Weekly Roundup – Week of 10.10.2022
October 14, 2022
This week’s roundup features the most current food and beverage-related news curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Breakfast Is Back!
According to data from The NPD Group restaurant traffic during the breakfast daypart grew as consumers return to their “out-of-home routines”, and QSRs are leading the way. Quick-service restaurants were by far the most popular breakfast spots, a growing trend especially among Gen Z, and accounted for nearly 87% of restaurant breakfast traffic. Overall traffic levels for QSR breakfast grew 5% in August 2022, based on NPD’s findings. Breakfast sandwiches and coffee purchases were the main drivers. In fact, the study indicated that “Visits to QSR coffee and tea shops grew 20% compared with August 2021”, and “Breakfast sandwiches represented 37% of all QSR breakfast orders in August.” Read More.
Is Better-For-You-Alcohol A Thing?
The Every Company thinks so! They’ve partnered with Pulp Culture to create the brand, Build, which uses animal-free Every Protein. Build will be a part of the new Pulp Culture+ line of ultra-functional products. In the Food Dive article, Pulp Culture founders Brendan Brazier and Mark McTavish stated that they “created the beverage as a healthier option for those who want to imbibe but skip the hangover” and that “the highly soluble, tasteless and odorless Every Protein adds another dimension to their better-for-you alcohol.” Both companies believe this new category of beverages will satisfy consumer demand for protein-enriched foods and beverages and are excited to expand in this growing market space. Currently, Build is available exclusively online and is expected to expand into retail venues in the future. Learn More.
Hurricane Ian’s Wrath Extends To Florida Agriculture
We’ve seen the unimaginable damage Hurricane Ian has left behind and how much the destruction has devastated the lives of thousands of Florida residents. Florida agriculture has also paid a price in the hurricane’s aftermath. Florida’s citrus industry has experienced significant fruit loss, which could take some groves several years to recover. “Fruit loss varies from 40% to 70% in impacted counties while surrounding counties probably will average 10% to 12%,” said George Hamner, longtime president of Indian River Exchange Packers who is now affiliated with Egan Fruit Packing LLC. Furthermore, according to the Florida Agricultural Statistics Service, strawberry, tomato, and watermelon fields suffered significant damage and losses due to Hurricane Ian. The damage to Florida crops will expound on the problems the food and beverage industry is already facing with supply chain shortages and the consequential souring prices affecting manufacturers, foodservice outlets, and retailers. Find the Latest Details Here.
DoorDash Expands Delivery To Include C-store Alcohol
Under its new ‘Drinks’ Program, DoorDash will expand its DoubleDash platform to allow customers to purchase and add c-store and other retailer products, including alcohol, onto their restaurant orders. This additional service goes beyond the “one-stop-shop” approach, giving consumers extra flexibility, customization, and convenience. While not all states and municipalities permit off-site alcohol delivery from grocery or c-stores yet, DoorDash remains optimistic that more and more areas will allow this service in the future, as DoorDash tries to solidify itself as the food delivery king. Get The Story.
For Funsies
McDonald’s Halloween Happy ‘Pails’ Boo Buckets are back in participating stores from October 18th through the 31st in three spooky-full options: McPunk’n, McBoo, and McGoblin. The Hustle article indicates these 2022 versions could spark a little nostalgia from millennials who remember the original launch in 1986. 7-Eleven is also making a splash with its new Green Apple Slurpee. The Green Apple Slurpee is described as a “delightful combination of tart and sweet that tastes like a freshly picked apple on a crisp autumn day” and can be found at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores nationwide for a limited time. And, Taco Bell has announced its latest product tests – two new Grilled Cheese Dipping Tacos with either seasoned or shredded beef. Both feature a freshly-fried white corn tortilla shell that’s packed with melted cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheeses on the inside and grilled on the outside. Customers can choose from classic, savory, or nacho cheese dipping sauces.
Hungry for more? Stop back every Friday for the latest news snippets.
