Weekly Roundup – 11-18-2024
November 22, 2024
Explore this week’s top food and beverage-related stories – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Are Salad Chains Adapting To Fast-Food Strategies To Remain Competitive?
Inflation has put pressure on fast-casual salad chains to compete with the value-driven meal deals offered by traditional fast-food restaurants. Experts suggest this strategy of menu diversification, including indulgent items like fries and desserts, can drive customer frequency without compromising a brand’s core values of freshness and nutrition. Adaptability and innovation, such as offering varied price points and customizable options, are seen as crucial for salad chains to remain competitive while appealing to new customers. As these chains expand their menus, they aim to balance indulgence with health, positioning themselves as a “better-for-you” alternative in the fast-food space. Read Article
2025 Flavor and Color Trends
ADM’s 2025 Flavor and Color Trends Report highlights the evolving preferences shaping food and beverage innovation in the coming year. The report identifies four key trends:
- Revisit & Re-Invent: explores nostalgia reimagined for modern tastes
- Adaptive Eating: focusing on foods that align with health, economic, and environmental needs
- Euphoric Wellness: connecting flavors and colors to moods and emotions
- Made for (You): emphasizing personalization and vibrant experiences
Together, these trends reflect consumer desires for balance between familiarity and bold, forward-thinking innovations, while addressing wellness and personalization as priorities. These insights provide valuable direction for brands looking to stay relevant and appealing in a dynamic market. See Insights
Circana Data Sheds Light On How CPG & Retail Industries Need To Adapt
CPG and retail industries are rapidly evolving as companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors driven by economic pressures, technological advancements, and a strong demand for value and convenience. Sally Lyons Wyatt of Circana emphasized the need for manufacturers and retailers to respond with agility in pricing, product assortment, and marketing strategies, leveraging data for targeted messaging and audience segmentation. Ecommerce is a key driver of growth, with consumers increasingly using online platforms for price comparisons and convenience, though many still finalize purchases in-store or through other retailers for better prices. Learn More
C-Stores Focusing On Foodservice Innovation Gain Greater Market Share
Convenience stores are transforming their foodservice offerings to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality, fresh, and affordable food. 7-Eleven is leading the charge, introducing larger-format stores with expanded fresh food selections and new SKUs, informed by insights from its experiential Evolution stores. These efforts are already delivering results, with larger-format stores achieving 13% higher same-store sales in their first year and driving projections of a 30% sales increase within four years. Enhanced foodservice options are key drivers of this growth, with prepared food sales rising 12.2% in 2023 and contributing significantly to overall in-store sales. This trend highlights the growing importance of foodservice innovation in the convenience store sector, as more retailers expand their footprints and food offerings to capture a greater share of the market. Read More
Pizza Chain Focus: Taking A Larger Slice Out Of Pizza Sales
The pizza industry is facing mixed performance, with major players like Domino’s Pizza thriving while competitors like Papa Johns and Pizza Hut struggle to maintain momentum. Domino’s posted strong Q3 results, including steady growth in global retail sales, U.S. same-store sales, and international expansion. The chain’s success is attributed to its focus on delivery innovation, such as GPS tracking, carsided pickup, and strategic promotions that resonate with value-conscious consumers. The chain’s adaptability in refreshing its menu and responding to customer demands has positioned it as a leader in balancing quality and convenience. Read Story
As we approach Thanksgiving and time spent with family and friends, we will be taking a break from our weekly roundup. We’ll resume our regular cadence the first week of December. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
