Weekly Roundup – Week of 9.5.2022
September 9, 2022
Read this week’s roundup for hot food-and-beverage-related news stories curated from our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Shoppers Seek Products Labeled With Non-GMO Project’s Butterfly
According to a report from the Non-GMO Project and SPINS, more than two-thirds of shoppers say they are more likely to buy products that are Non-GMO Project Verified. Furthermore, the study indicates that sales of frozen products with the Non-GMO Project’s butterfly seal grew by over 41% during the last two years. Certification is only granted to products that meet a strict criterion and products with the butterfly seal have seen the most growth over those with only non-GMO labels. For example, frozen and refrigerated meat, poultry, and seafood labeled with the butterfly seal achieved a 52.5% sales growth versus a 40.5% growth for the same products labeled with non-GMO. Learn More.
From Delivery-Only to Megamall Status
YouTube star, MrBeast drew thousands to his MrBeast Burger restaurant’s grand opening on Sunday, located inside New Jersey’s American Dream mall. Fans, estimated up to 10,000, flooded the mall, waiting hours to see him and order burgers – which once were only available by delivery. MrBeast announced the opening to his 15.3 million followers on Twitter just days before the launch, alerting fans he’d be there working in his restaurant that day. Rolling Stone captured the utter chaos as fans – toddlers, teenagers, and parents – clamored to catch a glimpse. MrBeast is known for his philanthropic and charitable side, giving large gifts and sums of money to followers and those in need. The article goes on to say that “in a hide-and-seek video released on Saturday, a day before the event, he gives 100 of his subscribers $10,000 each and then spends a night hunting them down in the mall.” Megastar or not, the question remains, do MrBeast’s burgers live up to all the hype? Read More to decide.
Circle K Drives Customer Purchases With New Fuel Loyalty Program
Shortly after Circle K announced strong quarter growth, the C-store chain also revealed it’s investing more in its brand and enhancing its current fuel loyalty program. The new program will reward customers for fuel and merchandise purchases and will enlist guerilla-type tactics to drive consumer awareness and loyalty. Circle K Fuel Day was one successful tactic, offering customers 40 cents off per gallon just in time for the Labor Day weekend. Circle K also offers daily deals on beverage and food purchases with its Circle K “Everyday” promotions. Read Article.
Misfits Market Lands A Perfect Acquisition of Imperfect Foods
Online grocer, Misfits Market Inc. acquired competitor Imperfect Foods valued at $700 million. The two companies share an offering of misshaped-looking foods with the objective of helping prevent food waste. Chief Executive Officer Abhi Ramesh states, “In the short term after the acquisition’s completion, customers of both services will continue to visit the same websites they have always used, but they may notice additional products and categories.” Ramesh adds that by combining delivery networks, consumers should realize price decreases as well. Together the brands reach about 500,00 subscribers, the article notes. Get The Full Details. Subscription is required after free article views are achieved.
Fun Foods To Fight Over
Krispy Kreme is jumping on the churros bandwagon with its introduction of the new ChurrDough Collection – a sweet combination of churros and a doughnut twist. Three varieties are available: Cinnamon Sugar topped with swirls of cinnamon Kreme and salted caramel crunch; Cookies & Kreme decorated with swirls of chocolate cookie kreme topped with cookie pieces and icing; Dulce De Leche made with cream cheese and dulce de leche drizzle. Similar to these sweet bites, Milk Bar has launched frozen bite-sized Gooey Butter Cake Batter Bites available at Whole Foods nationwide beginning this month. Three flavors are included: Gooey Butter Cake, Marshmallow Brownie, and Peanut Butter Pretzel. And to round out this week’s fun food addition, it appears that French Toast Sticks are the next fast-food fight. According to the Food Institute article, “Wendy’s, Burger King, Jack in the Box, and Sonic are all offering French Toast Sticks now, indicating that, in 2022, breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day for these chains.” The article indicates that a big recovery is forecasted for full-service breakfast. What is your favorite go-to breakfast chain?
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