Weekly Roundup – Week of 11.27.23
December 1, 2023
Explore the latest food and beverage-related news stories of the week – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Airport Overhaul: Taking The Travel Experience to New Heights
Airports are becoming a destination in their own right as they reshape terminals into elevated dining and hospitality experiences for weary travelers with long layovers. One aspect of this transformation involves seamlessly incorporating renowned local eateries from the airport’s home city directly into the terminal, mirroring the vibrant spirit of the city streets and creating an ambiance similar to high-end restaurants and hospitality settings. Refining overall aesthetics with premium materials and finishes further extend the inviting experience. Read Story.
Specialty Food Trends Bring More To The Table In 2024
Global flavors and innovation lead the trends forecasted for 2024, according to the Specialty Food Association (SFA). Beyond being a traditional ingredient in hummus, tahini is captivating consumer taste buds with its versatility, a trend-turned-staple amplified by the culinary world and social media influencers. With regards to beverages, anticipate a wave of creativity centered around alcohol alternatives, with dealcoholized wines taking center stage. The resurgence of cell-based meat and seafood products is on the horizon as companies continue to overcome challenges to enhance production and unveil exciting new products.
Read More.
Consumers Are Furious Over Fast-Food Prices
A wave of discontent is sweeping among consumers as fast-food prices surge, propelled by inflation and increased hourly wages. Industry insiders affirm that these price hikes are here to stay, signaling a paradigm shift in the fast-food landscape. Notably, McDonald’s has implemented consecutive 10% increases over the past two years, while Chipotle has subjected its patrons to five price hikes since 2021. Even value bundles at Pizza Hut are not immune, becoming both pricier and less economically enticing. And consumers are taking to social media to share their grievances. Learn More.
Amazon Makes Notable Shifts In Its Food Retailing Strategy
In an effort to invigorate the performance of its challenged Amazon Fresh stores, Amazon is set to implement crucial store upgrades and plans to broaden its marketplace delivery and pickup services, extending access beyond Prime members. Perhaps a more newsworthy story, Amazon also announced a partnership with Weis Markets – the first grocer to integrate its loyalty program within the Amazon digital storefront. Shoppers now have the convenience of linking their loyalty accounts to their Amazon profiles, accruing points for redemption at Weis stores and affiliated gas stations. Read Article.
Menu Makeovers
IHOP has spent the year innovating its menu and just announced its newest upgrade – menu items inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wonka hitting theaters December 15. Movie fans and IHOP customers can order playful items such as Hoverchoc Pancake Tacos, Willy’s Jr. French Toast Dippers, Scrumdiddlyumptious Strawberry Hot Chocolate, and Fantastical Wonka Burgers, to name a few. This Wonka lineup will disappear like magic on January 7, 2024.
Meanwhile, Subway is bringing a popular LTO item back to life on its permanent menu – the footlong cookie. First debuting on National Cookie Day in 2022, the footlong cookie ran out in 2 hours at a Miami Subway location. Fans generated such an overwhelming movement to bring the oblong cookie back, which Subway couldn’t ignore. The chain has also overhauled its menu with the strategic addition of its Eat Fresh Refresh and Subway Series items.
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