West African Cuisine Ascends on World Stage

West African food was the top trending cuisine of 2023. Now, dishes like jollof rice and suya beef kabobs are appearing on American menus.

Is Self-Checkout a Consumer Terminator? Retail, Robots, and More in 2024

There’s also an interesting feedback loop occurring in American consumerism – the tighter the budget becomes, and the more stressed people feel, the more demands they have regarding how they’d like to be accommodated while shopping.

Craft Soda Market Bubbling Over With Potential

The craft soda market is showing potential of late, as noted by the surge in the category’s sales at companies like Sprecher Brewing.

Burgernomics: Fast Food Inflation and an $18 Big Mac Combo

The recent uproar over a McDonald’s in Darien, Connecticut, that charged a whopping $17.59 for a Big Mac combo meal is more than just local news; it’s a snapshot of the changing economic landscape.

Athletic Brewing – The King of NA Beer?

It comes down to how to make craft beer flavor and aroma become credible as a basic refreshment on occasions currently dominated by soft drinks. This is the real NA beverage battle the brand faces.

What’s Old is New Again: Harvesting Ancient Grains in F&B

“Consumers can expect to see ancient grains used as an alternative base for many products, ranging from cereal, to bread, to pancake batter. Expect to see them regularly on the menu in restaurants, especially in dishes with other healthy items such as salmon, vegetables, or tofu.”

Chocolate Purchases Dip Despite Candy Viewed as Energy Boost

A new report from Mintel suggests one-third of Americans rationalize purchasing chocolate as an energy boost. Meanwhile, new research suggests a direct connection between dark chocolate and reducing factors that contribute to essential hypertension.

The Dukan Diet: The Next Controversial Weight-Loss Craze?

The Dukan diet has earned high praise from celebrities, some of whom claim to have lost 10 pounds in a week on the plan. But some experts fear it isn’t entirely safe.

2023: The Year of Private Label Sets the Stage for 2024

Millennials grew up with store brands and they see them for what they are – a brand. Without a doubt, there is a transformation taking place in the private brand mainstream tier where products are moving away from strict equivalency to national brands and becoming true national brand alternatives.

Walmart Defines Adaptive Retail, the Next Evolution in Shopping

“Choose a future that puts people first – if we keep doing that, we can help people around the world live a better life. That’s what we want to do – that’s the world we want to help create.”

Alcohol and No/Low Trends in 2024

Dozens of brands are experimenting in the nonalcoholic (NA) and low-alcohol space, offering consumers the opportunity to not so much choose sides but merely choose wisely according to their preferences, dietary needs, and personal goals. 

Analysis: Albertsons’ Healthy Eating Incentives Could Set Industry Trend

“In the sea of nearly identical programs, grocers are racing to keep up by adding perks such as free delivery or bigger buy-one-get-one savings,” Upside’s Thomas Weinandy said in a blog post.

‘Ottobots’ Roll Out: Autonomous Delivery on Full Display at CES

LAS VEGAS – Tech startup Ottonomy’s shopping-cart-sized delivery robot Ottobot, introduced last year, unveiled a new capability at this week’s CES Show: the ability to dispense beer and other drinks. The Ottobot has been delivering …

More Cheese, Please: 2024 Cheese Insights

People eat cheese for all sorts of reasons; this year, however, taste and health were the primary ones as 33% of consumers around the world considered it a necessary staple in their diets.

Mochi Mania Reaches Donut Shops

Mochi donuts are a mix between American-style donuts and Japanese mochi and originated in Hawaii. Mochi donuts are typically circular, like an American donut, but are pieced together with eight small balls that can be pulled apart and come in many different flavors. 

Preparing for Launch: CosMc’s and the Next Wave of Beverage Chains

In terms of the beverage industry overall, this is a very smart play for McDonald’s and other brands will follow.

How Small Coffee Chains Can Compete

“We focus on listening to our customers as well as being the best version of ourselves. Being intentional every day with how you approach your customers is key.”

The Struggle is Real: Affording Groceries in America

Regardless of when costs come down, consumer behavior has been altered and shoppers will continue to look for the best savings in 2024.

Will Beef Prices Stay Elevated into 2024?

Looking ahead, Zimmerman noted that prices would likely increase in the new year, but the magnitude of that increase would likely be more subtle in 2024.

Prominent Doctor Fears Impact of TikTok Diet Trends

Americans are getting away from healthy habits like meal prepping and perusing produce aisles. Instead, many consumers opt for quicker, more convenient food that often include preservatives and copious amounts of sugar or oils.

So You Want to Start a CPG Company

“It’s not KETO, it’s not gluten-free, it’s not upcycled grain or something super narrow – it’s a business at the end of the day that needs to make money,” he said, “and if it’s good enough for Erewhon, it should be good enough for many people.”

Stories of the Year: Can Bud Light Survive Its Marketing Controversy?

Anheuser-Busch InBev is trying to win back customers as major retailers like Walmart and 7-Eleven are poised to reduce the amount of space.

Texas Roadhouse Shows Good Restaurant Operators Can Still Succeed — Even Now

Texas Roadhouse has built itself into one of the two best operators in casual dining, and one of the best operators in its entire industry.

How to Shelf Actualize in Grocery & Retail

“Grocers now have more technology at their disposal than ever before, and effectively leveraging this data to drive in-store performance has become increasingly difficult,” Boyle said.

Small But Powerful: Retailers Turning to Smaller Formats

When it comes to the food industry, Kohen said food and restaurant retailers can take advantage of smaller formats in neighborhoods and lifestyle centers, providing a dining experience to the shopping journey.

Analysis: 3 Foodservice Delivery Trends in 2023, according to Third-Party Delivery

Even in the face of record inflation, consumers have remained resilient and have stuck with third-party delivery apps for the convenience of a delivered meal. But what exactly did they order in 2023?

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail, Part 3: The Loyalty-free Consumer

Monolithic allegiance has given way to the brands and companies that can provide the best, most convenient, and value-driven experiences, making every consumer a seven-headed hydra.

Consumers’ Cookie Craze Picks Up the Pace

Nostalgia and fond memories have kept cookies popular and the treats remain a favorite because of their portability and versatility. 

Bird Flu Roars Back, Disrupting Turkey Farms

About 68 million birds have been killed since the outbreak began in the U.S. in February 2022. Cases are again beginning to tick up, with 2.8 million birds killed on Iowa farms in the past month and 1.3 million at an Ohio egg farm.

Get Real! How to Achieve Authenticity & ‘Rizz’ in FoodBev

And that’s OK. In many ways, being authentic isn’t about the best product or service or value or lifestyle; it’s about being human, which is being vulnerable. Vulnerability is the heartbeat of authenticity, the subtle brand drumbeat that brand advocates and consumers can hear. Without a heartbeat – without being occasionally vulnerable – it will be hard to resonate and grow the brand in a way that feels organic, fresh, and authentic.

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail, Part 2: The Cold Chain

“Today’s warehouses often have the three D’s – they are dull, dusty, and dangerous…automation and simulation environments can support operators in performing their jobs more efficiently and in safer work environments.”

Organic Growth Continues, Even Amidst Inflation

The quarterly percentage of American adults who say they purchase organic food regularly (or, “every chance I get,”) is up two percentage points since the first quarter of 2021, reaching 12%.

CEOs’ Secrets to Success in the New Year

“Remember that running a food and beverage business can sometimes be akin to ‘buying yourself a job;’ it may not always guarantee immediate or substantial returns on investment.”

2024 Tech & Digital Trends in Restaurant & Retail: Part 1

There is no new normal and innovation will continue to advance at lightning speed.

Collaboration and Transparency Showcased at IFMA Presidents Conference

Blumenthal said one of the major positive shifts he had seen since the pandemic was an increased focus on collaboration across the foodservice continuum.

A Roadmap for Entrepreneurs: Navigating Business Growth with Insights from “The State of Food, Beverage & Beauty”

Anchin, a premier accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving the Food & Beverage and Beauty, Health and Wellness industries, hosted its “State of Food, Beverage and Beauty” in November.