Weekly Roundup – Week of 11.13.23

November 17, 2023

Find festive food and beverage-related news stories of the week – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Consumers Have An Appetite For Ordering Prepared Holiday Meals

A HungerRush survey reveals that 64% of survey respondents said they plan to order at least one item from a restaurant for their holiday meals with another survey indicating 37% of consumers will purchase complete holiday meals. Interestingly, casual dining restaurants emerged as the favored choice over fine dining and QSRs for these prepared meal orders. The survey also uncovered that almost half of respondents (49%) said dining out for Thanksgiving is the preferred way to enjoy the meal, suggesting the potential for increased onsite traffic. How will retailers compete with restaurants’ expected surge in prepared meal orders this season? Read More to find out.

A Forgotten Generation Is Taking Spotlight

Gen X has been overshadowed and outnumbered by larger generations like boomers and millennials. Yet a recent Investopedia report indicates there will be a “major transfer of wealth from boomers to younger generations including their Gen X children.” As this generation’s financial influence gains momentum, the food and beverage industry is tuning in, closely monitoring spending power, behavioral trends, and preferences unique to Gen X. Diving into their shopping carts reveals a diverse mix with a healthy balance of snacks, proteins, frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as indulgences like craft beer and premium coffees. Health and wellness have become paramount for Gen X, as they actively seek ways to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Manufacturers and restaurants who adapt to their preferences by offering options low in sugar and sodium, rich in protein, and supportive of hydration and gut health, stand to capture both purchases and dining loyalty. Learn More.

From Pumpkin To Pomegranate: New Beverage Flavors Are Commanding Attention

While the ubiquitous pumpkin spice continues to dominate menus as early as August, new flavor combinations have emerged, spicing up beverage offerings and putting a comforting nostalgic spin to menus. Maple-infused cocktails have ignited increasing interest as the flavor pairs well with dark spirits like Cognac and whiskey. Pomegranate juice is also sparking attention in place of mulled wine or when added with fresh ginger and cinnamon for an extra-special hot or cold beverage. Find all flavor trends including lactose-free pumpkin nogg and ginger hot cocoa, Here.

The Love-Hate Relationship Between Consumers and C-Store Apps

If convenience store retailers don’t have a mobile app in place, they risk falling behind. Yet, what drives consumers to download and frequently use these apps? Using data from the Apple App Store, C-Store Dive compiled a list of the top C-store retailers and unveiled how consumers rated each. Industry giants like Kum & Go, RaceTrac, and Thornton’s found themselves at the lower end of the spectrum, plagued by user complaints citing technical glitches, prolonged loading times, and inaccurate reporting of loyalty points. On the flip side, Terrible’s Social House, Yesway Rewards, and Murphy Drive Rewards showed shining examples of success receiving high praise from users for their enticing features such as fuel discounts and free items obtained through accumulated points. Explore the full list, Here.

Cornucopia Corner

From McDonald’s and Croc’s unlikely pairing to a spotlight on one of our local Milwaukee suburbs’ Kwik Trip, we’re sharing a festive hodgepodge of stories in this week’s final blog story.

McDonald’s is making strides in the world of fashion through a collaboration with Crocs, introducing a line of McD’s-inspired sandals showcasing beloved characters: Grimace, Hamburglar, and Birdie. These specialty Crocs incorporate the fast-food chain’s distinctive brand colors and feature themed charms like fries, Big Mac, and the Golden Arches logo attached to the clogs. Launched on November 14, the clogs are available for retail, ranging from $70 to $75, with the option to purchase a matching pair of socks separately for the ultimate coordinated look.

With Thanksgiving swiftly approaching, our local news outlet, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, has cast a spotlight on a Kwik Trip store in New Berlin, WI to explore whether a complete Thanksgiving meal could be assembled from this particular establishment. Although this Kwik Trip doesn’t offer whole turkeys, it does provide whole chickens as a viable alternative. Additionally, essential menu items like mashed potatoes, cranberries, rolls, sweet potatoes, pie, and more are all available for purchase, resulting in a total cost of around $44 to feed six to eight people. From restaurants to grocers and C-stores, consumers will have their pick of places to enjoy their Thanksgiving favorites this year.

As we allow time to celebrate with our families and friends and remember all that we’re thankful for, we will take a brief hiatus on our weekly roundup blog next week. We’ll cover all the latest food and beverage news stories beginning again the week of November 27. Happy Thanksgiving!