Weekly Roundup – Week of 6.23.25

June 27, 2025

Food transparency, exports, and in-store dining fill our feed this week with stories curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

GS1 Survey Reports Consumers Seek More Product Information

A recent GS1 US survey reveals that consumers are demanding greater transparency in their food purchases, with 76% wanting more information due to high prices and inflation. Shoppers are increasingly reading labels and scanning QR codes to access details about ingredients, freshness, and health impacts. In response, GS1 US is spearheading an industrywide transition to GS1—powered QR codes by 2027, which promise to replace traditional barcodes and connect physical products to robust digital data. For food companies, this highlights the need to invest in smarter packaging and data-sharing technologies to meet consumer expectations for transparency, traceability, and trust. Learn More

Learn How Food Exports Generate Revenue Opportunities

In The Food Institute Spotlight, the nonprofit Food Export Association provides small- and mid-sized U.S. food companies with tools like education, market-entry programs, and Branded Program reimbursements to successfully enter overseas markets. Their suite of services—including virtual consultations, trade missions, and curated buyer meetings—helps businesses directly connect with international buyers and tailor strategies for specific regions. For food companies, partnering with Food Export can offer a proven pathway to scale globally, unlocking revenue opportunities, deepening market knowledge, and boosting competitiveness in a crowded international landscape. Watch Video

How Unified Sourcing Platforms Fuel F&B Innovation in Choppy Markets

In volatile market conditions, unified digital sourcing platforms where suppliers, manufacturers, and R&D teams converge are helping food and beverage companies reduce inefficiencies and speed decision-making. By centralizing procurement, supplier data, and product development in one interface, these platforms streamline ingredient discovery and vetting, cutting time and costs while enhancing collaboration. For F&B businesses, investing in these platforms means sustaining innovation, managing risk, and accelerating new product pipelines even amid supply chain disruptions. Read More

Podcast Encourages CPGs Focus On Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

The Food Institute Podcast returns, covering that as inflation and economic pressure persist, shoppers are gravitating toward value-driven and versatile grocery selections, favoring bulk bundles, private-label lines, and multipurpose staples that stretch their budgets. Consumers are increasingly shopping across multiple channels (deep‑discount stores, superstores, dollar chains) to compare prices and stock up strategically. CPG and F&B brands that offer multi-use formats, clear value propositions, and trusted blended formats (cost-effective bundles or convenient mid-price options) stand to gain loyalty when wallets are tight. Listen Now

Retailer Spotlight: How Town & Country Markets Integrated An In-Store Restaurant

While many grocers have pulled the plug on in-store dining, Town & Country Markets is flipping the script. The Washington-based retailer has launched three Field House restaurants inside its stores, attracting more weekly diners than anticipated and driving double-digit growth in grocery sales. The secret? A thoughtful, market-to-table concept that seamlessly integrates store-sourced ingredients with fresh, seasonal menus. For food retailers looking to create new revenue streams and deepen shopper engagement, Town & Country’s success offers valuable lessons in cross-channel strategy, operational execution, and how to turn dine-in into a driver for in-store traffic. Read Article

Our weekly roundup features the week’s most notable food and beverage news every Friday. Set your calendars!