Weekly Roundup – Week of 12.4.23
December 8, 2023
Discover this week’s hottest food and beverage-related news stories – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Embracing Innovative Food-Tech Solutions In the Future
In a recent podcast, Chris Campbell, Senior Content Manager at The Food Institute, shares pivotal technologies transforming the F&B landscape. Topics covered include the evolution of GPT and AI technology, and exploring questions surrounding the potential impact on human employment. Additionally, the podcast highlights the rising trend of leveraging customer data to empower servers in personalizing interactions and creating compelling sales pitches based on previous orders, ultimately fostering more meaningful guest experiences. Listen Now.
McDonald’s New Spinoff Restaurant Is Out Of This World
This week, McDonald’s unveiled its latest venture, CosMc’s—a new small-format restaurant concept focusing on beverages and breakfast offerings. Inspired by the iconic extraterrestrial mascot of the ’80s and ’90s, Cosmc, known for its lively personality, sets the tone for a menu filled with energy-boosting beverages and delectable treats. Featuring an extensive selection, CosMc’s introduces over 10 new beverages never before seen on a McDonald’s menu, alongside two innovative sandwiches and a curated collection of McDonald’s classics. Learn More.
Coca-Cola “Creates Real Magic”
Since the launch of its Creations platform with ongoing partnerships from consulting firms and technology companies like Bain & Company and OpenAI, Coke launched its AI-assisted Y3000 flavor. Leveraging the power of the “Create Real Magic” platform, Coca-Cola engaged consumers with a staggering 120,000 pieces of content, ultimately collecting insights from 20 top creators through an inclusive brainstorming session. Selman Careaga, President of the global Coca-Cola category, shared with Marketing Dive that this innovative platform is reshaping how people can effortlessly engage in more thrilling and dynamic ways. Read Story.
Reflecting on History: 90 Years Since the Repeal of Prohibition
For many, it’s challenging to imagine a time when the manufacturing, transportation, and sale of spirits were illegal—a significant chapter in U.S. history intended to eliminate crime and societal issues but instead triggered widespread public unrest, marked by the rise of organized criminal enterprises. On December 5, 1933, driven by President Roosevelt’s efforts and public demand, the 21st Amendment was added to the Constitution, officially ending the prohibition era. Today, the alcoholic beverage industry in the U.S. has become an economic force, surpassing $260 billion in value, including in-store, online, and direct-to-consumer sales. Read Article.
A Saucy Slice
In this week’s pizza-centric roundup, we bring you a trio of noteworthy stories from the industry. First on the menu is Pizza Hut’s inventive move to turn the tables on traditional tipping. Pizza Hut is giving customers a “reverse delivery” doormat that gives delivery drivers a free box of pizza when they drop off an order. Available online from Dec. 6 to Dec. 10, the mat features a QR code leading to shopatpizzahut.com, where delivery drivers can redeem a Pizza Hut gift card code for a delicious free pizza.
Next in the oven is Wawa which could turn a negative spin into a positive opportunity if the chain plays its cards right. Wawa’s customers have not been shy in expressing their distaste for its pizza offerings. Yet, pulling a foodservice item from its menu can be costly considering investments in ingredients, packaging, and equipment. They say, “There’s no such thing as bad press.” However, will Wawa be able to bounce back from this?
Lastly, Domino’s is shoveling out half a million dollars in snow plowing grants to ensure carryout customers can access the pizza chain despite winter weather challenges. Under the “Plowing for Pizza” campaign, consumers can submit their zip code to apply for a grant, and the chain will dole out $25,000 to 20 cities throughout the season. Tis the season!
Stop back every Friday for more weekly news and industry insights.
