Weekly Roundup – Week of 1.13.25
January 17, 2025
Read the latest F&B news from trends, technology, and innovative flavors – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
From Smart Kitchens to Fogponics: CES 2025 Showcases Tech Innovation in F&B
CES 2025 once again lived up to its reputation as the ultimate showcase of cutting-edge technology, drawing over 141,000 attendees and 4,500 exhibitors to Las Vegas. This year’s event featured exciting food and beverage tech advancements, AgTech, and smart home innovations. Highlights included ColdSnap’s rapid-freezing dessert pods, CHEF iQ’s smart MiniOven and app-integrated cooking tools, Brisk It’s AI-powered pellet grill, and Plantaform’s award-winning fogponics indoor garden system. Each innovation exemplifies the event’s commitment to reshaping the future of food preparation, sustainability, and convenience. Watch Now
Red No. 3 Ban: What It Means for Food Manufacturers
The FDA has officially banned Red No. 3 in food and beverages, citing cancer risks in lab animals and potential behavioral effects on children. Long a target of consumer advocacy groups, the dye is commonly used in candies, cereals, and milkshakes. Food manufacturers now face a January 2027 deadline to reformulate their products. With Red No. 3 already restricted in countries like Australia, Japan, and parts of the EU, this move signals a global shift toward safer food additives, challenging manufacturers to innovate and adapt to meet regulatory and consumer expectations. Learn More
Food Trends Shaping The Future
The food industry is poised for an exciting transformation in 2025, with Gen Z leading the charge in shaping food trends through their powerful presence on social media. This year’s top trends reflect a growing demand for mindful eating, immersive experiences, and product innovation across all age groups. Consumers are increasingly seeking foods that support cognitive health, with 67% showing interest in brain-boosting options. Texture is also taking center stage, with “crunch” emerging as a key factor in product development, while the industry continues to push for innovative food solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs. These trends are set to define the future of food for years to come. Read Article
How Convenience Stores Are Brewing Up Big Profits in 2025
Coffee is making a major comeback, with the number of people drinking coffee outside the home returning to pre-pandemic levels. Convenience stores are capitalizing on this surge, offering customizable and high-quality coffee options to compete with QSRs and coffee shops. Wawa sells 60 coffees per minute to reward’s members, while 7-Eleven saw a 6.2% boost in hot beverage sales with a breakfast combo deal. Casey’s has also revamped its coffee program, introducing eight new flavors to keep customers returning for more. These moves show that convenience stores are brewing up big profits by tapping into the growing demand for on-the-go coffee. Read Story
Aloha To Hawaiian Flavors Bursting Into The Mainland
Hawaiian cuisine is experiencing a surge in popularity across the U.S., with more consumers embracing island-inspired dishes like poke, spam musubi, and loco moco. The success of Hawaiian barbecue, particularly L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, has played a key role in this trend, fueled by factors such as the growing Hawaiian population on the mainland, the rise of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, and the influence of social media. Yelp data shows an 88% increase in Hawaiian barbecue searches since 2023, with restaurants across the country adapting to the growing demand. As Hawaiian food continues to captivate palates nationwide, chefs are blending local traditions with innovative twists, ensuring this movement will thrive in 2025 and beyond. Read More
Keep up with the latest food and beverage news and insights by stopping back on our blog every week.
