Weekly Roundup – Week of 5.19.25
May 23, 2025
Discover what trends and products captivated attendees at the 2025 NRA Show and Sweets & Snacks Expo and the trends shaping the F&B industry moving forward – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Key Trends Shaping Food Manufacturing In The Next Ten Years
Forbes’ latest article outlines five transformative trends that will redefine food manufacturing over the next decade—and they signal a major power shift. Transparency, clean ingredients, and values-driven storytelling are no longer marketing perks; they’re the price of entry. From radical ingredient traceability to legislation phasing out harmful additives, consumers—and lawmakers—are setting a higher bar. For emerging food brands, that’s a massive opportunity. While legacy manufacturers may struggle to adapt, startups can integrate integrity, freshness, and mission into their business from the start. “The next decade won’t be won by the biggest players, but by the boldest ones” who are clear, clean, and committed. Read Article
Global Fusions to Functional Treats: Exploring the 2025 NRA Show and Sweets & Snacks Expo
Chicago was buzzing with foodservice innovation as industry leaders gathered for the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, while the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis filled the floor with more than 14,500 people. From international comfort food mashups and simplified pizza solutions to a wave of AI-powered data tools, NRA spotlighted where the future of restaurants is heading. Meanwhile, the Sweets & Snacks Expo leaned into the better-for-you trend, with standouts like protein-packed chocolates, caffeinated mints, and reinvented drinkable straws. Whether you’re tracking what’s next in flavor, function, or food tech, explore the trends and products making waves in foodservice and retail.
Why Food Companies Should Shift To 2D Barcodes Now
Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, such as QR codes, are augmenting the food and beverage industry by offering enhanced traceability, transparency, and consumer engagement. Unlike traditional barcodes, 2D barcodes can store extensive information—including batch numbers, expiration dates, and sourcing details—facilitating efficient recalls and ensuring food safety compliance. They also enable consumers to access detailed product information, fostering trust and informed purchasing decisions. As the industry moves toward the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, which aims for widespread adoption of 2D barcodes, F&B companies are encouraged to integrate this technology to stay competitive and meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands. Read More
Are Gen Z Men Beefing Up Their Diets?
A growing number of Gen Z men are turning to meat-heavy diets as part of a broader shift toward hyper-masculine ideals rooted in fitness, discipline, and self-optimization, according to a new report from The Food Institute. Influenced by the “manosphere” and wellness-focused media, this demographic is embracing high-protein eating habits to support muscle-building and mental performance—sparking a cultural rebound from the plant-based movement. For grocery retailers and restaurants, this could signal a rising demand for premium cuts, high-protein meals, and functional meat products. As menus and shelves evolve to meet Gen Z’s wellness-driven preferences, expect to see new opportunities in marketing, merchandising, and menu development geared toward this growing consumer mindset. Read Story
Food Retailers Embrace Technology To Remain Competitive
AI and digital technologies are revolutionizing the grocery retail landscape, transforming traditional stores into intelligent, connected environments. Retailers like The Fresh Market and Kavanagh’s are leading this shift by implementing advanced solutions such as AI-driven shelf monitoring, dynamic pricing through electronic shelf labels, and real-time promotional platforms. These innovations not only enhance customer experience but also streamline operations, improve employee productivity, and reduce waste. The integration of AI and IoT in physical retail spaces is becoming essential for operational excellence and sustained profitability. Learn More
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