From Urban Markets to Suburban Sprawl: Grocers Testing New Territories

Across the U.S., national retailers are expanding both in their communities and testing new markets. Trader Joe’s alone expects 22 additional locations to open by year’s end.

Impact of Inflation: F&B Industry Preps for 2025 Challenges

Economists warn of a potential recession in 2025. As a result, food and beverage companies must focus on innovation and sustainability as they navigate economic challenges and interest rate cuts.

Private Label: an Increasingly Effective Retail Lever

Private label represents roughly 19% of the market. It offers brands and retailers an opportunity to deliver on price, taste, and quality.

Consumer Behavior Modifying Retail Seasons

The back-to-school shopping season has spread across multiple waves due to shifting consumer behavior. This trend may impact holiday shopping too, with retailers expecting slower sales growth.

Groceries, Healthcare Prove a Winning Retail Combination

A new report from Placer.ai highlights that grocery stores offering in-store healthcare services are seeing increased foot traffic, particularly from higher-income customers. Wellness offerings not only boost store visits but also enhance customer loyalty.

Consumers Double Down on Convenience, Fresh

A new report reveals that 52% of consumers value convenience more than before. Grocers are responding by investing in convenience offerings, but face challenges competing with C-stores.

Breaking Boundaries: Latina Chefs Infusing Innovation into Latin Dishes

As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks into high gear in the U.S., The Food Institute highlights four Latina chefs who honor their heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine.

Death Sells: F&B Marketing with Masochistic Undertones on the Rise

The trend of brand names like Liquid Death or Death Wish Coffee points to a widespread shift toward shock value.

The Shifting Landscape of Grocery Retail: Four Key Trends

Retailers are navigating a complex landscape right now marked by regulatory scrutiny, rising shrinkage, and financially stretched consumers. These pressures are forcing retailers to adapt quickly, according to Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert.

7-Eleven Parent Clarifies Buyout Rejection

7-Eleven owner Seven & i Holdings Co. commented on its rejection of Alimentation Couche-Tard’s proposal to acquire the company.

Boar’s Head Recall Exposes Gaps in Food Safety Standards

In the wake of headline-grabbing Boar’s Head deli meat recall, industry experts say more safety standards and inspections are needed to prevent foodborne illness.

The Future of ESLs Called into Question

Kroger’s EDGE Shelf recently came under fire by two U.S. senators who feel the technology could be used for surge pricing and also threaten consumer privacy.

Seal the Deal: Proven Tips for Slashing Food Packaging Costs

Businesses can significantly reduce food packaging costs by using strategies like group purchasing. In 2024, there is an ever-growing list of factors to consider first, however.

Smart Money: Smart Carts Continue to Evolve, Boost Grocers’ Bottom Line

An evolving form of smart carts is helping grocery chains like Kroger, Price Chopper, and Schnucks offer painless and personalized shopping experiences.

The Future of Frozen Food: a Q&A with AFFI’s Dr. Sanjay Gummalla

With nearly every household in the U.S. purchasing frozen food and $74 billion in sales, the frozen food category plays a pivotal role in the food industry.

Japanese Company Unveils Revolutionary Diet Drink

A new drink is making waves with its unique approach to curbing hunger, transforming into a jelly-like substance once it reaches the stomach.

Meet the Modern ‘Click-and-Mortar’ Consumer

A new PYMNTS survey found roughly 40% of shoppers are “click-and-mortar” fans, either using their devices while shopping or ordering online and then picking up their purchases.

Circana: Consumers Increasingly Spending on Health and Wellness

The idea of health and wellness is evolving, as shown by a report that noted ways people are tapping into products to harmonize their lives.

From Aisles to Apps: The Keys to Crafting Omnichannel Excellence

Retail insights company 84.51° feels it’s crucial that retailers provide a cohesive shopping experience both online and in-store. Because hybrid shoppers expect to have access to the same prices and brands regardless of how they shop.

CEO of Chipotle Departs to Assume Leadership of Starbucks

Tuesday brought big business news, as Chipotle announced that its chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, had accepted a similar post at Starbucks.

Lab-Engineered Potato Could Solve Age-Old Storage Issue

Researchers at Michigan State University have produced a breakthrough that promises better-tasting – and longer-lasting – potatoes.

Analysis: Retail Media is Transforming the Shopper’s Journey

Retail media has allowed marketers to target delivery and curbside customers, driving retail velocity. And what’s coming next could be even more revolutionary: advanced geotargeting.

Wawa, Red Robin Among Fastest Hirers in Tight U.S. Job Market

Indeed recently compiled a list the Top 15 companies hiring the fastest in the U.S., and the food industry was well-represented on the list.

Analysis: Why Pumpkin Spice Szn has Started Earlier Than Ever

Pumpkin spice season is upon us earlier than ever in 2024. Data from SpotOn suggest the F&B industry’s also moving toward the most expansive pumpkin season yet.

Mighty Casey’s Strikes a Major Deal

America’s third-largest C-store chain just got bigger, as Casey’s strikes a major deal includes 148 stores in Texas.

Are Collabs the Future of Marketing in F&B?

When brands collaborate, they tap into each other’s customer bases and brand equity. This synergy allows both businesses to reach a broader audience.

Navigating Choppy Waters: Retailers Import Early to Tackle Shipping Challenges

Ongoing port congestion has reached a “boiling point” according to one global shipping expert. Retailers are suffering stress brought on by swings in consumer demand, fear of both gluts and shortages, and spiraling freight costs.

Dinner and a Movie: Can In-Theater Dining Save Struggling Cinemas?

The first half of 2024 featured a cold start for the domestic movie industry. Now, theaters across America are as focused as ever on making a “premium push” regarding their food and beverage offerings.

Chick-fil-A Knocked Off Perch as Best Fast-Food Chain

A new list of consumers’ favorite fast-food chains has a surprise winner. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A is taking rare criticism of late.

Game the System: Gamification in Grocery & Retail

Gamification refers to the idea of point scoring and applying competitive techniques to encourage consumer engagement.

Case Study: Elevating the Grocery Checkout Experience

Customer engagement company Birdzi has partnered with retail solutions provider ECRS for tech that allows grocery shoppers to redeem digital coupons in real-time.

Snacking Survey: Products and Innovations Today’s Consumers Crave

Today’s consumers are snacking around the clock, according to a shopper survey that notes which new innovations shoppers are craving.

Analysis: Why Has Adoption of AI Been So Slow in F&B?

While restaurant chains like McDonald’s have had notable swings and misses regarding AI, business leaders insist the technology offers invaluable uses to food companies, aiding personalized offers, sales forecasting, and more.

Consumers Are Warming to the Idea of Smart Carts and Frictionless Shopping

About 77% of shoppers say they’re interested in trying new technology within a grocery store. And major retailers are finally warming to the idea of providing innovations like electronic shelf labels.

Seed Oils are Under Fire: The Health Debate is Heating Up

Thanks in part to influencers like Brian “Liver King” Johnson, seed oils are considered detrimental to human health. Thus, food brands seem destined to further transition to coconut, olive, or avocado oils for their products.

Riding High: Data Shows LongHorn Steakhouse Ascending Among Casual-Dining Chains

LongHorn Steakhouse has become a prime candidate to unseat rivals like Texas Roadhouse as America’s preferred steakhouse.