Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.25.25
August 29, 2025
Explore this week’s hot topics including big mergers, industry trends, and consumer demands – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Refreshing Sales Data For The Fresh Meat Category
Despite inflation concerns, fresh meat sales rose 4.7% in 2024, according to Circana data, as shoppers opted for different cuts and brands to balance budgets. FMI’s State of Fresh report further revealed that foodservice within grocery achieved record-breaking sales of $56 billion, driven by consumer demand for convenience, value, and variety. Retailers are doubling down, with 68% planning to expand space for fresh-prepared, grab-and-go offerings. As grocers continue to elevate the fresh meat department as a point of differentiation, food brands have an opportunity to support with product innovation, merchandising strategies, and solutions that align with shopper preferences. Read Article
Big Beverage Merger Announcement
This week’s biggest headline comes from Keurig Dr Pepper, which announced an $18 billion deal to acquire JDE Peet’s, parent of Peet’s Coffee. Once finalized in the first half of 2026, the company plans to split into two U.S.-listed firms—one focused on coffee and the other on its iconic beverage portfolio. The merger is projected to generate $400 million in cost synergies over three years, signaling major operational efficiencies. For the beverage industry, this move could spark intensified competition, new partnership models, and greater innovation as brands seek to strengthen their market position. Read Story
Goodbye Traditional Chocolate, Hello Dubai (Chocolate)
After its viral TikTok debut, Dubai Chocolate quickly became a sensation, with food creators racing to replicate its unique taste and texture. The trend has now jumped from home kitchens to foodservice menus, appearing at major chains like Starbucks and Shake Shack. Its appeal lies partly in Gen Z’s obsession with texture, as well as the lower production costs compared to traditional chocolate. With excitement building, foodservice operators have a prime opportunity to lean into the trend with creative limited-time offerings this fall and winter. Read More
Chain Spotlight: Key Learnings From Taco Bell’s Success Story
Taco Bell continues to dominate by consistently rolling out fresh menu innovations rather than relying on discounts. This strategy transforms limited-time offers into viral TikTok content, fueling cultural relevance and keeping the brand at the forefront of fast food. For food brands supplying ingredients to QSR chains, this signifies the importance of offering versatile, trend-ready products that help operators launch creative, craveable items at speed. From the Hustle’s Daily Show Podcast, Jon Weigell and Mark Dent highlight these successes. Listen Now
4 Food Trends To Finish Out 2025
Many food companies are restructuring or pursuing smaller-scale M&A deals to sharpen their focus and build stronger category leadership. At the same time, ingredient transparency is once again in the spotlight, as the industry looks at what’s next after artificial dye removal—particularly with upcoming updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These changes could have major implications for product development, nutrition programs, and consumer trust. And that’s just half the story—two more key trends are shaping the industry as 2025 heads into the final stretch. Read All Trends
Read roundups every Friday to stay on top of the week’s most notable food and beverage news stories.
