Behold, the Pharmacy of the Future

Brick-and-mortar pharmacies face increasing competition from online retail options, leaving their outlook murky. Industry experts feel pharmacies need to focus on being tech-driven – and fast.

Why Beyond Meat’s Revenue Bump May Not Mean a Full Comeback

With waning consumer demand and a cautious outlook for the year’s revenue, Beyond Meat faces challenges in regaining consumer trust and competing within the plant-based sector.

Innovation, Collaboration and Culture Coalesce at DMA’s Annual Conference

NEW ORLEANS – Embracing innovation, cultivating culture, and focusing on collaboration along the supply chain were key themes on display at the DMA Annual Conference. Hosted by Distribution Market Advantage (DMA), this year’s iteration of …

Dynamic Menu, Savvy Marketing Key to Taco Bell Success, Experts Say

Taco Bell has achieved 11 consecutive quarters of growth. The keys, experts note, include targeted digital marketing, limited-time offers, and innovative menu updates that resonate with young consumers and drive repeat visits.

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.

A Twinkle in Time: F&B Brands Serve Nostalgia by the Spoonful

F&B brands are tapping into nostalgia by reintroducing iconic products from the past, like Twinkles cereal from the 1960s. By offering these LTOs, brands appeal to consumers’ emotional connection to products, resonating across generations.

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.

DMA Honors Distributor Members at Awards Ceremony

DMA celebrated its customers and distributors last week, Big Easy style in New Orleans. The two-day industry event closed with an awards ceremony honoring multiple winners from DMA’s national network. What started with nine founding …

3 Key Takeaways from Gulfood Manufacturing 2024

The Food Institute attended this week’s Gulfood Manufacturing 2024 event in Dubai and noted that the gathering highlighted advancements in sustainable practices, alt-protein, and tech-enabled ingredients. It also illustrated the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

What Killed Kmart? Key Retail Missteps Led to Demise

Kmart’s downfall, accelerated by poor management and failure to adapt to modern retail trends, ended with the recent closure of its last full-size U.S. store. Experts say there are lessons to be learned from Kmart’s demise.

Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead

Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.

Watermelon Seed Milk: A Dairy Alternative Requiring 99% Less Water Than Almonds

Força Foods’ new plant-based milk alternative is mostly made from watermelon seeds, providing many nutrients while also conserving water. Could it be the next big thing in alt-dairy?

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.

The Incredible Uncrustable: How a Frozen PB&J Won Over the NFL

Once a quick meal for picky eaters, Uncrustables have become a top grab-and-go pick for NFL players, who reportedly consume anywhere from 3,600 to 4,300 every week. And according to one registered dietitian specializing in sports performance, that may not be as alarming as it seems.

3 Expert Predictions Regarding GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are increasing consumers’ preference toward healthier, nutrient-dense food. Some trends experts feel reduced demand for high-calorie foods could hurt QSRs, at least in the near-term.

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.

Secret Sauce: New York Brand Offers Unique Twist on Latin Flavors

Loisa, a Latin sauces and seasonings brand, is finding success with a focus on clean, vegan ingredients. The brand’s leaders have strived to stay true to their Latin heritage.

Electro-Agriculture: A Novel Method Allowing Plants to Grow in the Dark

Bioengineers have developed a farming method that essentially replaces photosynthesis with a solar-powered chemical reaction, which could enhance sustainability and restore ecosystems.

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.

Timing and Loyalty Mitigate Impact of McDonald’s Outbreak

McDonald’s recent food safety issue linked to tainted onions has had a muted impact on its stock and consumer response, as confidence remains strong due to the chain’s history and quick corrective actions.

Has Mike Tyson Bitten Off More Than He Can Chew with Mr. Charlie’s?

Mike Tyson is investing in a QSR chain dubbed the “vegan McDonald’s.” However, the rapidly expanding brand has locations in California, where the recent minimum wage increase played a major role in the demise of Kevin Hart’s similar concept last month.

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 …

Coke’s Spiced Flavor Fell Flat; What’s Next for the Soda Segment?

Coca-Cola’s discontinuation of its Spiced soda reflects consumer preference for its nostalgic items. One marketing expert said Coca-Cola struggles with innovation and could learn a lesson from Dr Pepper.

Kellanova Exec: Sustainability Now a ‘Non-Negotiable’

In 2024, companies like Kellanova view sustainability as a non-negotiable responsibility. Kellanova’s VP of global R&D recently advocated for better support for U.S. farmers and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

New Report Shows Latina GDP in U.S. Surging

The Latina GDP in the U.S. is growing rapidly, surging at 2.7 times the rate of the non-Hispanic GDP. That figure reached $1.3 trillion in 2021, making Latinas a growing economic force.

Restaurant Industry Faces New Crisis With Surge in Bankruptcies

Restaurants continue to face challenges, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation, leading to increased bankruptcies. Industry experts predict continued struggles and stress the need for leveraging technology to survive.

Modern ‘Boss Mindset’ Entails Empowering Employees, Leaders Say

At a recent Hugo Boss event, The Food Institute’s Brian Choi and Jump Rope Innovation’s Robyn Carter discussed effective modern leadership and the state of the food industry today.

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.

Jackpot: Jackfruit Has Become a Plant-Based Bright Spot

Annie Ryu, founder of The Jackfruit Company and the jack & annie’s brand, is a believer in the health and sustainability benefits of jackfruit. As her brands are receiving significant investment, she’s focusing on partnerships to scale production and lower costs.

Is Organic Losing Its Luster? Inflation, Skepticism Reshape Market

Organic food once thrived on consumer perception of health benefits but is now struggling due to increased competition and consumer confusion about labeling. Experts say organic producers must adapt by emphasizing additional value.

The Scariest Thing This Halloween Might be Chocolate Prices

Halloween candy prices are soaring due to rising chocolate costs driven by poor harvests in Africa and a global cocoa production deficit.

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.

Bobagate: Actor Simu Liu Sparks Controversy Over RTD Boba Tea

On a recently aired episode of Dragons’ Den, actor Simu Liu accused a better-for-you boba brand of cultural appropriation, incites online controversy in a movement dubbed “bobagate.”

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.