Weekly Roundup – Week of 3.10.25
March 14, 2025
From food tech to food trends, find the latest food and beverage news – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
COEX 2025 Recap: How AI is Reshaping Foodservice
The Chain Operators EXchange (COEX) 2025, organized by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, convened industry professionals to address the evolving landscape of the food-away-from-home sector. A significant focus was on artificial intelligence (AI), with discussions highlighting its potential to transform operations and consumer interactions. This emphasis on AI underscores a broader industry trend toward adopting technology to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the event featured analyses of current menu trends and economic factors, providing attendees with actionable strategies to navigate the dynamic market landscape. Read Article
New Trends Guiding The Future Of Grocery
According to insights from The Food Institute’s “The Future of Food Retail” webinar, the grocer sector is shifting based on technological advancements, consumer buying behavior and economic uncertainty:
- Superstores Drive Growth – Foot traffic to superstores surged in early 2025 as middle-income shoppers seek both value and new product offerings.
- Multi-Store Shopping Habits – Consumers continue to visit multiple grocery stores to find the best deals, discounts, and specialty items.
- Grocery Hot Bars on the Rise – Prepared food sections in grocery stores are attracting more diners, competing with quick-service restaurants, especially during lunch hours.
- Wholesale Clubs Gain Momentum – Membership-based retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club are thriving by offering bulk savings to inflation-conscious shoppers.
- Convenience Stores as Food Destinations – Chains like Buc-ee’s, Wawa, and Sheetz are disrupting food retail by expanding food programs and drawing more meal-time visits.
- Balancing Innovation & Value – Retailers must go beyond affordability, using private labels, global flavors, and unique products to keep consumers engaged and drive long-term success.
Food Innovation Sets One Convenience Store Ahead
Casey’s General Stores is proving that food innovation is a powerful growth driver in the convenience store space. With a “3.7% increase in inside same-store sales,” the company’s focus on prepared foods—like its hot sandwich program, coffee offerings, and newly tested chicken wings—has led to strong margins and customer engagement. As competitors like Arko and 7-Eleven are exploring new store designs, Casey’s is differentiating itself by expanding its in-store kitchen capabilities. For food and beverage manufacturers, these trends highlight the growing demand for innovative, high-quality, and cost-conscious fresh offerings in convenience retail. Read Story
The Top 100 Restaurant Brands Winning Young Consumers
Research firm dcdx’s recent report, “The Magnetic 100: Restaurants,” identifies the top 100 restaurant brands resonating with Gen Z consumers, measuring organic online engagement to assess brand magnetism. The top five brands are McDonald’s, Wingstop, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Taco Bell. McDonald’s leads with a score of 89.38, generating over 1 billion engagements while Wingstop secures the second spot, with its social media presence and flavor variety appealing to Gen Z’s desire for bold, diverse tastes. For food and beverage manufacturers, these insights emphasize the importance of fostering authentic, organic online engagement and embracing digital platforms to connect with Gen Z consumers effectively. Find All Top Brands
A Super App Makes Mealtime Easier
According to The Wall Street Journal’s article, Wonder’s acquisition of Tastemade marks a major step toward its vision of becoming an AI-driven “mealtime super app.” By integrating Tastemade’s media and content production with its existing food delivery assets—including Grubhub and Blue Apron—Wonder aims to seamlessly connect food inspiration with immediate meal fulfillment. This move highlights a growing industry trend where content and commerce merge, allowing viewers to order the dishes they see on screen instantly. Learn More
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