Weekly Roundup – Week of 5.26.25

May 30, 2025

Discover the latest in grocery retail and foodservice news – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Grab ‘N Go Is the Way To Go For Grocers

Grocery shoppers are increasingly turning to grab-and-go and ready-made meals as convenient, flavorful alternatives to dining out. “Sales of deli-prepared meals hit $18.6 billion last year, while grab-and-go bakery items have seen a 50% sales increase over five years—driven by demand for fresh, high-protein, and globally inspired offerings.” Younger consumers and those returning to hybrid work schedules are seeking more indulgent, restaurant-quality meals from their local grocers, prompting retailers to innovate with chef-crafted, consistent, and fresh options. For shoppers, this evolution means more access to premium, on-the-go meal options tailored to health goals, lifestyle needs, and elevated taste expectations—all without the restaurant markup. Read On

Is Value Enough To Maintain QSR Traffic?

An article featured in Food Chain Magazine highlights a troubling trend for quick-service restaurants: declining foot traffic across major brands like McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Starbucks amid ongoing economic pressures. With inflation, stagnant wages, and shifting consumer priorities, even value-driven promotions are struggling to lure back lower- and middle-income diners. McDonald’s, for example, reported its steepest same-store sales drop since the pandemic, while Chipotle and Starbucks are seeing rare declines in transactions despite past resilience. These trends suggest a fundamental reassessment of fast food’s perceived value, with many consumers choosing to cook at home or limit visits. This indicates an urgent need for QSRs to rethink value strategies, pricing transparency, and loyalty-building initiatives to stay relevant in a more cautious spending environment. Read More

Tips On Overcoming Tariffs

At the 2025 BMO Global Farm to Market Conference, food industry leaders discussed the impact of tariffs on agriculture and consumer goods. While tariffs on items like aluminum packaging and imported foods are a concern, companies such as Zevia and Chefs’ Warehouse are implementing strategies like SKU reduction, product reformulation, and inventory optimization to mitigate cost increases. Despite potential price hikes, consumer demand for specialty products like olive oil and French cheeses remains strong, suggesting that modest tariffs may not significantly alter purchasing behaviors. The food industry will need agility in supply chain management and pricing strategies to navigate ongoing trade uncertainties. Maintaining product quality and meeting consumer expectations will be crucial for brands aiming to sustain growth amid these challenges. Learn More

Boosting Customer Experience With Personalized Technology

By centralizing and analyzing customer data, even small establishments can tailor promotions and menu suggestions to individual preferences, thereby increasing engagement and loyalty. For instance, Panera Bread utilized targeted rewards programs to navigate a menu overhaul, resulting in higher retention and reduced manual workload. Similarly, Chick-fil-A’s predictive analytics personalize menu layouts based on past orders, leading to a 23% boost in delivery sales. These strategies demonstrate that with the right tools, restaurants of all sizes can implement effective personalization to foster deeper customer connections and drive revenue. Read Article

Fast Break News In 2 Minutes

In this week’s FI Fast Break podcast, The Food Institute highlights how major retailers like Walmart and Target are adapting to the latest tariff developments, potentially impacting supply chains and consumer prices. McDonald’s announced it will begin closing its CosMc’s locations by late June, with plans to integrate select beverage-focused menu items into hundreds of its core restaurants. Additionally, a new study reveals that nearly half of GLP-1 drug users have cut back on beef consumption, signaling fresh growth potential for plant-based meat brands. Listen Now

Keep up with the trends! Stop back every Friday for the week’s hottest food and beverage news.