Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.28.23
September 1, 2023
Find this week’s trending food and beverage-related news stories – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Fall-Inspired Menus Launch Early At C-Stores
In an effort to boost excitement and build awareness ahead of their quick-service competitors, convenience stores such as Rutter’s, Steward’s Shops, and 7-Eleven are announcing their fall LTOs in August and early September. “Towards the end of August, the summer mindset starts to fade out and excitement builds around the approaching cooler weather, comforting foods, and a new selection of cozy products,” explained Claire Flannery, public relations specialist for Stewart’s Shops. C-stores can set themselves up for success by offering a mix of traditional fall favorites, comfort foods, and innovative flavors such as s’mores, cinnamon apple, spicy maple, and hot honey. Read Article.
Consumers Have High Expectations For Frozen Foods
Mike Adair is the Founder/CEO of Red’s All Natural and shared his story and his perspectives on what today’s consumers desire in frozen foods during a podcast published by The Food Institute. Convenience and better-for-you characteristics are two overarching attributes consumers are seeking. Larger portion sizes, snackable formats, and variety across categories are also important when shopping for frozen foods. Breakfast items, quick meals for lunch and dinner and healthier snacks to heat and eat on the go also impact purchase decisions. Listen To The Podcast, Here.
Snack Giant Plans Strategic Investments For Future Growth
Mondelez International looks to invest in disruptive start-up companies to grow its venture capital arm, SnackFutures. According to Mondelez vice president, Richie Gray, the company “has stakes in five companies and hopes to at least double the portfolio by the end of the decade.” Investments must align with Mondelez’s larger scale model and higher than anticipated growth rates from what the company is currently declaring. Learn More.
Produce Prescription Programs Show Promising Results
Researchers from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University conducted a study evaluating produce prescription programs. The purpose was to determine if they are in fact making a difference for food-insecure households and families lacking enough nutritionally-sound foods. These programs are designed similarly to how doctors prescribe medications, but with free or discounted healthy foods – helping to provide financial support and access to fruits and vegetables for individuals with diet-related illnesses. Find the results, Here.
Menus Making Headlines
Dairy Queen announced the return of its 85-cent Blizzard promotion but with a flavorful spin for fall and for a very limited time. From September 11 through September 24, DQ app users can order a Blizzard at this low price and try a variety of flavors from returning favorites like Choco-Dipped Strawberry Blizzard and Oreo Hot Cocoa Blizzard to its new Royal Reese’s Fluffernutter Blizzard, which includes peanut butter topping, marshmallow, and chocolate.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is also experimenting on their menu by testing out new cauliflower sliders and cauliflower bites. Franchise owner, Genese Perez, shares that Dave’s tried to create an alternative meat option that stayed true to the signature flavor and batter of its original chicken counterpart, with all the same fixings and seasonings, but without trying to taste like chicken and letting the texture and flavor of cauliflower come through, and she believes they succeeded.
Stop back each Friday for more weekly highlights!
Omnivore is a proud member of Milwaukee Ad Agencies as a full-service brand and digital strategy agency backed by an experienced team of strategists and creators who help identify compelling points of differentiation for our clients — all to create more meaningful and compelling connections to both today’s operator and consumer customers. Learn more about us.
