Amid Labor Shortage, Gen Z Demanding ‘EWA’ Pay

Companies like McDonald’s are allowing workers to access hourly pay on demand in the hopes of shoring up the ongoing labor shortage.

Alternative Seafood Investments Are on the Rise

Investment in plant-based, fermented or cell-based “alternative seafood” amounted to $178.2 million between January and mid-July this year, as interest in the sector continued to grow. (Fish Farming Expert, July 28) In fact, the alternative …

Consumers Cutting Back … But Not at Coffee Shops

During a dark economic time, coffee shops seem to be doing just fine, with sales actually rising as the rest of the industry stalls.

CASE STUDY: How Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Scaled During COVID

Looking ahead, Pan’s plans to stay true to its core values of reducing meat consumption by making nutritious foods from mushrooms.

Supermarket Stocks Flip the Script on Big Box Retailers

The trend of pure play grocers struggling has flipped since 2020, with supermarket stocks for grocers like Albertsons holding their own.

Could Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ Soon Vanish?

Toxic PFAS chemicals found in items like fast-food wrappers are impossible to destroy – until now, it would appear, thanks to new research.

Analysis: Changing Pack Sizes Can Aid Grocers Amid Inflation

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.

Report: Consumers Taking Notice of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation isn’t sneaking by savvy shoppers, and many consumers are changing their purchase behaviors in response.

Analysis: Weighing Nutritional Value in Plant-Based Products

Although the nutritional merits of plant-based food have faced mounting scrutiny by consumers in recent months, discrepancies by variety suggest that not all alternative products are created equal.

CEO: C-Stores Must Evolve in Inflationary Environment

C-stores must evolve to provide experiential store journeys rather than serve as just quick, grab-and-go retailers.

What U.S. Restaurants Can Learn from the U.K.

Struggling U.S. restaurateurs could learn a lesson or two from their counterparts in the U.K., where COVID, labor shortages, supply chain and energy issues, and Brexit, have complicated survival, experts say.

Analysis: Summertime Meat Department Sales Strong

Red meat remain strong as IRI reported $8.5 billion in meat department sales in July, with gains of +5.6% versus 2021.

UPDATE: The Latest Regenerative Ag Trend: Criollo Cattle

Criollo cattle have adapted to dry rangelands and could help regenerate soil while needing less water and feed than other cattle.

IRI: Creating Revenue Opportunities Amid Inflation

With the U.S. inflation rate at an elevated 8.7% for July 2022, consumers, manufacturers and retailers alike must remain agile to adapt to ongoing economic pressures. “The past few years of COVID-19 have brought enormous …

Weather Researchers Warn of Pending Megafloods, Megaheat

California could experience “megafloods” as a large portion of the country experiences “megaheat,” according to a UCLA study.

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.

Innovative Ingredients Helping Consumers Adopt Low FODMAP Diet

The FODMAP diet is gaining prominence among consumers who have sensitivity or intolerance to ingredients like gluten.

Investment in Vertical Farming Market Continues Steady Rise

The vertical farming market is projected to be worth $20.9B by 2029 as it could better contend with droughts, transportation issues and more.

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.

Upcycled Food Association CEO Envisions Massive Industry Growth

Upcycled food has become a $53 billion dollar market, growing faster than plant-based products, but what exactly is it?

Mycelium Deepening Roots in Plant-Based Space

While mushrooms remain all the rage as a whole food ingredient, their physical characteristics are less than ideal for replicating whole cuts of meat. Enter mycelium – the root system from which mushrooms grow.

Young Adults Embracing No- and Low-Alcohol Products

The low- and no-alcohol trend has only heated up in recent months, according to one industry expert.

Experts: Savvy Ghost Kitchen Operators Can Still Succeed

Wendy’s plans to cut back on its use of ghost kitchens, but experts told The Food Institute such operations likely are here to stay.

John Mackey Move Highlights Plant-Based Potential

Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey is listed as a partner in startup Healthy America LLC, which plans to develop a chain of plant-based restaurants and wellness centers.

7-Eleven’s Recent Acquisition Could Reshape Delivery Space

7-Eleven’s recent acquisition of start-up Skipcart offers the convenience store chain many future opportunities, a consultant said.

IRI: Consumers Seeking Bargains Amid Inflation

Grocery shoppers are on the hunt for deals with food-at-home prices rising 14.4% year-over-year as of July 31.

Analysis: Why Demand for Cold Storage is Sky High

The food industry feels cold storage space helps hedge against volatile agriculture prices, but such space is in short supply of late.

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 …

Robotic Pizza Deal Boosts Speedy Eats’ Automated Drive-Thru Concept

A new food technology partnership is bringing 24/7 made-to-order pizza to automated drive-thru restaurant units around the country.

Discount Stores Continue to Dominate Amid Inflation

Dollar General has increased its sales forecast as Americans have increasingly turned to discount chains amid inflation.

Emerging Plant-Based Proteins to Watch

As more consumers pursue dietary patterns that improve personal and planetary health, some plant-based food producers are experimenting with a broader variety of protein sources.

IRI: Consumers Keeping Drinking Occasions Closer to Home

Consumers are looking to create entertaining experiences at home, and retailers should emphasize premium alcohol products as a result, IRI says.

Tattooed Chef Founder: Consumers Seek Ready-Made Plant-Based Foods

Tattooed Chef founder Sarah Galletti has noticed increasing demand for convenient, healthy, ready-made plant-based foods.