7-Eleven, Live Nation Partnership Exemplifies Experiential Marketing

7-Eleven is redefining experiential marketing by embedding its brand into live music culture as it works to appeal to to younger consumers.

From H Mart to Mainstream: The Rise of Asian Food Brands

Asian food brands are redefining grocery shelves by blending bold cultural identities and playful textures, fueling a culinary movement. With sales skyrocketing and Gen Z embracing authenticity, these brands showcase powerful lessons in modern branding.

NGA Takes Aim at Proposed SNAP Cuts, Industry Concerned

The National Grocers Association recently led efforts to urge Congress to reject a proposal that will slash SNAP funding by 20%.

Grocers’ Gen Z Digital Playbook

Grocers are rethinking the shopping experience to engage with Gen Z, which wields $984 billion in spending power and demands digital-infused interactions.

Investors Give Albertsons Another Chance – For Now

Following its earnings call last Tuesday, Albertsons stock finished the week up about 2.5% – but the stock took a winding road to get there. Shares originally fell nearly 8% on Tuesday, the day after the company’s fiscal fourth quarter release, before bouncing back over the next two trading sessions.

Study Shows Vegan Grocery Costs Vary Widely by State

A recent study by CashNetUSA analyzed the average cost of a basket of vegan groceries purchased at Walmart stores across the U.S. Its findings revealed significant discrepancies in both the affordability and accessibility of plant-based groceries among states.

CPG Brands Eye Success by Connecting Data Sets

Consumer price sensitivities, plus tariff uncertainty, have added up to tumult for CPG brands in 2025. “Whether it’s tariffs or the tightening of consumer wallets, CPG brands are trying to figure out how to get …

Sticker Shock: 44% of Companies Plan to Pass Tariff Costs to Customers

A new survey by Zilliant reveals that nearly half of businesses plan to pass tariff-related costs onto consumers. As companies navigate tariff-related challenges, transparency with consumers will be critical to maintaining trust and avoiding backlash.

Power Players of the Aisle: CPG’s Fastest-Growing Brands Revealed

The Circana CPG Growth Leaders report revealed how top-performing brands like Constellation Brands and Celsius energy drinks leverage innovation, personalization, and exclusive partnerships to drive consumer loyalty. The research underscores the importance of authentic connections for sustained growth.

Hot is Hot: Spicy Beverage Flavors Taking Center Stage

The spicy flavor trend is setting the F&B world ablaze, with bold innovations such as hot honey sausage for pizzas and chili-infused ice cream captivating adventurous consumers. These days, the innovation even extends into drink aisles.

Spring Surprise: Easter Sales Defy Uncertainty Over Tariffs, Recession

Despite high egg prices and economic uncertainty, Easter spending in the U.S. is projected to reach a record $23.6 billion, with consumers prioritizing celebrations and retailers adjusting offerings to accommodate shifting budgets.

Policy Heats Up: Hot Foods Act Poised to Modernize SNAP

The bipartisan reintroduction of the Hot Foods Act aims to modernize SNAP policies by allowing participants to purchase hot, prepared meals. This legislative change, strongly backed by industry leaders, could open new avenues for the food sector to meet the evolving needs of over 42 million Americans.

Fewer, Better, Smarter: The Shift in Specialty Food Purchasing Habits

While inflation and global trade challenges have pressured the grocery market, specialty foods remain resilient.

The Billion (Family) Dollar Question: What Happened to Dollar Stores?

After purchasing discount retailer Family Dollar for roughly $9 billion in 2015, Dollar Tree admitted defeat in a recent sale earlier this month that valued the banner at only $1 billion. Is this a signal …

3 Key Themes from the International Pizza Expo

The Las Vegas Convention Center became the epicenter of the pizza world this week, as it hosted the International Pizza Expo. The event highlighted the latest, greatest, and most innovative pizza ingredients.

Retail Media Networks: The New Power Players in Digital Advertising

Retail media networks are evolving from data gatekeepers into comprehensive media companies. This transformation is prompting marketers to rethink ad strategies as RMNs push for larger brand commitments and integrate advanced media formats like video and shoppable content.

Tariff Trouble: Fresh Produce Prices Expected to Spike

The proposed tariffs by the Trump administration on Mexico and Canada are expected to significantly increase fresh produce costs in the U.S.

6 Food Retail Trends Grocery Stores Can’t Afford to Ignore

The food retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by shifting consumer behaviors, economic pressures, and technological advancements. In “The Future of Food Retail” webinar recently hosted by The Food Institute, R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical …

Self-Reflection: Retailers Reconsidering Self-Checkout Lanes

Multiple retailers are re-evaluating self-checkout lanes these days. As a result, the kiosks have become heavily debated among industry analysts. “Shoppers with high velocity who want to get their 10 items or less quickly – …

Price: The Elusive Enemy of Food Delivery

Food delivery shoppers are becoming more price sensitive, indicating that platforms will have to get creative to ensure profits. One key growth lever for companies in 2025 is reinforcing their commitments to grocery, the often-overlooked food delivery service next to restaurants.

Naturally Confused: Natural, Organic Terms Puzzle 40% of Consumers

Roughly 59% of shoppers think it’s important that grocery items are natural and/or organic, according to a new Acosta Group study. Gen Z is especially interested in such products. However, many consumers are confused by terms like “natural” and “organic.”

Revolutionizing Meat Snacks: Mighty Spark’s Poultry Power Play

The Mighty Spark brand aims to revolutionize a meat-stick category traditionally dominated by beef by introducing healthier, chicken-based options. Their products, which are low in calories and free from common allergens, have gained popularity due to their bold taste, leading to rapid expansion in retail.

Walmart Partnership Pushes Fresh Produce Limits

Walmart is partnering with India-based agritech company GreenPod Labs to clean up its supply chain: the tech innovation endeavors to minimize produce spoilage during transportation.

A Fizzy Fiasco – PepsiCo Embroiled in Yet Another Legal Battle

The recent lawsuit in California alleging PepsiCo’s engagement in nefarious pricing practices is the latest in an ongoing movement in food and beverage to leverage the Robinson-Patman Act to strengthen small businesses’ economic autonomy. The act is also a fiercely debated issue in the U.S. government.

Big Deal Down South: C&S Acquires 170 Grocery Stores from Aldi

C&S Wholesale Grocers, which attempted to play a major role in the failed merger between Albertsons and Kroger, announced the purchase of 170 Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores from Aldi U.S.

Instacart, Mountain Dew Among Super Bowl 59 Ad Winners

Super Bowl 59’s commercials leaned on humor and star power, featuring celebrities like Martha Stewart to promote F&B brands.

Report Shows Latin American Grocery Shoppers Seek Value, Private Label

Grocery retail in Latin America is thriving, driven in large part by consumer demand for value. Key trends shaping the market include increased importance of private-label brands and e-commerce growth.

Fueling Innovation: The New Age of Culinary Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are undergoing a makeover, with the vast majority replacing what was once viewed as “desperation” food with real – but not necessarily healthier – offerings. The number of C-stores fell marginally last year, …

Rise and Stall of Amazon Go Illustrates Limits of AI

In its quest to revolutionize retail, Amazon Go has faced significant hurdles, from customer confusion to technical difficulties. Amazon’s challenges in brick-and-mortar retail highlight the complexities of adopting cashierless technology.

Galentine’s Day + Valentine’s Day: Lucrative Opportunities for F&B

So-called “Galentine’s Day” has evolved into a lucrative dining phenomenon as group reservations surge and Gen Z fuels a rise in double dates – which offers foodservice operators a prime opportunity to capitalize on this nontraditional celebration.

Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win

Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.

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.

Sprouts Tops List of 5 Brands to Watch in 2025

Sprouts has enjoyed a 7.2% year-over-year visit increase, driven by small-format locations and a focus on high-quality products. Meanwhile, H Mart was also named a brand to watch by placer.ai, mainly for its innovation.

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.

Meat the Future: Cutting-Edge Tech Transforming Meat Processing

In 2025, the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry is leveraging advanced materials and automation to enhance efficiency across its supply chain. Innovations in blade technology and nanotechnology in packaging are transforming operations.

On Target: The Secrets Behind Target’s Modern Retail Success

At the recent National Retail Federation’s 2025 Big Show, Target’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted how the retailer’s agile strategies, inclusive branding, and innovative partnerships keep it ahead in a competitive landscape.