Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.26.24

August 30, 2024

This week’s roundup spotlights the latest AI and tech solutions and top trends emerging in the food and beverage industry  – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Contactless Technology Solutions Are Here to Stay

Self-service and contactless solutions have firmly established themselves in the restaurant industry, transitioning from a passing trend to a permanent fixture. These technologies, particularly prevalent in fast-food and coffee chains, offer customers a convenient and efficient way to order and pay without waiting in long lines. Plus, new branded digital gift cards benefit both the merchant, delivering an additional revenue stream, and the customer by helping to manage personal budgets. With advancements in technology, both online and in-person ordering systems are enhancing speed of service, order tracking, and customer relationship management. Read Article

Menu Must-Haves: Expanding Beyond Pumpkin Spice

According to a recent survey conducted by Talker Research, American adults are increasingly favoring alternative fall flavors such as maple, s’mores, and pecan over the traditional pumpkin spice. Moreover, a significant number of respondents believe that pumpkin spice should only appear on menus once the fall season officially begins. In response to these evolving consumer preferences, many retailers and brands are capitalizing on the opportunity to diversify their fall 2024 offerings, aiming to better align with their target markets. Some retailers are even innovating by incorporating new elements of “spice” into their pumpkin spice treats, adding chipotle, cayenne, and other bold seasonings to extend the popular summer trend of “swicy” (sweet and spicy) into the autumn months. Read Full Story

Olfaction Marketing: Can AI Enable Computers to Smell?

A new startup, Osmo, believes it can teach computers to smell and sees significant potential in scent-based marketing. Initial research used an “odor map” and 400 scent molecules and discovered that the AI model’s predictions were often more accurate than those of human panelists. Currently, Osmo is testing these models with fragrance and repellent companies, aiming to allow users to identify and store scents using their smartphones. The possibility of enabling consumers to smell food images from their feeds could revolutionize the food industry. Learn More

3 New C-Store Trends Emerge

A midyear assessment by NACS has highlighted three essential trends for business owners and decision-makers to focus on: staying true to your brand, offering convenience in unexpected ways, and prioritizing employees. Notably, the assessment reveals that 80% of Americans are undecided about dinner by 4 p.m. and are not enthusiastic about cooking, presenting a unique opportunity for food retailers to enhance their convenience offerings and promote prepared foods. Manufacturers who consider these trends can help boost convenience store product sales. Read More

Brand Spotlight: Innovative Brands Redefine The Snacking Industry

In the ever-evolving snacking industry, two brands stand out by prioritizing better-for-you options. As consumers increasingly seek health and wellness through their food choices, the market has seen a surge in startups offering innovative products. One standout, Nick’s, has redefined indulgence with its lighter ice cream options, sweetened with natural substitutes like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, and xylitol, resulting in significantly fewer calories and sugar than traditional ice cream. Another leader, SkinnyDipped, strikes a perfect balance between health and indulgence with its lightly coated nuts, catering to those with a sweet tooth without overwhelming them with sugar. Their latest innovation, the Salty + Sweet line, further cements their commitment to offering guilt-free snacking. As demand for healthier snack options continues to rise, retailers will expand shelf space to accommodate this growth, while manufacturers can focus on nutritional claims when developing new products.

Looking for more insights, trends, and technology solutions, visit our blog each week for the latest food and beverage news.