Weekly Roundup – Week of 8.7.23
August 11, 2023
Check out this week’s top food-and beverage-related stories – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
School’s In Session & Free Meals Are On The Table
According to the Food Research & Action Center, nine states have reinstated free K-12 school meal programs that were established during the pandemic but had ended prior to the 2022-2023 school year. Created to support “food-insecure and marginally food-insecure” families and alleviate some financial burden, The National School Lunch Program provided 2.2 billion meals in 2021 alone, according to USDA data. Roughly two dozen additional states are in the process of passing bills to extend the program for this school year or indefinitely. Learn More.
Finding Success With Omnichannel Shoppers
A new white paper from 84.51°, Kroger’s data science company, reveals insights on how today’s shopper navigates between online and in-store experiences and what’s most important to them. Price, convenience, and selection are all top considerations when food shopping. Yet, accuracy of order, availability of items, and ability to apply coupons are most important for online shoppers, according to the paper. However, shoppers will look elsewhere if any one of these aspects is unmet. Read Full Story.
FoodLM Takes Food Search Queries To The Next Level
Innit has released FoodLM, “a software intelligence layer that helps power more contextually relevant food-related answers from generative AI large language models (LLMs),” per The Spoon article. Essentially, this platform is designed to deliver more detailed answers to search queries on food-related topics. Food brands can provide consumers with customized AI assistance including selecting products, preparation, and cooking. FoodLM also offers science-backed assistance to health professionals for healthy eating guidance and supporting food as medicine for chronic diseases. Read Article.
C-Store Retailers Learn From Restaurant’s Digital Ordering Platforms
To better understand how convenience retailers could enhance their in-store and online food ordering platforms, Tillster surveyed patrons who frequently visit QSRs, fast-casual and casual restaurants. Personalization (92%) and utilizing loyalty points (71%) ranked highest among respondents. Patrons also cited that ordering through kiosks is more convenient and allows them to take the time to peruse the menu and customize orders. Implementing these practices could help C-Stores steer more patrons away from their quick-service competitors. See More.
What Else Is Brewing?
Heineken is leveraging partnerships in both the sports and music industries to gain traction and promote Heineken Silver within the U.S. light beer market. From sponsoring Formula One races to hosting sampling events and participating in the music festival Coachella, Heineken Silver is hoping its lower-carb, lower-calorie premium beer will offer fans more heightened experiences. Anheuser-Busch continues to make headlines with its latest announcement of selling 8 beer and beverage brands to Canadian company Tilray. Shock Top, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, and HiBall Energy are a few brands Tilray will acquire in the purchase in hopes of taking a greater share of the U.S. craft brewing market.
Make sure to stop back each week for more top stories and industry news.
