The Food Institute

10/16/2025

From fish tacos to authentic gelato to bold-flavored cocktails, San Diego has long been known for its vibrant culinary scene. Now, it’s a place where the Specialty Food Association wants to explore to the fullest. In this video, we get the scoop on SFA’s new Winter FancyFaire, debuting in January 2026, with San Diego as its host, and we learn all about the exciting new ways that the show will dive into the best of the city’s food scene.

10/15/2025

Shoppers are changing snacking and beverage trends. Indulgence now comes in healthier forms like high-protein snacks. Functional beverages are booming, driven by millennials and Gen Z, focusing on health and natural ingredients.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼: https://urlgeni.us/youtube/i1zhP

The full video covers how shoppers are determining the future of food and beverage space. Is the MAHA movement really that big of a deal? And, how is inflation impacting consumer behavior? Hear the latest insights from top execs of Nielseniq at Groceryshop 2025.

10/15/2025

Heavy soda — an ultra-sweet, syrup-heavy twist on your favorite fountain drinks — is taking over TikTok and Reddit feeds. Fans love its rich, nostalgic flavor; critics warn it’s a sugar overload.

From convenience stores in the Midwest to millions of views online, heavy soda is the latest example of how Gen Z’s craving for indulgence, customization, and shareable moments is reshaping beverage culture.

Is “heavy soda” the next dirty soda? https://foodinstitute.com/focus/move-over-dirty-soda-heavy-soda-goes-viral/

10/11/2025

How are shoppers determining the future of food and beverage space? Is the MAHA movement really that big of a deal? And, how is inflation impacting consumer behavior? Hear the latest insights from top execs of NielsenIQ at Groceryshop 2025.

https://youtu.be/56-VN6UM6aw

10/10/2025

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Food Institute explored how important Latin American and Hispanic consumers are to the United States food and beverage industry in this special issue of the FI Monthly Report.

We spoke with experts across the industry to understand how these shoppers benefit grocery and foodservice. Additionally, we evaluated how the diaspora is responsible for so much CPG and restaurant innovation.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
• A look at the buying practices and demographic breakdown of the typical Latin American consumer
• How marketers can attract this demographic group
• The impact that these brands have on the domestic food scene
• The key drivers that set the stage for future innovation involving Latin American culture and cuisine

The report includes actionable data and advice from the top food and beverage leaders to best understand the current state of the market.

Report: https://foodinstitute.com/product/latin-american-influence-on-the-united-states/

10/10/2025

Elliott Management, one of the world’s most powerful activist investors, has taken a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo and is calling for major changes. From streamlining SKUs to potentially franchising its bottling business, Elliott believes Pepsi has lost its edge — and wants to help it get back on track.

The move comes as PepsiCo’s stock has dropped 26% since 2023, while Coke’s is up 4%.

Learn more: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/a-4b-investment-aims-for-an-uncertain-turnaround-at-pepsico/

10/09/2025

Tom Holland and Robert Downey Jr. are back — but this time, they’re trading superhero suits for beverage cans.

Their latest collab merges Holland’s Bero non-alcoholic beer with Downey Jr.’s Happy Coffee, creating two limited-edition drinks that blend quality, creativity, and genuine friendship.

Learn more: https://foodinstitute.com/focus/tom-holland-robert-downey-jr-unite-on-booze-less-buzz/

10/09/2025

These days, consumers don’t just want delicious food - they want unique eating experiences. So what should food companies know when it comes to the latest trends in the food and beverage industry? That’s where the Specialty Food Association comes in. Their new event, the Winter FancyFaire, plans to be an epicenter of insights into the Specialty Food category. It debuts in San Diego on January 11-13, 2026. The Food Institute’s Susan Choi got the inside scoop from SFA’s President Bill Lynch.

10/07/2025

Deepali Palta, Global R&D Vice President at Kellanova (formerly part of Kellogg’s), shares her insights on how science, technology, AI, and sustainability are reshaping the food industry.

With nearly two decades in CPG, Deepali reveals:
• How Kellanova drives growth through innovation (including brands like Cheez-It)
• The role of digital transformation and AI in food R&D
• Secrets to mobilizing global teams and building cross-functional partnerships
• How to navigate emerging food, processing, and packaging trends
• What the next 5–10 years hold for the future of food innovation


Listen to the full conversation here:

10/06/2025

70% of shoppers are using AI tools to guide purchases, and Gen Z trusts AI more than traditional sources.

If AI becomes the new gatekeeper of shopping, how can retailers and brands ensure they’re the ones showing up? https://foodinstitute.com/focus/why-ai-is-the-new-grocery-gatekeeper/

AI is fast becoming shoppers’ trusted assistant, especially in grocery. As a result, brands must now master AI algorithms, build trust, and optimize for voice-driven, chatbot-powered discovery.

10/03/2025

Groceryshop 2025 reveals retail media networks are evolving, value is key for all shoppers, and AI is impacting every business area. Stay tuned for more updates from The Food Institute team.

10/03/2025

The U.S. market for mushroom supplements and functional foods hit $1.1B in 2023, with mushroom supplement sales jumping nearly 76%—the fastest growth of any major ingredient.

From brain health and stress support to energy and immunity, mushrooms are making their way into everything from functional chocolates to coffee blends.

Find out which mushrooms are leading the trend and what this boom means for the future of food & wellness- https://foodinstitute.com/focus/a-bundle-of-fungi-demand-for-functional-mushrooms-surges/