Weekly Roundup – Week of 7.7.25
July 11, 2025
Explore the latest food and beverage news stories of the week – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
How Restaurants Approach Modern Kids’ Menus
There’s a clear recognition that children’s tastes are evolving alongside broader consumer demands for health, variety, and cultural diversity in food. Operators are no longer settling for outdated assumptions about what kids will eat—instead, they’re embracing more sophisticated, nutritionally balanced, and globally inspired offerings that mirror adult menus. Manufacturers who pivot toward healthier, versatile kid‑friendly products that echo adult flavors—e.g., global spice blends, nutrient‑dense mini‑portions, allergen‑safe proteins, and pre‑cut veggies—will be both operator- and kid-approved. Read Article
Barcode Over Brand: A Winning Strategy
Is your ingredient list doing more heavy lifting than your brand name? In this must-watch conversation from the 2025 Digital Food & Beverage Conference, The Food Institute’s Chris Campbell and Kantar’s Barry Thomas unpack the surprising ways digital, retail media, and even barcodes are reshaping the rules of CPG marketing. Learn why survival in today’s market demands more than just a strong brand. Listen Now
New Study: Generational Preferences Guide Food Shopping Behaviors
Younger generations are moving away from traditional supermarkets in favor of discount retailers like Walmart and Aldi, according to new research from The Feedback Group. Meanwhile, older generations, including baby boomers and the Silent Generation, still show strong loyalty to traditional grocery stores. Shoppers across all age groups prioritize food quality and cleanliness over value, and many are increasingly using digital circulars and loyalty apps to guide their purchases. To stay relevant, traditional grocers and food brands would benefit from rethinking how they engage younger consumers—emphasizing value, convenience, and digital engagement. Learn More
Is Walmart A New Beef Supplier?
Walmart just opened its first-ever owned-and-operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas, marking a major step in building a more resilient, transparent, and U.S.-sourced supply chain. Sourcing beef from its equity partner Sustainable Beef LLC, the facility will process and package fresh Angus cuts for Midwest stores. The move supports local economies with over 600 new jobs and reflects Walmart’s deeper investment in American-made goods. Curious how this shift could influence the future of retail meat sourcing? Read Story
Growth In NA Spirits Quench Consumer Demand
Non‑alcoholic spirits are no longer novelty sips—they’re reaching refined levels of quality and diversity thanks to booming consumer demand. Premium brands are elevating zero‑proof offerings with complex botanicals and bold flavors that appeal to health‑minded and “sober‑curious” drinkers. This surge isn’t just good for consumers—venues and bars are catching on, finding these spirits help expand menus and boost margins. As the category matures and major players expand, expect to see zero‑proof gin, whiskey, rum, and more becoming mainstays in mainstream retail and hospitality. Read More
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