Weekly Roundup – Week of 9.8.25

September 12, 2025

Get informed on the latest industry news – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:

Bridging The Gap Between Sampling & Purchase Analytics

According to a Food Dive article, “food brands are struggling with declining unit volumes, stagnant household penetration, and escalating acquisition costs, while traditional sampling methods fail to reliably connect trial to actual sales.” Precision sampling, such as targeted, data-driven experiences, is emerging as a more effective performance marketing channel. The article notes that “by bridging the attribution gap with first-party consumer data and partnerships that link sampling events to real purchase behavior, brands can finally measure ROI and prove direct revenue impact.” For food brands, this evolution implies a major opportunity to transform sampling from a cost center into a high-return sales funnel. Read Article

Embracing Technology & Workforce Development

Grocers and food manufacturers are increasingly investing in technology and workforce development, blending AI-driven tools with labor initiatives to modernize operations and heighten customer experience. According to FMI’s 2025 report, e-commerce now accounts for 7.1% of total grocery sales, up from 6% in 2023. Many retailers are adopting AI and automation in fulfillment, checkout, and merchandising, but are keeping a close eye on labor implications, striving to balance productivity gains with workforce impact. For the segment, this means a transition toward hybrid models where skilled labor supports tech-enabled workflows and consumer demand is met with optimized human-tech collaboration. Read More

Protecting Your Brand Through Simplified Ingredient Sourcing

Ingredient sourcing has become increasingly unpredictable for food manufacturers, with market volatility and supply shortages continuing to disrupt production. As Jeff Zyskowski of Ardent Mills notes, “brand trust takes years to build but can be lost in an instant—making brand protection through consistent quality and supply a top priority.” Reliable ingredient partners are key to ensuring continuity, cost control, and consumer confidence. Strategic solutions emerge, offering benefits like expanded access, easier storage, and greater supply chain flexibility. For food brands, leveraging these strategies isn’t just about surviving disruption—it’s about building lasting brand loyalty. Learn More

YouTube’s Hidden Influence: How Kids Push Parents to Buy

“Pester power,” the ability of children to sway their parents’ purchasing decisions, is being amplified by YouTube content. While the platform prohibits traditional food advertising to kids, three-quarters of young children are still exposed to branded food content through in-video endorsements, according to FoodNavigator USA. Unlike commercials, these integrations are often more immersive—especially when delivered by a child’s favorite influencer or character. Experts warn that “parasocial relationships with YouTubers can make children more likely to crave and request the foods they see on screen.” For food brands and parents alike, this raises critical questions about how influencer marketing is shaping Gen Alpha’s trust, preferences, and ultimately, their diets. Read Story

Holiday Shopping 2025: What Food Brands Need to Know

This season, shoppers are waiting longer, spending smarter, and looking for deals in unexpected places. Ibotta’s latest analysis of first-party receipt data and shopper surveys reveals how your food brand can capture more holiday sales.

Key insights include:

• Shoppers are buying later than at any point in the past five years—timing promotions is everything.
• Consumers are shopping “whenever, wherever,” making cross-category engagement a must.
• Smart promotions can overcome price sensitivity and build long-term loyalty.

Holiday 2025 is shaping up to be unlike any other. Read on to see how your brand can win.

Every Friday we share the week’s most notable food and beverage industry news. Make sure to visit often to keep up with relevant trends and topics.