Weekly Roundup – Week of 4.1.24
April 5, 2024
Find this week’s top food and beverage-related stories – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Insights into Gen Z’s Appetite: Healthy Choices and Sweet Temptations
Recent research from Lifesum highlights the health-conscious nature of Gen Z, who actively seek functional nutrition to enhance their overall well-being. In response, food producers are urged to prioritize options that cater to specific health goals while emphasizing personalization and convenience. Imagine customizable functional health meal kits tailored to individual needs. However, despite their commitment to wellness, this generation also indulges in sweet treats like candy to satisfy their cravings. Learn more about these trends and how food producers can meet the demands of Gen Z consumers. Read More.
Amazon Fresh Exits ‘Just Walk Out’ Technology
Amazon is overhauling its Amazon Fresh stores by phasing out the Just Walk Out technology which enables customers to pay for items without queuing up and receiving receipts afterward. In its place, Amazon is introducing smart carts, offering both checkout skipping and real-time spending visibility. This change was prompted by customer feedback requesting the ability to view receipts and savings while shopping. Perhaps a smart move from Amazon considering that coincidently, a survey from 84.51 revealed “38% of shoppers are interested in smart carts that calculate the cost of groceries in real-time and allow them to skip the checkout line completely.” Read Article.
New Consumer Expectations Drive Trends In Retail and Grocery
As consumer preferences shift towards convenience and value across all purchases, retailers and grocers are stepping up their game with enhanced mobile, digital, and in-store services. Emphasizing simplicity and efficiency has become crucial in meeting the demands of today’s shoppers, who prioritize speed, privacy, and accuracy. Nonstop engagement and shopping flexibility are also important to consumers and by focusing on these aspects, businesses can add value, build loyalty, and boost revenue. Learn More.
Highlights From Expo West 2024
Attendance surged at Expo West with exhibitors feeling positive about the year ahead as they showcased their latest innovations. Health-conscious alternatives, natural fuel products, and sustainable packaging stole the spotlight on the show floor. From new sugar alternatives to functional beverages and energy-boosting products, attendees were treated to myriad offerings. With sustainability increasingly important to Gen Z consumers, brands are embracing glass, cartons, or cans as alternatives to plastic packaging. Continue Reading.
QSR Giant Opens All-Vegan Location
Wendy’s may soon adopt a new slogan, “Here’s the Potato,” at least in one Idaho outlet. While the chain currently offers a few plant-based options nationwide, this particular location is going all-in on potatoes, with the plain baked potato taking center stage as the hero item. In addition to the iconic baked potato, customers can expect a variety of other potato-based entrées, with menu items like potato nuggets and wedges soon to follow. According to Oliver Boiley, a product developer at Wendy’s, potential concepts such as The Spicy Potato with Tapatio hot sauce, The Fully Loaded Potato topped with crunchy fries and creamy mashed potatoes, and the intriguing Chocolate Mashed Potato Frosty served in a Frosty cup may join the menu if the location sees success in its first month. Should more QSRs follow suit? Read Story to decide.
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