Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.4.25

August 8, 2025

Read the latest food and beverage news stories – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

The Essence Of ‘Performative Snacking’

Millennials and Gen Z are redefining snacking as a form of self-expression, treating premium snacks like mini‑luxuries in what’s dubbed the “lipstick effect”. Rather than just focusing on flavor or function, these consumers prioritize brands that reflect their values and personal style, making alignment with identity a top purchase driver. Performative snacking is increasingly about “status signaling”, amplified by social media and influencers, turning everyday treats into curated moments of validation and belonging. Read Article

Foodservice Brands Depend on Digital Technology

Digital technology is now the backbone of foodservice, powering everything from mobile ordering and kiosks to AI-driven drive-thrus, kitchen display systems, loyalty programs, POS integration, and third-party delivery platforms. Yet, when systems fail, orders are deleted or backlogged, payments get stalled, and staff scramble, which leads to wasted food, soaring labor costs, and tarnished brand reputation. The stakes are high for foodservice brands as one tech outage can damage customer trust as deeply as a poor meal. Read More

C-Stores Expect Growth This Year Due To One Energizing Category

Convenience store retailers are anticipating a 3.7% increase in sales this year, driven largely by surging energy drink demand, according to C-Store Dive. Q2 marked the fourth straight quarter of energy drink growth, and retailers expect full-year momentum to continue with a projected 12% category expansion. Retailers attribute this optimism to favorable factors like improved summer weather and lower gasoline prices, which helped spur spring and July 4th holiday visits. Read On

Is Co-Manufacturing The Future For CPG Brands?

As food brands race to meet evolving consumer expectations around health, transparency, and taste, co-manufacturing is proving to be more than just a production solution. By partnering with experienced co-manufacturers, brands can accelerate innovation, streamline supply chains, and bring quality products to market faster and more efficiently. From reducing risk through shared infrastructure to ensuring food safety and consistency at scale, co-manufacturing offers CPG companies the tools to grow smarter. Learn More

How Grocers Can Reengage Shoppers

Shoppers are increasingly price‑sensitive, and while retailers are responding with aggressive low-price messaging, many customers feel these tactics are overdone, per a recent Food Dive article. Beyond just seeking savings, consumers are craving “small wins” and affordable indulgences that add joy to their shopping experience. Retailers who simplify discovery through curated innovation displays, refined loyalty offers, or social‑media-driven inspiration stand to strengthen shopper engagement and loyalty. Read Story

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