Going Electric: Walmart Commits to Digital Signage

“The digital element presents an expanded shopper/marketer revenue stream for the company,” Zakowicz said.

Fountain of Youth? Collagen-Infused Beverages Show Big Potential

Collagen-infused drinks are catching on. Dr. Danielle Kelvas, for one, thinks using collagen – a protein that, among other things, gives skin its elasticity – as an ingredient can create ideal functional beverages.

Hummus: The Original Plant-Based Dip

According to Brightfield research group, the top need states searched online with hummus over the past three years are functional health, digestive health, and sustainability, while the top nutrition states are low sugar, low carb, and high protein – all benefits from the humble chickpea.

Has Raw Milk Gotten a Raw Deal?

While cow’s milk has waned in popularity, the reputation of raw milk has curdled from being the only show in town to a product whose mere mention is fodder for the most heated of internet debates.

Trade Tensions Escalate: China Targets EU Pork and Dairy Amid EV Dispute

China is fighting back against EU anti-subsidy plans, and is collecting evidence for an investigation into EU pork and dairy products.

Luxury Fruit is Now a Status Symbol

From $8 strawberries to $400 pineapples, a niche group of U.S. shoppers are paying top dollar for premium fruits.

Survey Shows Retail Workers Prefer Practical Tools over AI

Today’s retail workers are most eager to be equipped with tools that help them tackle inefficient tasks, particularly when interacting with customers.

Top 5 Casual-dining Restaurant Chains by Sales

Olive Garden’s sales have bloomed even as the economy has wilted, topping the list of U.S. casual-dining chains in terms of systemwide sales.

Gone ‘til September: Huy Fong’s Sriracha is Orange and in Short Supply

Huy Fong doesn’t just lead the category in the United States – it by and large created the category over 40 years ago when it debuted its sriracha in 1980, fostering a dedicated fandom that has only grown via endless professional collaboration and licensing coupled with decidedly non-professional experimentation from hotheads coast to coast, kitchen to kitchen.

Fast-Food Chains Betting on Bite-Sized Snacks

These days, mini meals have major appeal for Gen Z. QSRs have taken notice, with new offerings like KFC’s Apple Pie Poppers.

Dollar Stores Have Reached An Inflection Point

The performance of dollar store stocks suggested investors believed Walmart’s best days were behind it. They were wrong.

Harvard: Planetary Health Diet Can Lower Risk of Premature Death

A new study revealed that people who eat a according to a Planetary Health Diet may substantially lower their risk of premature death.

Frozen Heats Up the Market at Frozen IQ 2024

The agenda at Frozen IQ was very simple – to empower and grow the frozen food industry through the sharing of insights and opportunities.

Wild Results: Buffalo Wild Wings Promotion Pays Huge Dividends

The promotion, which started in mid-May, saw visits on Monday, May 27 increase nearly 56% compared to the average number of Monday visitors from the four months prior.

Feeling the Squeeze: Orange Juice Prices Continue to Climb

Orange juice futures are up more than 400% since 2020, and the rising prices have consumers wondering if the juice is truly worth the squeeze.

Gut Feelings: Experts Largely Bullish on Prebiotic Sodas

Many industry experts believe prebiotic sodas represent a gut-health trend with real staying power as major soda brands appear poised to respond.

Top Trends to Spice Up Summer Grilling Sales

One in five consumers plan on grilling more this summer according to new shopper survey insights from Acosta Group.

Chef Robert Irvine’s 4 Pillars to Business Leadership

Despite his unrivaled work ethic, celebrity chef Robert Irvine has learned the value of delegating, and listening to, employees. “I learned to listen, because you get more from listening,” he told FI.

The Food Dye Dilemma: Manufacturers Navigate New Regulations

Are the days of artificial red coloring numbered? Perhaps, judging by recent regulations and subsequent moves by major food manufacturers.

Private Label Drives Summer Growth

For many major retailers, the latest quarterly results tell a familiar tale: consumers are fed up with high prices, spending less, and commodifying their loyalty by taking the best deal right now, regardless of whose logo adorns their grocery bag or shopping cart. 

Investors See Cava as the “Next Chipotle”

Cava has intrigued investors, as CEO Brett Schulman has argued that Mediterranean food is the “next large-scale cultural cuisine category.”

A Fork in the Road to Sustainability: Nestlé’s New Plant-Based Fork

The innovation is a key part of its commitment to eliminate or reduce plastics in packaging while scaling reusable and refillable systems.

Bird Flu Approaching Danger Point

The USDA is ramping up efforts to stem H5N1 avian influenza as the virus has spread to a third worker, and cattle in at least nine states,

The Age of Discontent: Gen Z is Frustrated At Work

Gen Z workers reported being less engaged with their jobs than all workers (81% versus 88%) and continue to drive the “quiet quitting” trend according to new research.

BellRing, Simply Good Brands Illustrate Boundless Opportunities Within ‘Active Nutrition’ Category

Active nutrition brands BellRing and Simply Good Foods are thriving after acquisitions, providing a roadmap to success for other brands, too.

Tapping Out: 2024 is Mocktail Time for Gen Z

“Gen Z is tapped in, and they see the negative impact alcohol can have on their lives,” said Michelle Houston, founder of the To Be Honest Beverage Company.

Certified Organic Products Break U.S. Sales Record in 2023

U.S. dollar sales for organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, marking a 3.4% increase YoY and setting a record for the sector.

Breaking the Ice: The Chill, Crunch, and Pleasure of Freeze-Dried Candy

When scanning a candy store in 2024, customers will notice a developing trend: freeze-dried products, apparently, are the coolest. Candies like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers can now be found in freeze-dried variations.

Fast-Food Chains Racing to the Bottom to Attract Inflation-Weary Consumers

All of a sudden, $5 value meals are everywhere, from fast-food chains to major retailers. Industry insiders say the deals are simply a short-term solution, however.

Drinks Catering to Gen Z Steal the Show in Chicago

The event’s exhibitors focused on foods, drinks, and equipment designed to help foodservice operators create unique taste experiences. Beyond offering crave-worthy fusion dishes and fun iced beverages, exhibitors offered a wide array of vending machines on the show floor.

Seafood Restaurant Outlook: Lessons Learned from Red Lobster’s Demise

What can seafood restaurant operators learn from the demise of Red Lobster? Andy Diamond, president of seafood franchise Angry Crab Shack, recently noted how operators can stay ahead of volatile market pricing to deliver value.

Falling Stars: Inflation Cuts Into Retailers’ Ratings

The most recent rising trend in retail is lowering one’s expectations of retail. This year, clothing companies tended to fall the worst, followed closely by QSRs, big box stores, and grocers, in that order.

Three Key Trends from NRA 2024

The food-away-from home industry gathered in Chicago between May 18 and May 21 for the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show (NRA 2024).

Consumers Have Forced the Value Wars

Food prices are up; consumer confidence is down. Many QSRs and retail outlets reported losses in the last quarter. The Value Wars are here.

Anti-Diet Movement: Marketing Ploy or Healthier Relationship with Food?

The so-called “anti-diet” movement aims to move people away from an obsession with weight loss and toward a healthier relationship with food.

Cooking Up a Storm: Gen Alpha Kids Have Become Tiny Tastemakers

Don’t look now, but Gen Alpha’s influence in the food industry is rising due to its increasing interest in cooking.