Food and beverage industry news covering CPG giants, restaurant suppliers, ingredient trends, regulation, and consumer packaged goods.
The article argues that boutique chocolate makers like Loon Chocolate are thriving despite global cocoa price surges by leveraging direct trade models and transparent sourcing. It contends that consumers increasingly prioritize ethical commitments and traceable origins, driving demand for high-quality, story-driven products in the specialty market.
The Atlantic argues that the rise of ultra-processed protein ice creams, exemplified by David's brand, reflects a consumer demand for foods that are simultaneously low-calorie, high-protein, and palatable. The article contends this trend highlights a paradox where Americans seek industrial solutions to meet complex nutritional expectations despite skepticism toward processed foods.
Fortune profiles British sisters Annabel and Emily Lui, who transformed Cutter & Squidge from a near-bankrupt bakery into an £8 million enterprise. The article argues their success stems from resilience after losing major retail accounts, leveraging family work ethic, and maintaining cultural identity while scaling operations in the UK market.
California Pizza Kitchen announced a partnership with T-ROC Global to install up to 1,000 automated pizza vending machines across the United States over the next three years. The units will be placed in high-traffic locations including airports, universities, and EV charging stations, offering items like Kung Pao Spaghetti and Mac 'N' Cheese alongside pizza.
The article details the growth of Jeruk Madu Pak Ali from a Penang home kitchen to a major Malaysian brand, highlighting its production capacity, halal certification, and plans for a smart factory. It notes that current output cannot meet domestic demand, delaying export ambitions despite interest from regional markets.
Sam's Club has added Everyday Dose, a functional coffee brand containing collagen peptides and adaptogens like Lion's Mane, to its product lineup. This partnership expands the brand's retail presence to over 5,000 stores, capitalizing on growing consumer demand for wellness-focused beverages beyond basic caffeine.
The article profiles Charlie Bateman's 50-year tenure at Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans, highlighting his rise from bartender to operations vice president. It emphasizes the stability of hospitality careers and recounts anecdotes involving celebrities like Rodney Dangerfield and Sean Payton.
British food and drink producers have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene as rising ingredient costs, driven by European droughts, squeeze margins. The Food and Drink Federation recommended limiting labor hikes, reviewing regulations, and cutting energy expenses to alleviate financial pressure on the sector.