Stress and uncertainty cause people to seek out comfort rather than challenge. And, with 2020 presenting so many challenges, it’s no wonder that the “comfort economy” is booming. Trends in sectors ranging from technology to …
Chipotle’s half-decade commitment to sustainability largely serves as a blueprint for the foodservice segment. In 2018, Chipotle announced that, by the year 2020, the fast-casual chain aimed to divert half of all of its restaurant …
Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: food inflation, earnings from Cracker Barrel (CBRL), Sanderson Farms (SAFM), Costco (COST) and …
The modern concept of vertical farming was put forth in 1999 by Columbia University microbiologist Dickson Despommier, who along with his students, came up with a design of a skyscraper farm that could feed 50,000 people. …
Consumers are clearly eager to get out and spend after being cooped up at home for over a year, but as costs continue to rise, how much they’re willing to buy is limited. BOOSTED SPENDING …
Many fast-food chains, including Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Burger King, continue to expand their ghost kitchen operations and lean further into the delivery space. But with dining restrictions easing and restaurant traffic on rise — why …
Editor’s Note: This is an update to The Food Institute’s April article “Is the U.S. Facing a Megadrought?” Central Valley Farmers to Get No Allocation Farmers in California’s Central Valley Project will get none of …
With over half of Americans now being vaccinated, travel is making a major comeback after more than a year of pandemic lockdowns. AAA forecasts that 37 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from …
Nearly $1.9 billion of global venture capital was invested in indoor farming in 2020, nearly tripling over 2019, according to PitchBook data. With those figures in mind, here is a look into some recent developments: …
The organic food and beverage market hit a high note in 2020, with record-breaking sales climbing 12.4% to nearly $61.9 billion in the U.S, according to a recent survey by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). …
As U.S. consumers return to restaurants, operators should embrace plant-based foods to differentiate themselves and boost business in the new world of post-pandemic foodservice. A webinar sponsored by DMA (Distribution Market Advantage) and presented by …
The start of the return to normalcy has created problems for restaurants, bars and other venues with demand outstripping supplies and creating shortages of a variety of foods and other commodities. Couple that with difficulty …
Two people are facing federal charges they bilked investors across the country in a $650 million Ponzi scheme involving bogus short-term cattle or marijuana investments. Reva Joyce Stachniw, 69, of Galesburg, Illinois, and Ron Throgmartin, …
George Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests and ultimately served as a catalyst for anti- discrimination efforts. Many companies also responded by releasing statements against racism. And some took action, setting quantifiable goals to increase diversity …
Escalating food and grocery prices have many U.S. shoppers rethinking their loyalty to retailers and brands, according to a new survey by Inmar Intelligence. Although vaccines and looser business restrictions are making consumers eager to get …
Since the beginning of the year, foot traffic to U.S. food and beverage establishments is up 41 percent, according to Zenreach data. And with the weather getting nicer, vaccinations on the rise, and dining limitations slowly being lifted, restaurant traffic continues to soar. Restaurant …
For those looking to cut back on sugar, options used to be limited—and, often, not very tasty. In 2021, however, health-conscious consumers suddenly have a plethora of low-sugar items to choose from, whether it’s candy …
In the Fall and Winter of 2020, the market witnessed several high-profile CPG acquisitions by strategic multinational CPG players. I want to contrast two cases that live on extreme ends of the typical continuum of …
The mindful drinking movement has been gaining traction for several years, with “sober curious” consumers opting for no- or low- alternatives to reduce their alcohol intake. Throughout the pandemic, demand for non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits increased, with consumers drinking most frequently while relaxing at …
Big-box retailers have reported surprisingly strong first-quarter results as consumers – with more money from stimulus checks and rising optimism about a return to normal life – spent more in-store and online as COVID-19 cases fell and vaccination rates increased. And, while Walmart posted sector-leading earnings that surged past Wall Street estimates …
If you walk into any cafe or ice cream shop today, you’ll most likely see a few dairy alternative products: almond milk smoothies, soy milk shakes, and oat milk creamers just to name a few. …
CBD continues to be a bright light in the food and beverage industry. However, growth has leveled off from its stellar 2019 gains on a combination of the FDA’s reluctance to approve its usage and …
As 20 million U.S. workers lost their jobs last year and most businesses shut down because of the pandemic, many of the nation’s CEOs saw their compensation rise despite massive corporate losses. “Many of these …
U.S. retail stores and restaurants are weighing updated CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to remove their masks in both indoor and outdoor settings. According to the CDC, a person is fully vaccinated two …
Walmart recently posted strong quarterly sales growth and boosted its profit outlook, as comparable sales increased 6% for U.S. stores, excluding fuel, according to Bloomberg (May 18). The retailer attributed the strong performance to a …
All types of businesses, including those in the agriculture sector, were left breathing a sigh of relief last weekend, after a major backlog of barges was cleared on the Mississippi River. A traffic jam on …
Over the past year, convenience store business has been growing—particularly in the acquisition space. Convenience store in-store sales reached a record $255.6 Billion in 2020, according to NACS State of the Industry data. While total …
While Oatly may be making waves for its proposed $10 billion IPO, competition in the space continues to heat up as new competitors expand their product ranges. Meanwhile, the health benefits of these products continue …
Here are trending economic and food industry data points, as well as major economic and company earnings releases for the coming week: CPI, PPI, small business optimism, Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN), Aramark (ARMK), Utz Brands, …
For those who remember the soaring inflation and double-digit interest rates of the late 1970s and early 1980s, President Joe Biden’s economic relief packages present a real fear about rising inflation. At the same time, …
Matt Thomas didn’t found his company, Brew Dr., thinking he would someday sell kombucha that’s infused with hemp derived CBD. In fact, in 2021, CBD-infused products still only make up roughly one-tenth of 1% of …
As if the lingering pandemic hasn’t caused enough headaches for restaurant operators, a new issue has emerged: Cicadas – lots and lots of cicadas. For the past 17 years, so-called Brood X cicadas have slowly …
In preparation for the summer and warmer weather, consumers are spending big on barbecue supplies. Consumers increased purchases of barbecue-related consumer packaged goods products in April, according to NCSolutions. Nearly all barbecue categories grew faster …
Recent delivery innovations by Amazon, Kroger, and Walmart are bringing groceries beyond consumers’ doorstep. Sales from grocery deliveries surged throughout 2020 and demand for the service remains high. In February 2021, online grocery deliveries and …
Amazon is launching a new system called Amazon One at a Whole Foods store in Seattle, with plans to expand to seven other stores in the area. The rather innovative technology allows shoppers to associate …
Eighty-five million Americans are impacted by food allergies and intolerances, according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), an organization engaged in food allergy advocacy. These days, an increasingly common allergy relates to gluten. Celiac …
