Food Industry Archive

F&B Supply Chains Brace for Trump Administration Tariffs

Trump administration tariffs continue to warn the F&B sector; however, there are options to evade its impacts through careful sourcing strategies. Data and new technologies present opportunities for brands to take control of the situation.

Cracking the Vertical Farming Code Uncovers New-Age Implications

Vertical farming is at a crossroads: old-age darlings like AeroFarms and Bowery Farming show how difficult it is to succeed in the emerging sector; however, technological advancements are working to drive value for the sector while ushering a new era of smart farming solutions. By 2035, the industry will be shaped by a host of geopolitical, economic, technological, and environmental factors.

Dairy Milk Makes Comeback, Outpaces Plant-Based Alternatives

Whole milk is making a comeback, with U.S. consumption up 3.2% last year, while plant-based milk alternatives saw a 5.9% decline. This shift is driven by consumer demand for protein and healthy fats, as well as economic factors.

Flower Power: Gen Z Craves Floral Menu Innovations

As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.

Egg Limits Hit Shelves in Bird Flu’s Wake

Egg shortages and soaring prices are being driven by the double whammy of severe weather and the bird flu, which has wiped out millions of birds and tightened supplies nationwide. As a result, grocers are implementing measures like purchase limits.

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.

4 Eye-Opening Food Innovations from CES 2025

CES 2025 showcased groundbreaking advancements in food, beverage, and AgTech. With 140,000-plus attendees and 4,500 exhibitors, the event highlighted how tech is transforming the way food is prepared.

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.

Value 2.0: Catering to Shoppers’ Personal Priorities

In 2025, consumers will redefine “value,” prioritizing brands that align with their personal values, according to Acosta Group. Retailers must embrace this shift by enhancing experiences through personalized retail media, leveraging social commerce, and addressing health-conscious demands with transparency.

CES 2025 Preview: Sustainability, Automation Take Center Stage

CES 2025 promises to spotlight cutting-edge advancements in ag-tech and food tech. Food industry executives attending the event will gain firsthand insight into technologies addressing global challenges like sustainability, automation, and precision agriculture.

Innovation in Food: The Evolution of an Industry at a Crossroads

The F&B industry is at a transformative crossroads, where AI-driven advancements, and the rise of functional foods, are reshaping how we think about nutrition. In 2025, the challenge will be balancing innovation with preserving the cultural essence of food.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.