Weekly Roundup – Week of 3.25.24
March 29, 2024
Today’s weekly roundup covers the latest food and beverage news of the week – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Putting All Your ‘Chocolate’ Eggs In One Basket Will Cost You
Consumers will need to brace themselves for a bitter-sweet surprise as the latest reports from major news outlets this week – Forbes, Reuters, and The Food Institute – unveil the bitter truth behind skyrocketing costs of filling Easter baskets this year. Forbes reveals an alarming trend: cocoa prices have not just doubled in 2024, but have tripled over the past 12 months, fueled by dismal cocoa bean harvests. The aftermath? Heavyweights like Hershey and Mondelez are raising their chocolate product prices, while Mars is resorting to a shrink-and-sell tactic, downsizing chocolates but maintaining the price tag. To help consumers offset their Easter spending, these companies are promoting non-chocolaty treats such as cookies and other candy formats. Read More.
Bonus reading! Discover how jelly beans became an Easter candy.
Accelerating Cultivated Meat: Meatable’s Breakthrough Technology
In a groundbreaking development, Dutch food technology pioneer, Meatable, has reached a remarkable achievement: slashing the production time for cultivated meat in half. What once took eight days now requires only four, cementing Meatable’s position as the leader in rapid meat cultivation. At the heart of this innovation lies Meatable’s proprietary Opti-Ox technology, a process that streamlines production, conserving labor, energy, infrastructure, ingredients, and water. With this advancement, Meatable edges closer to the long-awaited commercialization of cultivated meat, promising large-scale production on the horizon. The company asserts that its accelerated method yields meat products of exceptional flavor and mouthfeel. Learn More.
Food & Beverage Companies Can Reach Gen Alpha On YouTube
Reaching Generation Alpha through YouTube is paramount for food and beverage companies. Gen Alpha, born between the early 2010s and 2024, are true digital natives, with YouTube being their go-to platform for entertainment. Unlike other platforms, YouTube doesn’t have age restrictions, making it accessible to all ages. In the US, a staggering 97.3% of digital video viewers under 12 are on YouTube, according to EMARKETER’s February 2024 forecast. With top creators like MrBeast, Cocomelon, and Kids Diana Show amassing millions of young subscribers, the influence of YouTube on Gen Alpha’s consumption habits is undeniable. From watching ads for food and drinks to influencing family dining decisions, Gen Alpha is a key demographic for food and beverage brands to engage with. Find More.
For a deeper dive into the Gen Alpha demographic, read our blog Marketing To Gen Alpha: The New Generation of Influencers.
Zen B Looks To Disrupt The Plant-Based Foods Market
In the progressing world of plant-based, natural, and organic markets, Zen B emerges as a dynamic force, poised to disrupt the status quo. Developed as a spinoff of the Japanese Mizkan Group, Zen B adopts a “plant-full approach” that sets it apart from the crowd. Replacing conventional chickpeas with the versatile yellow pea as its primary ingredient, Zen B products boast superior protein and fiber content, differentiating itself from other plant-based products. Hugo Perez, the visionary Chief Marketing Officer and storyteller extraordinaire at Zen B, boldly declares their ethos: “We’re the ‘tip of the arrow’ kind of brand. We’re not waiting for trends; we’re forging them by deeply understanding our consumers.” Fueling its mission to revolutionize the yellow pea, Zen B has embarked on an ambitious journey, marked by a traveling sample kitchen with a tally of 62 events hosted thus far. Read Story.
A Delicious Duo: McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme Join Forces
Fast-food titans McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme have announced an exciting merger. By 2026, participating McDonald’s locations will offer Krispy Kreme doughnuts – from the traditional Original Glazed to the indulgent Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles and Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled, doughnut enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the flavors individually or in convenient packs of six, available throughout the day while supplies last. For both companies, this collaboration is a win-win scenario. Krispy Kreme’s extensive preparations, including bolstering its supply chain, enhancing support teams, investing in technology and equipment, and refining field training, reflect its commitment to excellence through its Delivered Fresh Daily expansion. Meanwhile, McDonald’s stands to benefit immensely, not only enriching its breakfast menu with freshly baked offerings but also satisfying cravings with a sweet snack option all day long. Read Article.
Stop back each week for more highlights of the top trending food and beverage-related stories.
