Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.12.24

August 16, 2024

Read the latest food and beverage news stories of the week – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Rethinking School Lunches: A Call for Healthier, Kid-Friendly Packaging

With the start of the 2024-25 school year around the corner, a new survey by Talker Research highlights a growing concern among parents about the quality of their children’s school lunches. Out of 2,000 parents surveyed, 54% prioritize nutritional value and 45% prioritize taste, while only 33% focus on cost. Dr. Martin Ruebelt, Chief Scientific Officer at NatureSweet, notes, “We wanted to shine a light on how parents go the extra mile to give their kids healthy, nutritious foods.” Despite their efforts, 60% of parents admit to feeling guilty when providing less healthy options, and 30% report feeling stressed about school lunches. These findings underscore the need for manufacturers to develop packaging that not only appeals to children but also reassures parents with clear nutrient callouts and healthy claims, helping to alleviate concerns over unhealthy choices. Read Article

Mars Inc.’s $36 Billion Kellanova Acquisition Poised to Revolutionize Snacking

Mars Inc. has made a groundbreaking move by agreeing to acquire Kellanova for almost $36 billion, including debt, merging two food industry giants in the process. This acquisition represents a pivotal step for Mars, allowing the company to expand its offerings beyond chocolate products as cocoa prices reach record highs. As Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Jennifer Bartashus notes, this transaction could be the “largest packaged-food deal in nearly a decade,” potentially paving the way for more mergers and acquisitions in the sector. Mars plans to integrate Kellanova into its Snacking division, aiming to double its size over the next decade and enhance its international reach. Learn More

Shake Shack Is Shaking Up Online Orders With Delivery Robots

In a move to enhance delivery efficiency, Shake Shack has teamed up with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to pilot robot meal deliveries in select Los Angeles locations. Customers will be informed via Uber Eats if a robot is delivering their order, and can track and pick up their meals through the app. Steph So, Shake Shack’s Senior Vice President of Digital Experience, notes that this initiative is part of the chain’s broader strategy to integrate technology into their operations and improve customer experiences. The chain has also seen a rise in kiosk usage, reflecting a growing trend towards digital orders. Read Story

Cut Costs & Complexity: The Future of Digital Coupons for Natural Food Retailers

With the advent of new point-of-sale (POS) technology, digital couponing is poised for a transformation, especially in the natural foods industry. Consumers who use digital coupons spend an impressive 37% more than those who don’t, and 82% of these users redeem their coupons within a week. Furthermore, 93% of shoppers express a willingness to make repeat purchases at retailers that offer compelling discounts. However, the high costs and technical hurdles of digital coupon technology remain a barrier for many natural food retailers. To overcome these challenges, the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) has teamed up with CoupDog to broaden the reach of digital coupons within the natural and organic food sector and retailers in general. Read More

What Other Top Stories Gained Momentum This Week?

Here are some of the week’s most talked-about food and beverage news:

• Chuck E. Cheese introduced a nationwide subscription service, priced between $7.99 and $29.99 per month. This new tiered pass offers various discounts on food and provides access to between 40 and 250 free games daily, depending on the level chosen.
• Celsius went from being an obscure energy drink to a leading category player. Thanks to its unique functional benefits, healthier image, and exciting flavors, the company’s revenue has doubled over the past two years, making it a favorite among mainstream consumers.
• Impossible Foods unveiled its inaugural brick-and-mortar eatery, Impossible Quality Meats, located at the XMarket Food Hall near Uptown Chicago, on August 13.

Each week, we cover the top food and beverage news. Make sure to stop back every Friday stay informed on trends and insights in the the F&B industry.