Tag: MenuData

Smarter Supply, Smarter Service: How AI is Transforming Foodservice

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the foodservice industry—from how food is produced and delivered to how it’s prepared and served. The Food Institute explored how AI is driving innovation and efficiency across the entire foodservice ecosystem, ...

The Rise of Dirty Soda: A Trend Taking the Beverage Industry by Storm

The “dirty soda” trend continues to be a phenomenon in the beverage industry, driven by social media and the desire for customization and unique experiences, particularly among Gen Z consumers. This trend has seen a 270% increase in social conversations over the past year.

Forces Shaping Foodservice: QSR Value Wars

The quick-serve restaurant value wars have never been more important to chains that are losing market share to prepared foods sections at grocery stores and full-service establishments. Concurrently, consumers are rejecting higher fast-food prices resulting ...

Mid-Year Update: The State of the Specialty Food Industry

At the recent Summer Fancy Food Show, industry leaders discussed the promising future for specialty food makers. Despite economic headwinds, consumers are expected to largely increase or maintain their consumption in many key categories.

Why Food Industry Leaders Choose MenuData for Strategic Insights

Discover how Menu Data AI is transforming food and beverage strategy with real-time insights across retail, foodservice, and social media. FI’s Chris Campbell interviews Sunny Khamkar, Co-Founder & CEO of MenuData at the National Restaurant ...

Restaurant Industry Insights for 2025

In case you missed it—or want to revisit key takeaways—the full recording is now available. R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai and Sunny Khamkar, co-founder and CEO of MenuData, unpacked the trends and ...

From Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia to Cha-Ching! The Evolution of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds were the most popular functional ingredient on U.S. restaurant menus during Q4 of 2024, according to MenuData, accounting for 38.9% of menu share. A staple in ancient diets for their utility and nutrition, today, the ingredient is gaining momentum with health-conscious consumers.

Specialty Food Spotlight: Sampling Year Ahead With Winter Fancy Food Show

The quest to lower one’s biological age, which reflects physiological health rather than years lived, could soon reshape the health and wellness landscape, driven by advancements in aging research. The F&B industry has a unique opportunity to innovate products that support longevity.

Consumers Fall in Love with Hawaiian Eats

Hawaiian cuisine is getting more popular on the mainland, with searches for Hawaiian barbecue up 88% from last year and Hawaiian Mac Salad up 523% over the same period. What’s behind this boom?

Innovation in Focus: Future Food Trends from SIAL Paris 2024

The Food Institute hosted Comexposium’s Audrey Ashworth and Anne-Claire Petitcol to preview SIAL Paris 2024 – the largest food and beverage show in the world. Audrey delved into the groundbreaking trends and innovations set to …

Fast-Food Chains’ ‘Wrap Battle’ Has Commenced

A wrap battle is booming in the QSR arena. By remixing preexisting ingredients with build-your-own appeal, major players are producing flavor-drenched “hunger hacks” and fresh affordable snacks that span dayparts.

What’s Ahead in 2024?

Food price inflation, geopolitical instability, the emergence of artificial intelligence, weather events, and more all impacted the food industry in 2023, but what’s ahead in 2024? This webinar delved into the latest retail transactional data, ...