It’s Private Label’s World — On the ‘Cusp of a Super Cycle’

Private label continues to maintain dominance over the CPG sector: in 2024, it grew $9 billion from the year before. As a result, opportunities and innovation abound.

Brewing Gains: ‘Proffee’ Momentum Grows

Consumers are doubling down on their protein intake with a protein-infused coffee trend dubbed “proffee.” CPGs and retailers alike are hopping on to get a bit of the buzz.

Inspiring Supply Chain Resilience: A Farm-to-Fork Approach

Recent supply chain disruptions further prove that operators need to consider ways to integrate resilience into their approach. One key method is through integrating flexibility into shipment processes.

UK-Based PizzaExpress Charts Course for Florida

U.K. darling PizzaExpress is charting a course for a U.S. takeover beginning with locations throughout Florida. The chain offers an affordable escape with a unique twist, including live music.

Beyond Price Hikes: How CPGs Stay Competitive

As CPGs can no longer guarantee price increases as a surefire way to maintain positive margins, they’re looking to other solutions. Premiumization and brand acquisitions are two methods stakeholders will leverage in the coming year.

FDA Red Dye No. 3 Ban One Week Out: What You Need to Know

The FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3, effective January 2027, marks a significant shift for food manufacturers, as the colorant has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The decision has sparked debate over food safety, consumer pressure, and the influence of international standards.

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.

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?

3 Key Takeaways From NRF 2025 – Retail’s Big Show

At the recent Retail’s Big Show event by the NRF, technology took center stage, showing the need for businesses to transform their operations with a digital future in mind. Here’s a look at three themes slated to take over retail in the new year.

Regional Grocers Win in Value-First World

A recent report from dunnhumby found consumers continue to prefer regional grocers with H-E-B holding firm as the most preferred. Kroger and Albertsons, however, fell out of favor, likely due to the ongoing post-merger turmoil.

Alcohol Threats Abound: From Surgeon General to Dry Jan

Alcohol manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice segments have a lot to worry about heading into the new year, with Dry January and Surgeon General advisories advocating for sober-curious lifestyles. Time will tell if these movements make an impact.

BREAKING: Panera CEO Steps Down

Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?

FDA, USDA Evaluate Food-Labeling Burnout

The FDA and USDA are taking steps to understand how consumers interpret common food date labeling terms such as “Sell By” and “Use By” to understand whether it is leading to confusion.

‘Bed Rotting’ Culture: What the F&B Industry Needs to Know

A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.

Retail’s Hidden Secret: Unlocking Quarter 5 Potential

The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.

Food Industry Outlook: Where Are We, Where Are We Going?

Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.

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.

Driving Profit with the Better-for-You Shopper

The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.

Retail Opportunity: Private Label Wins Heading Into 2025

The private label category continues to enjoy seismic growth, slated to reach 24% by 2030. In a recent webinar, stakeholders discuss why the category has endured success, and what’s ahead in 2025.

Hacking Humans 2.0: Redefining Health with Gut Bacteria

With dreams of CPG integration, FitBiomics is producing probiotics designed by data mining the gut microbiomes of professional athletes. Is this the next big wellness trend?

Taco Bell Taps Consumers for Ad During NFL Super Bowl

Taco Bell is collaborating with its customer base to create a unique, community-driven ad campaign for its upcoming Super Bowl slot.

Subway Pivots as it Seeks to Get Back on Track

Subway recently scrapped its latest ambitious 6-inch Meal Deal after it failed to meet expectations. Is the company’s latest expansion strategy enough to give it solid footing?

Value, Value, Value: Cash-Strapped Holiday Shoppers Get Creative

As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.

Coffee Omakase, Flights Capture Consumer Interest

A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.

What’s Up with Airline Food? Shake Shack, Delta Partner on Burgers in the Sky

Delta’s latest partnership with Shake Shack has been met with excitement; however, is it enough to shake the airline’s negative in-flight meal image?

7-Eleven Pilots Food-Centric Design Amidst Headwinds

7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.

Makers Eye Precision Fermentation, Alt Protein for Solutions

With the world’s population expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, manufacturers are looking for unique solutions to satisfy the growing consumer base’s nutrient-dense needs. Can precision fermentation be the key?

Hops Crossing: Functional Beer, Candy Brews to Trend in 2025

Beer trends in 2025 include accelerated interest in saccharine brews as well as better-for-you beverages, according to a recent report. The Food Institute takes a look at some of the forces motivating these shifts.

3 Key Takeaways from Gulfood Manufacturing 2024

The Food Institute attended this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 event in Dubai and noted that the gathering highlighted advancements in sustainable practices, alt-protein, and tech-enabled ingredients. It also illustrated the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead

Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.

Holiday Shopping Spread: Christmas Comes Early

A new report finds that holiday cheer has surpassed the final weeks of the year. Instead, shoppers and retailers are getting an early jumpstart on the season.

Next-Gen Retail Media is Here for Grocery Delivery Platforms

Instacart, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway have all entered the retail media space and are continuing to deliver on unique advertising capabilities for CPGs and retailers.

Modern ‘Boss Mindset’ Entails Empowering Employees, Leaders Say

At a recent Hugo Boss event, The Food Institute’s Brian Choi and Jump Rope Innovation’s Robyn Carter discussed effective modern leadership and the state of the food industry today.

Amazon’s Latest Pilot Could Be a Masterclass in Unified Shopping

Amazon recently debuted its latest brick-and-mortar format in Chicago: Amazon Grocery. Its strategy, however, may take business from Whole Foods or motivate shoppers to stay in its ecosystem.

Bobagate: Actor Simu Liu Sparks Controversy Over RTD Boba Tea

On a recently aired episode of Dragons’ Den, actor Simu Liu accused a better-for-you boba brand of cultural appropriation, incites online controversy in a movement dubbed “bobagate.”