CEO: Supply Chain Transparency Key in 2023

After countless supply chain disruptions, and with a potential recession on the horizon, 2023 is set to be a transformative year for the grocery store segment. With that in mind, here are a few key …

Column: Kroger-Albertsons Merger Spells Doom, Gloom and Boom

Kroger and Albertsons are planning a merger that would create a superstore second in scale only to Walmart. The combination of the two U.S. supermarket giants could have a three-pronged effect, resulting in doom for …

2023 Flavor Forecast: Expect Influx of French Cuisine

When it comes to classical cooking and decadent flavors, look no further than France. With centuries of tradition and innovation, excellent French cuisine is some of the most celebrated and sought after. Flavor giant McCormick …

The Zero-e Pineapple Has Arrived

Produce is a low-margin, high-risk industry. Hans Sauter would know – he’s been in the produce game for over 35 years. He’s not only Senior Vice President of Research and Development for Fresh Del Monte, …

Storms Ease California Drought, for the Moment

California officials fear the recent spate of storms that eased the area’s severe drought conditions may, actually, simply be a prelude to drier weather, the Los Angeles Times reported. David Rizzardo, hydrology section manager for …

‘Tipflation’ Leaving Consumers Confounded

To tip or not to tip? Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer, but let’s be honest, society judges bad tippers. However, in this economy, shelling out extra cash, however well-warranted, is becoming more and more …

Grocery Sticker Shock Has Changed Buyer Habits

Consumers who want to save money on groceries are turning to coupons, loyalty programs, and rewards while cutting back on snacks, a survey by Seattle retail technology platform Swiftly indicates. The online True Cost of …

Self-Checkouts Often Inaccessible to Disabled Shoppers

Disability-advocacy groups are calling upon retailers to address the issue of inaccessible self-checkout lanes.

Does the Restaurant CPG Trend Have Staying Power?

Despite higher grocery inflation, consumers continue to splurge on their favorite restaurant brands at retail, fueling a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years. “Restaurants are looking to exploit brand loyalty that really …

Major CPG Players Fueling Alt Cream Cheese Innovation

Amidst the booming cultured dairy market, major food manufacturers are taking plant-based cream cheese to the next level.

Consumers Largely Positive Heading into 2023

Consumer spending habits and behaviors are shifting, with frugality taking a front seat in the face of rising prices and uncertainty over the economy, a new survey of consumer trends by Attest indicates. “Frugality is …

CEO: Food Allergy Issue Now an ‘Epidemic’ in America

Approximately 110 million Americans are directly or indirectly impacted by either a severe food allergy or food sensitivity in their household, prompting some in the food industry to call for increased transparency on labeling.

Meet the Two Biggest Enemies of Indoor Farming

Getting the vertical farming industry to reach its objectives will require much collaboration and benchmarking, industry insiders note.

Data-and-Dash: Cybersecurity and the Food Industry

Crime is a malicious (and inevitable) branch of progress. As industry and technology evolve, so too do the machinations of those willing to test, infiltrate, and break the system for personal profit. As integrated web …

Ag Roundup: Brazil’s Record Grain Crop, Inflation Impacts Organic

Brazilian officials said the country’s grain crop is expected to hit a record 312.2 million tons, up 15% from last year, Reuters reported. The estimate, however, was lower than previous projections. The government food and …

Analysis: Consumer Spending Slowing, Even for the Wealthy

Due to the current inflationary environment, and with fears of a looming recession, analysis shows consumers are trading down in their spending, looking at less expensive brands and going for deals.

Analysis: the Most Innovative LTOs of the Year

Restaurants are getting rather creative with their limited-time offers, or LTOs, lately. “LTOs can be a great way to drive business, but you have to know your audience and what appeals to them,” Leith Steel, …

Diverse Offerings Will Be Key to Grocery Success in 2023

Grocers need to prepare for a changing environment as they head into 2023, and bringing in new products will give them a competitive edge.

American Aquaculture Catching On

The new year represents a key juncture for American aquaculture. Kai Sato has observed the evolving industry long enough to know that. “Each year the U.S. becomes a more viable market for aquaculture entrepreneurs to …

Is Plant-Based Still a Powerhouse?

Plant-based products continue to proliferate across the industry despite significant barriers to adoption, including taste and affordability.

Conservation Could Soon Take Center Stage for Many F&B Companies

Food and beverage companies are finding water and energy conservation practices are not only good for the planet, but good for the bottom line. Intense drought is making finding fresh water more difficult while Russia’s …

Rutgers Food Innovation Program Appoints Five Advisory Board Members

New Brunswick, NJ, December 6, 2022 (FI NEWSWIRE) --The Rutgers University Food Innovation Center (FIC), an award-winning program in food business incubation, acceleration, and economic development, has announced the creation of an Advisory Board consisting ...

Experts Dish Regarding Latest Dessert Trends

A recent report by Technomic noted global dessert trends, revealing that 41% of consumers would welcome more vegan or dairy-free desserts on restaurant menus.

Analysis: Coffee Prices to Level Out Amid Inflation Setbacks

With inflation remaining steady, many companies currently face dilemmas. Some are doing everything in their power to absorb the higher operating costs and to keep their prices down. Others, however, have been able to pass …

Understanding the Snow Crab Crisis

The cancelation of the Alaskan snow crab season has upended an entire chain of fishing, restaurant, grocery, and wholesale industries with one of its seasonal (and most delicious) mainstays.

Bird Flu Cull Surpasses 2015

More than 52 million birds in 46 states have been culled so far this year due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, topping the record set in 2015, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service …

Experts: Weather-Related Disasters Increasing, Taking Toll on Food Industry

As of October 11, the U.S. has experienced a total of 15 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters this year, making 2022 the eighth consecutive year with 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate-related disasters.

Column: Why Vertical Farming Stocks are Struggling

Few sectors have been more impacted by the boom/bust cycle than vertical farming stocks in recent years.

Grocers Taking In-Store Experience to Next Level

Grocers can enable greater media partnerships by improving their in-store experience, according to one top industry executive.

Keto, Upcycling Steal the Show at 2022 Private Label Event

ROSEMONT, Illinois – The 2022 Private Label Trade Show showcased product innovations from over 1,400 exhibitors and over 50 countries in food, beverages, household goods, and more. Among the food and beverage offerings, companies highlighted …

Consumers Break Black Friday, Cyber Monday Records

Despite recession fears, consumers were in a spending mood to kick off the holiday season, breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales records.

Plant-Based Innovation Abounds at Private Label Trade Show

The Plant-Based Foods pavilion at the recent Private Label Trade Show hosted numerous exhibitors offering plant-based products to address consumer concerns about health, the environment, and animal welfare.

Functional Beverage Market Continues to Gain Momentum

These days, an increasing share of consumers are looking for drinks that not only taste good, but also serve a beneficial function. These functional beverages contain ingredients that, theoretically, can help build and maintain health, …

2023 Labor Outlook: Layoffs, Automation on Horizon

Inflation threw a wrench into pandemic recovery, and with interest rates rising and the threat of a recession looming, the 2023 labor market could look very different than it does today. Major tech companies have …

Grocery Predictions for 2023: Delivery, Loyalty Could Look Different

The coming year could be a turbulent one as grocers navigate economic uncertainty while also benefiting from shoppers’ return to stores in a post-pandemic environment.

Divergent Consumer Groups Influence Holiday Spending

While worries over inflation and the economy take precedent for a leading percentage of consumers, a sizable number are approaching the holiday season with a desire to live sustainable lives or have rewarding experiences.