Weekly Roundup – Week of 9.2.24
September 6, 2024
Discover the latest news and trends from the food and beverage industry – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
CPGs Find Value In Adding Sustainable Grains To Products
Sustainable grains like quinoa, farro, and buckwheat are gaining popularity in the food industry, not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their role in regenerative agriculture. Originally used as standalone ingredients, these grains are now being incorporated into indulgent products like ice cream, snacks, and beverages to enhance their nutritional profiles. This aligns with consumer demand for healthier, environmentally sustainable options. The sustainable grains market, valued at $41 million, is poised for growth, with innovations including quinoa-based non-dairy milk and buckwheat in breakfast foods and beverages like kombucha. Brands like Van Leeuwen and General Mills are leveraging these grains in products such as ice cream and “climate-smart” cereals, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Social media influencers are also helping drive this trend by promoting sustainable grains in recipes and indulgent products. Learn More
Albertson’s New Private Brand Spreads Joy Across The Store
Albertsons has launched a new private label brand, Overjoyed, offering a range of treats, gifts, and decor. Products include sugar cookies, French macarons, snack mixes, and seasonal items like vampire fang gummies. Overjoyed becomes the latest addition to Albertsons’ impressive $16.5 billion private label portfolio, which already features popular brands such as Signature Select and O Organics. According to Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands, Overjoyed was created to celebrate life’s everyday special moments. This move aligns with the growing trend of retailers expanding private labels to meet the needs of value-conscious shoppers, following similar launches from Target, CVS, and Walmart. Read On
Cultured Dairy: The Next Category To Leverage The Snacking Industry
The cultured dairy category is experiencing a surge in innovation, driven by the snacking trend and consumer demand for high-quality, functional foods. Brands like Marie’s Fresh Produce Dips and Danone’s REMIX yogurt line are expanding with creative flavors and new product offerings, catering to the growing snacking culture. Yogurt continues to evolve, with new pouches and smoothies targeting kids and health-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, cottage cheese is enjoying a resurgence, thanks in part to viral TikTok trends. Read More
Amazon Expands Just Walk Out Technology On College Campuses
Amazon introduced its Just Walk Out technology to 10 more on-campus convenience stores, bringing the total to over 30 across three countries. This frictionless checkout system allows students and staff to enter by scanning a card, select items, and leave without traditional checkout lines. The expansion follows an AI update to improve accuracy in tracking customer selections. While frictionless checkout is still growing in the broader convenience store space, it’s gaining traction on college campuses for 24/7 service. Read Article
Halloween Insights To Meet Consumer Demand
As Halloween approaches, Mars Wrigley is gearing up for the season with its inaugural “Mars Tricks, Treats and Trends” report, offering key insights for grocers and retailers. The report, developed in partnership with Ipsos, explores consumer behavior and preferences around Halloween celebrations, showing that many people are planning months in advance. Key findings include that 76% of consumers buy candy for trick-or-treating or hosting, with in-store purchases being the most popular. Mars Wrigley is also responding to evolving preferences with a range of Halloween-specific candies, chocolate options, and the latest sweet treats to gain popularity with Gen Z – gummy items. Explore More Insights
Stop back each week for top news stories, insights and more.
