Stories of the Year: The Curious Demise of Kevin Hart’s Vegan Restaurants

Hart House abruptly closed all four locations despite Kevin Hart’s backing, reflecting broader issues plaguing plant-based restaurants.

‘Bed Rotting’ Culture: What the F&B Industry Needs to Know

A common social media trend, so-called “bed rotting” has taken over Gen Z and Millennial culture, granting a permissible indulgence in snacking and scrolling. The food industry is reacting accordingly.

Retail’s Hidden Secret: Unlocking Quarter 5 Potential

The period between December 26 through mid-January offers myriad opportunities for CPGs and grocers alike. Measured omnichannel strategies and retail media network initiatives can support these efforts.

Food Industry Outlook: Where Are We, Where Are We Going?

Retail volume sales are up for the first time in three years; however, restaurant visits are down, to the chagrin of foodservice. In an FI webinar, experts discussed where the industry is heading in 2025.

Super Saturday to Entice Record Number of Shoppers

An estimated 157.2 million consumers plan to shop Super Saturday this year, up from last year’s 141.9 million, according to a recent report. These shoppers present retailers a key opportunity to win beyond the season.

Driving Profit with the Better-for-You Shopper

The better-for-you shopper has more to spend on groceries every month, attracting grocers and brands to invest in the market. These shoppers are worth an estimated $285 billion each year.

5 Keys for Brands When Considering Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing can be highly effective for F&B brands. However, the strategy requires authentic storytelling and carefully crafted content, according to experts.

Kroger-Albertsons Mega-Merger Blocked: Grocery Game Resets

Federal judges on Tuesday blocked the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing concerns over reduced competition. The ruling presents an opportunity for smaller grocers to leverage personalized customer experiences to compete against retail giants.

Grocers Leverage AI, Retail Media to Enhance Membership Perks

Grocers are upgrading their membership programs by combining retail media strategies with AI-driven personalization, offering targeted ads and perks based on shopping behaviors. This evolution integrates elements like first-party data to maximize ad value.

BNPL Boom Boosting Holiday Spending

Buy-now-pay-later services are surging in popularity, with Adobe projecting $18.5 billion in holiday purchases this year. While retailers benefit from increased sales and lower fees compared to credit cards, experts warn that BNPL poses risks if not carefully regulated.

Gen Alpha and Gen Z Food Trends to Watch in 2025

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving food trends with a focus on health-conscious, yet adventurous eating, according to research by Chartwells Higher Education. Emerging favorites among today’s youth include cottage cheese, as well as miso.

Black Friday 2024 Beneficiaries: Target, Apple, and Shopping Malls

Black Friday 2024 showcased omnichannel’s growing dominance, with online sales surging nearly 15%. Experts noted that while Black Friday has evolved into a season-long event, its role remains pivotal, sparking optimism for a strong holiday shopping season.

Retail Reimagined: Shoppers Skipping Middle Ground for Luxury, Value

Consumers are reshaping retail by prioritizing convenience, with Millennials driving trends like smaller store formats. Meanwhile, shifts in spending patterns reveal a preference for luxury or value over mid-priced options.

A Seat at the Table: Innovative, Allergen-Free Holiday Treats

F&B brands are embracing inclusivity this year, debuting an array of innovative, allergen-free holiday treats ranging from vegan advent calendars to dairy-free nog.

Circana: E-commerce, Private Label to Shape F&B in 2025

Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.

Value, Value, Value: Cash-Strapped Holiday Shoppers Get Creative

As consumers buckle under the weight of financial pressures, this holiday shopping season will look a bit different than its predecessors.

The Unstoppable Rise of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation, the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has become a common cost-management strategy for manufacturers amid rising costs. Experts predict the tactic is here to stay, for multiple reasons.

Thanksgiving 2024: Surveys Suggest Consumers Will Feast Frugally

A new survey revealed that substituting store brands for name brands can save consumers $17 on a Thanksgiving dinner for 10. Still, many families weigh cost savings against the sentimental value of using specific ingredients tied to cherished holiday recipes.

Is Yogurt Losing its Luster? Campbell’s Sale of Noosa a Call for Brands to Evolve

While industry experts note that yogurt remains popular due to its ties to gut health trends, they emphasize the need for innovation in portable, health-focused products for brands to stay competitive amid shifting consumer preferences.

M&A on the Menu: Jersey Mike’s Lays Out $8B Recipe for Growth

Private equity firm Blackstone on Tuesday announced its $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. One industry insider feels the blockbuster deal signals an optimistic outlook for M&A in the sector.

7-Eleven Pilots Food-Centric Design Amidst Headwinds

7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.

Salad Chains Shake Things Up, Adding Comfort Food to the Menu

Fast-casual salad chains like Sweetgreen are diversifying their menus with indulgent options like fries to attract more customers. Experts say the move signals one thing: salad chains have reached a crossroads.

Runway to Restaurant: F&B Applications from a Fashion Phenom

Believe it or not, recent fashion industry success strategies, such as experiential retail, offer valuable insights for the F&B industry. Miu Miu’s personalized online presence and bold marketing, for example, offer F&B brands approaches they can use to stand out.

Nestlé Releases its 2025 Trends to Watch, Including Coffee Customization

Nestlé U.S. predicts that the top 2025 F&B trends will include “accessible experimentation,” wellness-focused functional foods, and extreme convenience. These trends reflect growing consumer desires for quick, healthy, and affordable food.

America’s Coffee Wars Escalate as Small Towns Serve as Battleground

The U.S. has seen a surge in coffee shops in small towns. The growth is fueled largely by iced, sugary drinks popular among Gen Z and millennials, which are driving the industry toward more drive-thrus and social media-friendly options.

Peyton Manning and Nestlé Toll House Kick Off Cookie Nachos Collab

NFL hall-of-famer Peyton Manning has partnered with Nestlé Toll House to launch a Cookie Nachos Kit giveaway, combining chocolate chip cookie dough, various morsels, chip-shaped cookie cutters, and nacho-inspired toppings into a food trend worth watching.

Data Shows Gen Z Fueling America’s Filipino Food Craze

Filipino cuisine is experiencing a surge in popularity in the U.S., particularly among Gen Z, with interest rising 50% in the past year. A key factor: the growing appeal of bold, affordable dishes.

Holiday Shopping Spread: Christmas Comes Early

A new report finds that holiday cheer has surpassed the final weeks of the year. Instead, shoppers and retailers are getting an early jumpstart on the season.

Next-Gen Retail Media is Here for Grocery Delivery Platforms

Instacart, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway have all entered the retail media space and are continuing to deliver on unique advertising capabilities for CPGs and retailers.

Better Educated, Better Ingredient Access: The Evolution of the Home Cook

The rise in home cooking among consumers is driven by better access to diverse ingredients and a more adventurous generation of eaters, according to renowned food columnist Eric Kim. He feels Americans’ appetite for authentic, global flavors will continue to grow.

New ‘Kidult’ on the Block: Grownup Happy Meals, Halloween Deals

The trend of “kidult” marketing features brands like McDonald’s and Taco Bell creating nostalgic experiences tailored for adults. Brands are tapping into nostalgia to appeal to millennials and Gen Z.

Column: Walmart, Amazon in High-Tech Food Fight

Amazon’s chief engineer used to have a dog named Rufus who ran up and down the halls fetching tennis balls. That doesn’t seem like a big deal for a multibillion-dollar business. But recently, Amazon brought …

Amazon’s Latest Pilot Could Be a Masterclass in Unified Shopping

Amazon recently debuted its latest brick-and-mortar format in Chicago: Amazon Grocery. Its strategy, however, may take business from Whole Foods or motivate shoppers to stay in its ecosystem.

Sourdough, Dumplings Among 5 Whole Foods Trends for 2025

Whole Foods has predicted major food trends for 2025, forecasting dumplings to become a portable comfort food, while global flavors will inspire bold new snack combinations.

Can Probiotics Improve Autism Symptoms? One Brand Believes So

A new probiotic line aims to support neurodivergent individuals by improving gut health and addressing mood-related issues. While experts note the potential benefits of probiotics for mood and GI function, they say it may not dramatically change core autism traits.

Out of Juice? Juice Brands Fight for Fresh Appeal

The juice market is struggling as consumers increasingly seek healthier options. Experts at one recent industry event emphasized the need for brands to seize upon trends like sugar reduction.