FI Fast Break audio news: Oct. 18, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the push for $25 per hour among employees at a major U.S. restaurant chain.

How Grocers Can Sway Cash-Strapped Consumers

Low-income shoppers are more cautious than ever when choosing a grocer—companies that can meet their needs have an opportunity to develop relationships that last a lifetime.

FI Fast Break audio news: July 12, 2023

The latest FI news podcast touches on private label’s huge year so far, plus the plant-based category’s sluggishness.

Private Label Can be a Stand-Out Category for Observant Grocers

Private label has become a major category for retailers: 59% of executives say they will continue to prioritize private label, while 21% say their private label efforts will be accelerated, according to a survey by …

Groundbreaking Consumer Insight: The Snack 50 Psychological Ranking

According to Circana Group and reported by The Wall Street Journal, nearly half of American consumers snack three times or more every day, a figure up 8% in the past two years. Last year, U.S. snack sales soared to over $180 billion, up 11% from the previous year.

Larger Manufacturers Are Winning the Price Wars

2022 was a fantastic year for larger food manufacturers, and there’s one clear reason why: the majors have been able to stress pricing.

Analysis: Why Private-label Product Sales are Surging

In trying to control household costs, consumers often turn to private-label products, which the Private Label Manufacturers Association reported grew at 11.3% — to a record $228.6 billion last year. “Lacking the marketing cost component …

FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 22, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on modern consumers’ increasing focus on value and affordability.

Retail Expert: Proper Forecasting Will be Vital in 2023

A top executive with S&P Global Ratings said proper forecasting will be imperative for retailers this year, as fading uncertainty enables new opportunities.

3 Keys to Discount Grocers’ Recent Success

Mainstream grocers can learn priceless lessons from successful off-price brands like Aldi, according to one industry analyst. Chief among those lessons is the value of growing private-label offerings.

Plant-Based Innovation Abounds at Private Label Trade Show

The Plant-Based Foods pavilion at the recent Private Label Trade Show hosted numerous exhibitors offering plant-based products to address consumer concerns about health, the environment, and animal welfare.

Why Building Loyalty is an Invaluable Sales Strategy for Grocers

Inflation means price-conscious shoppers are trading brand loyalty for promotion hunting habits, but smart grocers can still instill loyalty in their existing shoppers. In fact, grocers can even use this time as an opportunity to …

As Consumers Seek Meals with Homemade Feel, Retailers Can Capitalize

Store-brand baking mix sales are on the rise, as shoppers seek “from-scratch” taste without time-consuming work.

CEO: Recipes are Key to Private Label Success

Private label is arguably more important than ever in the face of inflation, and digital recipes tend to get those products onto consumers’ plates.

Building Private Label Value Beyond the Price Tag

As consumer spending buckles under the weight of inflation, store brands must work harder than ever to capture market share. In first quarter of 2022, consumers across all outlets were spending more but buying less …

Simplicity Is Key to Trader Joe’s Success

As Amazon leans into technology and major grocers like Kroger and Albertsons keep increasing square footage and introducing more product lines, Trader Joe’s is a throwback to simpler times. And that just may be the …

Consumers Diving into Frozen Desserts

Consumers’ perpetual sweet tooth for frozen treats continues to drive category sales, despite equally persistent supply chain challenges. In particular, the frozen novelty segment has been a powerhouse over the past few years, with April …

CPG Food Brand Loyalty Taking Hit Amid Rising Inflation

With inflation raging, consumers are beginning to cut costs on everyday CPG food items. And as a result, brand loyalty is taking a hit. Private-label brands, after two pandemic years in which they lost market …

Can Plant-Based Innovation Boost Store Brand Sales?

On the heels of a stagnant sales year for store brands, Amazon and Kroger are bulking up their private label portfolios with plant-based products. Is category innovation on the horizon? The Food Institute Podcast · …

Why Are Private Label Products Not Thriving Amidst Inflation?

Shoppers have historically gravitated to store brands when economic times get tough. But despite record-high prices, private label food and beverage sales continue to dip below their national counterparts at retail. Overall, store brand dollar …

What Does Gopuff’s Move Into Private Label Signal for Rapid Delivery?

Gopuff is launching its very own line of private label products. Bottled water will kick off the “Basically” brand, followed by other household items like cleaning products, paper products, and food storage, reported CNBC (Jan. …

Report: Convenience Store Growth in Q3 Boosted by Edible Products

The convenience store channel grew 7.7% in the 13 weeks ending September 26, outperforming the broader market for the third consecutive quarter, according to a new report from data analytics firm IRI. Stronger growth in …

Gellert Global Group Acquires Assets Of Mitsui Foods, Inc.

Elizabeth, NJ, Nov. 2, 2021/FINewswire/– The Gellert Global Group has purchased specific assets of Mitsui Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc. Since 1953, Mitsui Foods has been importing fine grocery and …

Did Amazon Lie to Congress About Business Practices?

Five members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee wrote to Amazon.com’s chief executive and accused the company’s top executives, including founder Jeff Bezos, of either misleading Congress or possibly lying to it about Amazon’s business practices, reported …

Are National Brands Overtaking Private Label?

Over the past twelve months, national brands have turned the tables on private label, racking up a higher percentage of total dollar sales for edible products and beverages. The new data suggests a shifting landscape …

Premium Private Labels Continue to Disrupt Grocery Market

The demand for private label grocery products remained strong throughout the pandemic, with higher-end premium lines driving sales for traditional grocers, clubs, and mass merchandisers. Now, Kroger plans to add 660 items to its private …

CPG Companies Gained in 2020; In 2021, Will It Continue?

Big CPG companies did well in the first half of 2020, but they failed to meet consumer demand in the year’s second half, giving way, to an extent, to upstart CPGs. CPG sales increased by …

A Second Grocery Stock Up on the Way

More than half of shoppers plan to stock up on groceries if another coronavirus-related shutdown occurs, according to data from Acosta. “As COVID cases continue to rise, most shoppers believe we’re headed for another shutdown …

Shoppers Connect with Private-Label Brands

Private-label brands have been performing well during COVID-19. Entering 2020, the category grew more than 4% as national brands only grew at 1.5%, according to Nielsen. As the year carried on, the category continued to …

5 Trend Predictions: Private Label, Ghost Kitchens, CBD, Plant-, and Cell-Based

Ten years ago, CBD-, plant-, and cell-based variations on food were more science fiction than real products on actual shelves. Online ordering was in its infancy as a market force. And while private labels existed, …

Private Label Outpaces National Brands

Food Institute Focus – Private Label Outpaces National Brands