rise

Fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s and KFC, appear to be cutting discounts and pushing more expensive meals post-pandemic. QSRs are cutting back on $5-and-under “value” menu items in favor of $10-$30 meal combinations in order …

Food Industry Financials: Inflation, KR, and more

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: inflation analysis, food commodities outlook, The Kroger Co. (KR) earnings digest, and more. …

U.S. Employers’ Next Challenge: Handling the ‘Great Resignation’ Wave

A strange thing happened as the U.S. started emerging from the pandemic: Rather than workers debating whether they wanted to go back to the office a few days a week or full-time, many just decided …

FI Agriculture Recap: USDA to Provide $1B in Disaster Aid to Producers

Here’s a look at the latest in agriculture news from throughout the U.S. this week. … USDA announces more than $1B disaster payments: The USDA plans to begin distributing more than $1 billion in Quality …

Food Industry Financials: Inflation, CPB, and more

Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: inflation analysis, earnings from Campbell Soup Company (CPB), Chewy, Inc. (CHWY), and more.   …

Rising CPI and Spend on Importing Add to Inflation Unease

The Consumer Price Index increased 0.6% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.8% in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Thursday. Those numbers, plus concerns about spend on importing, are …

FI Retail Roundup: Amazon’s Prime Day Plans Prompting Shift in Competitors’ Mindset

As COVID-19 eases in the U.S., retailers are preparing for business in a new, post-pandemic paradigm. Here are some recent highlights: Amazon Prime Day Amazon Prime Day always has a big impact on the company’s …