Weekly Roundup – Week of 6.24.24
June 28, 2024
Explore this week’s trending food and beverage-related news stories – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Asian Flavors Take The Spotlight At James Beard Award Ceremony
At this year’s James Beard Award ceremony in early June, Asian flavors and global cuisines took center stage, celebrating chefs and restaurants with roots in West Africa, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Senegal, and beyond. This trend, years in the making, highlights the evolution from urban food trucks to exclusive dining experiences in cities like New York and New Mexico. The evening’s fusion and global flavors point to a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape, far removed from the traditional American fare of the past as winners aim for a better culinary culture for owners, employees, and consumers alike. Read Story.
Explore The Future Of Grocery
Industry leaders Ethan Chernofsky, SVP Marketing at Placer.ai, Lisa Kinney, Executive Head of Enterprise Analytics at Albertsons, and Kate Newman, Specialist of Local Marketing at Fresh Thyme Market, share their insights on the grocery sector’s remarkable resilience and evolving landscape in a virtual Discover Event. In this session, they explore the unique trajectory of the industry, analyze key trends, and delve into the top topics shaping the future of grocery. Watch Now.
Lower Food Costs May Keep Consumers Home This 4th of July
As the 4th of July approaches, reduced food costs may encourage more consumers to celebrate at home. A recent report by Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute, highlighted by The Food Institute, reveals that grilling burgers at home is significantly cheaper, this year, than dining out. The cost of ingredients for a homemade quarter-pound hamburger with cheese, tomato, and lettuce is just $2.15, compared to the $6.95 average price at popular quick-service restaurants like McDonald’s and Five Guys. This means nearly $50 in savings, for a party of 10, by choosing to grill at home. Dr. Michael Swanson, the report’s author and Chief Agricultural Economist at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, emphasizes the substantial savings for home chefs, while also noting that fast-food restaurants are offering value deals to attract budget-conscious consumers this holiday. Read More.
The Power of Pickles: New Products Address Growing Demand
Pickles are having a moment in the culinary world. From Dill Pickle Slim Jims to Trader Joe’s Perfectly Pickled Pups corn dogs, the dill flavor is making a statement on store shelves and menus alike. Industry experts highlight that incorporating pickle flavors is a savvy move to stay relevant and fresh in today’s dynamic food culture. Innovative flavors like dill rejuvenate product lineups and also help combat consumer fatigue. While pickles may not suit every food business, this trend underscores the benefits of variety and creativity in capturing consumer interest. Read Article.
Inside Pepsi’s Dynamic New Can
PepsiCo has unveiled the Pepsi Smart Can, an innovative “LED engagement platform” that transforms the classic soda can into a bold storytelling medium. The Smart Can exemplifies Pepsi’s commitment to entrepreneurial thinking in design, offering a novel way to enhance brand engagement. This new marketing medium allows the brand to deliver personalized messages and offers, initially targeting media and influencers with the aim of inspiring further content creation. Learn More.
With Independence Day next week, we’re giving our dedicated staff time to reflect and spend time with family and friends. We’ll be back the following week with more roundups of the industry’s most notable news. Have a safe and happy holiday!
