CEO: Marketing to Loyal Grocery Shoppers Imperative in 2022

Grocers must focus on solidifying loyalty among shoppers during economic turmoil, and a carefully considered advertising approach is key.

Poll Notes Top Concerns Regarding Plant-Based Foods

In a recent LinkedIn option poll, The Food Institute asked members to indicate their biggest current concerns regarding the plant-based category.

Consumer Spending Favors In-Person Experiences

While shoppers are still spending in today’s high-inflation environment, they are prioritizing where to invest their dollars, according to a Gravy Analytics trends report from the second quarter of 2022. Dining Preferences Shift Many consumers …

AI Becoming Key to Customer Retention

As many shoppers trade down brands in the wake of rising inflation these days, what retailers need to do to attract these customers differs based on their usual value proposition.

WATCH: Autonomous Sprayer Robot Unveiled

Solinftec said its scouting and sprayer robots can aid farmers by spot spraying as much as 96 acres per day.

COLUMN: The Hard Seltzer Bubble has Burst

The hard seltzer bubble was starting to burst at the beginning of 2022, and second quarter earnings showed the category is in fact declining.

Report Shows Modern Consumers Demand Transparency from Brands

Industry insiders say retailers must offer deeper product information – beyond just labeling – to attract the attention of today’s consumers, many of whom demand environmentally friendly products.

Lawsuit Puts Artificial Coloring in the Spotlight

A recent class-action lawsuit calls Skittles “unfit for human consumption” due to their use of titanium dioxide.

Dairy Raking in More Cash, but Selling Few Products

Inflation helped boost sales of dairy products more than 16% in June, but consumers reportedly bought fewer units compared with 2021.

More Grocery Retailers Turning to Food-Waste Solutions

Food retailers are leveraging new food-waste programs to cut costs, improve sales, and better manage inventory with a limited shelf life.

Why Building Loyalty is an Invaluable Sales Strategy for Grocers

Inflation means price-conscious shoppers are trading brand loyalty for promotion hunting habits, but smart grocers can still instill loyalty in their existing shoppers. In fact, grocers can even use this time as an opportunity to …

6 Flavor-forward Plant-based Dairy Trends

This article is written and sponsored by Kerry. When it comes to plant-based dairy, consumers want an authentic dairy experience. Whether it’s plant-based cheese, yogurt, ice cream or vegan snacks, the expectation is that the alternative …

Is Plant-Based Meat Ripe for Expansion?

While sales of plant-based meats have slowed, the category could be ripe for expansion as pricing moves closer to that of traditional meats.

Concerns About Discretionary Spending Jolt Coffee Chains

Consumer concerns about discretionary spending pushed Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks traffic lower in June, new data show.

Survey: Amid Inflation, Consumers Changing Deep-Seated Habits

Sixty-one percent of shoppers in a Vericast survey said that one of their biggest challenges this year is rising price.

Gen Z Among the Hardest Hit By Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is a growing global problem, and within the U.S., Gen Z is among the hardest hit. That’s according to Purdue University’s Consumer Foods Insight report, which reported 30% of Gen Z adults had …

Amazon’s Grubhub+ Offering Signals New Approach to Loyalty

Food-based add-ins are playing a larger part in Amazon’s subscription plan, as retailers across the industry seek ways to combat fading customer loyalty and reduced spending. The addition of a year of Grubhub+ to Prime …

Some Pandemic Food Tech Here to Stay

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of U.S. adults released July 5 reveals nearly half of U.S. adults want to ditch virtual activities and ordering groceries online – but they’d still like …

Report: Modern Consumers Snacking with a Purpose

Earlier in the pandemic, snacking complemented remote work and supplemented restaurant dining and continues to replace meals with added bonuses. This year, Grubhub’s infamous lunch promotion was prompted by 69% of New Yorkers surveyed saying …

Analysis: Why Dieting is on the Rise

Roughly 52 percent of respondents in The International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) Food & Health Survey 2022 said they followed a diet or eating pattern in the last year — up 13% from the year …

Innovation Continues to Drive Beverage Category Growth

From bottled water and better-for-you bubblies to convenient coffees and cocktails, the beverage market is booming. Total sales for center store beverages reached $86 billion in the 52-week period ending June 12, per IRI, making …

Cold Beverages Red Hot at Coffee Fest 2022

CHICAGO – While coffee shops had previously been viewed as a “third place” to hang out and meet friends over a cup of hot java, shops are evolving to offer more cold beverages along with …

Restaurateur Stephen Schrutt on What Makes Gen-Z Tick

Every generation brings change, but Generation Z has an important distinction: It’s the first generation to have grown up in the digital era and members have high standards for how to spend their time online. …

TikTok Expert: Authenticity Key for Food Brands Marketing to Gen Z

With an endless supply of content and more than 50 million daily users, there is no shortage of ways for brands to market themselves on TikTok – particularly to Gen Z. In fact, half of …

Canned Cocktails Seen Growing on Convenience, Health Halo

Coca-Cola is teaming up with Jack Daniel’s distiller Brown-Forman to make a Jack-and-Coke cocktail in a can. The mashup is the latest development in the rapidly growing canned cocktail segment. In fact, the ready-to-drink cocktail …

Gen Z Stakes Its Claim as The ‘Foodie’ Generation

Being a “foodie” is now a central component of the Gen Z identity, according to a recent study from Cassandra by Big Village. According to the report, Young & Hungry, Gen Z considers themselves the …

As U.S. Food Allergies Rise, So Do Opportunities for Food Companies

Food allergies are taking a toll on the U.S. Approximately 32 million Americans have some type of food allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “In the years ahead, the need to …

Rising Gas Prices Prompt Changes in Shopping Habits

With gasoline prices topping $6 a gallon in some parts of the U.S., consumers have been rethinking their shopping habits, opting against multiple trips and turning to superstores and online solutions to cut down on …

Menu Innovation Spurring Breakfast’s Revival at Restaurants

As professionals return to offices and on-site work post-pandemic-peak, restaurants are revitalizing breakfast service in a trend back toward innovative items with international influences. Chains are driving morning traffic back with discounts and deals, TODAY …

New Food Trend Alert: Caviar ‘Bumps’ Hit NYC Bars and Restaurants

Eating caviar is the latest status symbol for millennials and Gen Z. Caviar has become more affordable and accessible in recent years, with a small serving costing $20 at some New York City bars, reported The New …

Gut Health, Fashion and ‘Phygital’ Solutions Among Top 2022 Food Trends

As we approach the midway point of the year, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the top food industry trends. With that, here are key findings from Trendincite’s recently-released Top 5 …

Analysis: Gummies, TikTok Stole Show in Chicago

CHICAGO – Bright, multi-colored displays of gummies and exhibitors touting their presence on TikTok largely stole the spotlight at the recent National Confectioners Association’s Sweets & Snacks Expo. Gummies are big business, included in the …

Consumer Spending Shifts as Recession Warnings Loom

With COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine buffeting supply chains, food availability and energy prices, economists are warning of dire times ahead as consumers shift spending patterns to cope with inflation. JPMorgan Chase & Co. …

Examining the Link Between Diet and Depression

According to a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a cleaner diet may help treat symptoms of major depression. A twelve-week, randomized control trial conducted by the University of Technology Sydney …

Automation, Marketing to Gen Z Key Themes at Restaurant Show

CHICAGO – Members of the restaurant industry gathered in Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Show between in late May to taste the latest in culinary trends. Major themes at the show included automation, marketing …

3 Tips for Grocers on Beating Inflationary Heat This Summer

From center store basics to fresh perimeter, inflation is high and holding across retail grocery. The price per unit across all foods and beverages in the IRI-measured multi-outlet stores increased to 10.7% in the four …