Stories of the Year: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants
Hart House abruptly closed all four locations despite Kevin Hart’s backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing plant-based restaurants.
Focus Archive
Stories of the Year: TGI Friday’s Bankruptcy Leaves Franchisees Holding $50M Liability
TGI Friday’s franchisees worry they may be on the hook for nearly $50 million in unredeemed gift card balances following the chain’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Stories of the Year: Dr Pepper Overtakes Pepsi as No. 2 Soda in America
Dr. Pepper: call it soda or call it pop, but either way, there’s a new no. 2 soda in America, and it isn’t Pepsi.
‘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.
Farm Bill Extension: Crisis Averted, but for How Long?
Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a stopgap spending measure that prolongs the U.S. farm bill for another year. Experts warn that failing to modernize the farm bill within the next year could exacerbate food price volatility.
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.
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.
Nestlé Protein Shots Touted as an Economical Ozempic Rival
Nestlé is tapping into the booming weight-loss market with Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a 45-calorie whey-protein solution designed to reduce appetite. Experts caution consumers about the shots’ limited effectiveness.
Navigating Food Supply Chain Challenges: Key Strategies for 2025
The global food supply chain faces mounting challenges, with 30% of food lost or wasted annually. To combat these hurdles, industry leaders are leveraging real-time tracking, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven automation.
California Declares State of Emergency Due to Bird Flu
California has declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu outbreaks affecting the poultry and dairy industries, with the first severe U.S. human case confirmed by the CDC and concerns over pandemic risks rising.
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.
Why Conagra Is Ready to Say ‘Arrivederci’ to Chef Boyardee
Conagra is reportedly exploring the sale of its Chef Boyardee brand, a once-dominant player now struggling amid shifting consumer preferences for healthier options, as many similar legacy brands face limited growth prospects.
IFMA Introduces Rebranded Identity at 2024 Presidents Conference
The 72-year-old organization recently unveiled a rebrand in a new video that retraces its history and reflects the changes seen in the food-away-from-home category since the pandemic.
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.
Everyone’s an Expert: How TikTok Democratized the Culinary Scene
TikTok is driving viral food trends while spiking sales for some businesses. For food brands and restaurants, the platform’s unparalleled reach can spark both massive success and unexpected controversy.
Plant-Based 2.0: An Uphill Battle
Despite losing steam in recent years, the plant-based movement is still experiencing pockets of growth, supported by innovation. During the recent FI webinar on the F&B market, industry experts discussed the segment’s future.
GLP-1 Drugs: Food Industry Threat or Dieting Fad?
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are transforming dieting culture, offering a relatively easy solution to weight loss. While these drugs may disrupt food consumption patterns, their long-term impact hinges on overcoming high dropout rates and premium pricing, one industry insider says.
Concerned About Cybersecurity? Here’s 10 Crucial Tips
Imagine this scenario: it’s a busy Friday wrapping up the quarter. Your accounting department receives an urgent payment request from a key ingredient supplier. The request comes from the usual contact’s email and references a …
Fusion 2.0: ‘Chaos Cooking’ Turns Global Flavors on Their Heads
Chaos cooking, a culinary movement popularized by TikTok, involves combining unexpected ingredients to create bold, experimental dishes like birria ramen. Its playful fusion especially resonates with Gen Z.
5 Keys for Brands When Considering Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.
Brown Butter: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Trend to Watch in 2025
Brown butter is emerging as a major 2025 flavor trend, according to an Edlong report. Known for its rich, nutty flavor, its versatility and affordability make it a favorite among chefs and young demographics.
Phygital Prowess: 2025’s Recipe for Restaurant Success
As restaurants compete in an increasingly “phygital” world, blending digital and physical experiences is key to meeting consumer expectations in 2025. Restaurant-tech company Tillster expects curbside pickup to ramp up, too.
Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets
Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.
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Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks
Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.
Flat-Out Innovative: Oat Milk Sheets Require 94% Less Packaging
The new Flat Pack oat milk sheets by milkadamia reportedly reduce packaging waste by 94%. The shelf-stable solution allows consumers to make fresh oat milk in customizable portions, addressing the bulk of the category’s environmental challenges at the source instead of placing the burden on consumers.
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.
Fiber: The Unsung Hero of Athletic Performance, Overall Health
Most Americans fall short of recommended fiber intake levels. Nutrition expert and Olympic cyclist Dotsie Bausch notes there are numerous misconceptions around fiber and its benefits for gut health and disease prevention.
Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Ag Secretary Choice, Targets Foreign Farm Ownership
Donald Trump has nominated Brooke L. Rollins, a farm-raised leader of the America First Policy Institute, as his pick for agriculture secretary. She’s expected to focus on tightening regulations around foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.
Anticipated Tariffs From Trump Administration Could Impact F&B Businesses
Gen Alpha and Gen Z Food Trends to Watch in 2025
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving food trends with a focus on health-conscious, yet adventurous eating, according to research by Chartwells Higher Education. Emerging favorites among today’s youth include cottage cheese, as well as miso.
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?
Latin American Heritage Diet Called ‘Blueprint’ to Better Health
The Latin American Heritage Diet is helping combat high rates of diabetes among Hispanic Americans, featuring ingredients like vegetables and whole grains. The diet also reconnects Latin Americans with cultural foodways.
Banking on Nostalgia, Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant Eyes Revival
The once-beloved Chi-Chi’s restaurant chain is making a comeback nearly two decades after its last U.S. location closed. Led by the founder’s son, the revival aims to honor its nostalgic charm, with new locations set to open in 2025.
Black Friday 2024 Beneficiaries: Target, Apple, and Shopping Malls
Black Friday 2024 showcased omnichannel’s growing dominance, with online sales surging nearly 15%. Experts noted that while Black Friday has evolved into a season-long event, its role remains pivotal, sparking optimism for a strong holiday shopping season.
Retail Reimagined: Shoppers Skipping Middle Ground for Luxury, Value
Consumers are reshaping retail by prioritizing convenience, with Millennials driving trends like smaller store formats. Meanwhile, shifts in spending patterns reveal a preference for luxury or value over mid-priced options.