Retail Market Trends

Whole Foods Expands Daily Shop Format

Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Whole Foods Market plans to expand its smaller-format Daily Shop concept into Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia over the next two years. The streamlined stores are designed to offer curated assortments, grab-and-go options and faster shopping experiences tailored to dense urban neighborhoods.

US Food Industry May Hit 'Peak Calorie'

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

New analysis from L.E.K. Consulting suggests the US may have reached “peak calorie,” with total food and beverage consumption expected to remain largely flat over the next decade. As volume tailwinds fade, future growth will depend on innovation, pricing discipline and operational excellence rather than increased consumption.

Yum! Brands Releases First-Ever 2026 Food Trends Report

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Yum! Brands and Collider Lab have released their inaugural 2026 Food Trends Report, drawing on insights from more than 62,000 restaurants worldwide. The findings show consumers increasingly using food as a form of self-expression, control, and emotional connection in a fast-changing world.

A Three-Lens Blueprint for Purposeful Innovation in Food

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

After two decades across global markets, the author outlines a simple but powerful framework—Consumer, Business, Technology—that keeps innovation grounded in human needs while driving measurable growth. Examples from Pringles, Cheez-It and sustainable packaging show how cross-functional collaboration turns this model into real-world impact.

CPG Industry Launches National Transparency Campaign to Build Consumer Trust

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

A new industry campaign spotlights the CPG sector’s push for clearer labels, accessible information and stronger consumer confidence. With initiatives like SmartLabel, Facts Up Front and TruthAboutIngredients.org, brands aim to meet rising expectations for transparency in 2026 and beyond.

San Francisco Sues Major Manufacturers Over Ultra-Processed Foods

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against leading food manufacturers, alleging deceptive practices and public health harms tied to ultra-processed foods. The action signals increased attention to processing methods and ingredient strategies that may influence future expectations for product developers.

New Analysis Highlights SNAP Policy Impacts Amid Major 2025 Reforms

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

A new peer-reviewed review in Nature Food analyzes how historic and recent SNAP policy changes influence participation, employment and food insecurity. As the 2025 OBBBA brings sweeping reforms, the authors outline evidence-based recommendations to improve benefits, streamline enrollment and support healthier diets.

Innovation, Investment and Shifting Consumer Signals Drive Food and Beverage Momentum

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Strategic moves across the food and beverage sector—from testing and dairy-free innovation to new leadership, market research and manufacturing scale-ups—signal where growth is headed next. Developers, retailers and suppliers now face a market reshaped by wellness trends, shifting consumer trust and rising expectations around functionality and speed.

Mars, Unreasonable Group unveil 2025 Unreasonable Food cohort

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The 2025 Unreasonable Food cohort brings together entrepreneurs tackling critical food system challenges. Backed by Mars and Unreasonable Group, the ventures aim to scale innovations that reduce emissions, advance nutrition, and build resilience.

Confidence in US Food Supply Hits Historic Low, IFIC Survey Finds

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

As consumer concern over food safety rises, IFIC’s latest surveys uncover a widening gap between personal confidence in purchased foods and trust in the US food supply. Experts say clearer messaging on ingredient safety and recalls could help rebuild trust.

Brightseed Research Finds Nearly Half of US Adults Now Identify as Bioactivists

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The updated findings revealed that 45% of US adults now identify as Bioactivists – proactive, health-conscious consumers who see health as a foundation rather than a fix, and who are increasingly seeking products with proven health benefits.

Whole Foods Market Reveals 2025 LEAP Early Growth Cohort

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

The 2025 Early Growth cohort consists of 10 innovative brands – selected from more than 1,600 applications – not yet available in Whole Foods Market stores: beituti (Ohio), Corpse Reviver (Colorado), Fable Fish Co. (Colorado), Häppy Candy (New York), Pisqueya (New York), Reprise Health (New York), SEND Bars (Colorado), Saiga Foods (California), Singing Pastures (Maine) and Xinca (Washington).

FMI Report Shows Shoppers Embracing Mealtime Routines

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

More than two-thirds of shoppers are forming new routines this fall centered around their food habits. More than half of Americans plan to prepare more meals at home, dine at more consistent times and prioritize shared meals.

Conagra Unveils Future of Snacking 2025 Report

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The report identifies five key trends that are shaping snacking behaviors and influencing how consumers navigate an increasingly diverse snack landscape. While focused on the US market, the report also covers relevant global snacking trends and behaviors.

Trendspotters Reveal 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show’s Hottest Flavors and Innovations

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show revealed a diverse range of emerging and evolving trends shaping the specialty food market. Korean flavors stood out with products inspired by popular dishes, beverages, and pantry staples, while ingredient innovation brought new offerings such as cupuaçu, yaupon, and plant-based dairy alternatives. Global convenience remained a key driver, with meal kits, ready-to-eat dishes, and sauces making international flavors more accessible.

Startup Brands Shine at 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show

roskellyn@bnpmedia.com (Nicholas Roskelly) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Our editors found an inspired collection of new and small brand owners guiding their products into the market with cutting edge approaches and refined product messaging. Sustainability, cultural significance and better for you trends were all present among the young brands in the startup space.

Consumers Demand More Transparency as Food Costs Stay High

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

With rising food costs and summer gatherings nearing, US consumers are paying closer attention to food labels and seeking smarter ways to shop.

Circana Reveals 2024 New Product Pacesetters, Spotlighting $8.4B in Breakthrough CPG Innovations

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This year’s report underscores consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies’ commitment to consumer-centric innovation, prioritizing solutions that solve for evolving lifestyle and occasion needs.

Tariff Pressures Shift Consumer Expectations, Says New Survey

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

The survey, “Impact of Tariffs on Purchasing Decisions,” also reveals that, aside from discounts or promo codes, consumers want free shipping, loyalty rewards, and transparent communication about price increases in exchange for higher tariff-induced costs.

Shifting Gen Z Grocery Shopping Habits in 2025

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

"Consumers aren't giving up on good food, but they are getting smarter about how to afford it," said Yuni Baker-Saito, co-founder and CEO. "We're seeing recipe content boom in popularity, and it may come as a surprise to some brands and retailers just how much they guide purchases and shopping habits."

2025 US Grocery Shopper Trends

Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Most Americans (70%) say they are extremely or very worried about rising grocery prices, and 78% said they are at least somewhat concerned about the impact of tariffs on the cost of imported food and ingredients.

The Future of Morning Meals

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:30:00 -0500

While most morning meals are prepared at home, on-the-go and away-from-home breakfast occasions are expected to experience some growth through 2027, driven primarily by Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Specialty Food Association Trendspotter Panel Names Top 2025 Trends

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:45:00 -0500

Comprising 20 experts from diverse segments of the culinary world, the SFA Trendspotters track emerging specialty food and beverage products in their own work and at the bi-annual SFA Fancy Food Shows, thereby getting an early look at the flavors, formats, and ideas that will hit mainstream retailers and restaurants sooner than later.

Hispanic Consumers Drive 16% of Total US CPG Growth

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:45:00 -0500

These reports highlight that Hispanics now make up 20% of the US population and account for 71% of national population growth between 2022 and 2023. More than 25% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha identify as Hispanic, demonstrating the long-term potential of this powerful consumer group.

Predicting Top Five Food Trends of 2025

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

The trend predictions are developed by Kroger's industry-leading team of food experts including Our Brands' product developers, chefs, buyers, culinary specialists and Kroger's retail data science arm, 84.51º, for a well-rounded projection of what customers will be buzzing about for the upcoming year.

How to Develop Kids Foods and Beverages That are Both Appealing and Healthy

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0400

Parents care about health and wellness for their children, and their purchasing patterns drive innovation toward healthier children’s food and beverage products. We see growth in numerous categories in children’s products that are positioned as healthy and better-for-you, including dairy alternatives as well as new items in the sweet and savory bakery, and confectionery categories.

Forecasting Top 10 Food & Beverage Trends for 2025

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:30:00 -0400

The Whole Foods Market Trends Council – a collective of more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members ranging from foragers and buyers to culinary experts – develop these trend predictions each year through a combination of deep industry experience, keen observation of consumer preferences, and collaborative sessions with emerging and established brands.

Global Food and Drink Trends for 2025

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

There will be an increase in diversified ingredient sourcing, while the humanization of technology will be essential for consumers who are apprehensive about technology being used to create, modify and produce the food they put into their bodies.

One-Third of US Consumers Prioritize Wellness in Food and Beverage Choices

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:30:00 -0400

“Consumers are looking for wellness across every aspect of their lives, and food and beverages are playing a critical role in this transformation,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor at Circana.

Reducing Sugar in Kids' Cereals, Snack Innovations, and Bakery Developments

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0400

As we move into 2025, the food industry is poised for significant transformations. Reducing sugar in kids' cereals, embracing the snack revolution, and innovating in the bakery sector will shape the future of food. These trends reflect a broader shift towards health, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction, paving the way for a more nutritious and delicious future.