Weekly Roundup – Week of 4.28.25

May 1, 2025

We’re talking tech, protein, and Gen Z trends in this week’s roundup of food and beverage news – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Tech Tools Define Growth For Restaurant Operators In 2025

Restaurant operators are turning to tech to tackle today’s toughest challenges—from labor shortages to rising costs. As highlighted in Restaurant Dive, nearly half of all restaurants plan to invest in AI and inventory technology in the coming year, aiming to drive efficiency and future profitability. Smarter systems are helping operators track real-time costs, optimize inventory, and boost menu performance. AI tools are also powering more accurate forecasting and proactive decision-making, which is essential in an industry with slim margins. Even training is getting a high-tech upgrade, with personalized learning paths improving onboarding and retention. Read Article

Food Brands Indicate Technology Falls Short On Expectations

While restaurants are taking advantage of technology, many food and beverage brands who invest in new tech say it falls short of expected returns due to common implementation pitfalls. One major issue is inadequate planning—without standardized processes, clear ownership, and alignment across teams, tech tools often go underused. Another key barrier is insufficient data infrastructure; fragmented systems and siloed data can hinder both integration and insight generation. User experience also plays a critical role, as overly complex solutions or idealized designs can lead to poor adoption among staff and consumers. For F&B brands, this means that success lies not just in the tools themselves, but in how thoughtfully and strategically they are deployed and supported. Learn More

Gen Z Want To Buy Experiences, Not Just Groceries

Gen Z is reshaping the grocery retail sector with their digital fluency and desire for engaging shopping experiences. According to The Food Institute, this generation values interactive in-store elements like digital screens and micro-events that transform routine grocery trips into immersive experiences. Their substantial spending power—estimated at $984 billion—makes them a crucial demographic for food brands aiming to foster loyalty. To effectively connect with Gen Z, brands should integrate digital engagement strategies, such as personalized promotions and seamless online-to-offline experiences, while also emphasizing values like sustainability and community involvement. By aligning with Gen Z’s preferences for authenticity and innovation, food brands can position themselves for sustained relevance in the evolving grocery sector. Read On

Consumers Continue to Prioritize Protein: What Foodservice Operators & Brands Should Know

Protein remains a top priority for today’s consumers, who are increasingly seeking it out for reasons ranging from physical wellness to emotional well-being and convenience. Despite inflation, demand for meat and poultry continues to rise, with shoppers favoring value-packed options like ground beef and chicken. At the same time, consumers are turning to protein-rich snacks like jerky, shakes, and bars to fuel busy, on-the-go lifestyles—especially Millennials and Gen Z. Label-conscious shoppers are checking for protein claims, with many willing to pay more for products marketed as good or excellent source of protein. The key to winning with protein? Aligning product strategies with evolving consumer needs around health, convenience, and lifestyle goals. Read Story

Why AI Strategies Help With Grocery Pricing and Private Label

In a recent interview with Grocery Dive, Wesley Bean, President and COO of Engage3, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in grocery retail, particularly in pricing strategies and private label development. Bean highlighted how AI can analyze granular customer data—such as dietary preferences and shopping behaviors—to create more personalized and effective pricing models. This approach enables retailers to better understand their customers’ needs and tailor offerings accordingly. Additionally, AI’s predictive capabilities can assist in assessing the potential success of new private label products before they hit the shelves, thereby reducing the risk of costly product launches. For food brands in the grocery sector, integrating AI into their operations could lead to more informed decision-making, enhanced customer satisfaction, and improved profitability. Read More

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