As COVID-19 rapidly transforms consumer behavior, data firms are closely monitoring patterns to help predict an uncertain journey ahead. In a report last week, research firm IRI explored current consumer behavior and trends from past economic downturns, along with spending across markets.
As many foodservice operations cease or dramatically reduce their footprint, food products originally produced and packaged for restaurants, hotels, schools and other establishments are being rerouted to retailers and wholesalers. But before feeding the surging demand in stores, they need labels that are approved for these new channels.
In the past few days, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new information to answer coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns within the food industry, via official statements, a new FAQ page, and a stakeholder call addressing manufacturing, the food supply and worker safety.
While the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to rise worldwide, the food and beverage industry has been forced to swiftly adjust to the crisis. Just as consumers have changed their shopping habits by racing to grocery stores to stock up before indefinite periods of self-quarantine, many brands and entrepreneurs have fast begun tailoring their messaging to comment on the virus.
In a report submitted yesterday to Congress (a week past its due date) FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the report notes the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.
Dogged by key cancellations from retailers and big brands, followed by social media protests before yesterday postponing Natural Products Expo West, its biggest event of the year, 48 hours before it was due to begin, New Hope Network yesterday put the big question front and center: “What’s next?”
Upcycled food may sound appetizing (ok, it may not), but as more consumers care about fighting food waste, food industry members want identifying upcycled products to be easier. This starts with creating a clear definition and labeling standard for ‘upcycled food’ — an early goal for the recently-launched industry organization Upcycled Food Association (UFA).
Specialty natural and organic grocery chain Earth Fare today announced it will close its 50 stores across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest by the end of February.
A presentation at the Winter Fancy Food Show reviewed the category trends, channel breakdowns, consumer shopping behaviors and product positioning claims shaping the specialty food market.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has found that almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts all contain less calories than originally thought, according to a series of studies that began in 2012.
Two ingredient development and innovation companies are joining forces: International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) and DuPont Nutrition & BioSciences announced yesterday that the two will merge via a $26.2 billion deal. The new company is valued at $45.4 billion, with a projected combined revenue of over $11 billion for 2019, morphing the two into a single global ingredient powerhouse for food and beverage CPG brands.
To help food and drink entrepreneurs grow in the cannabis industry, experts presented data and insights Friday during BevNET’s third Cannabis Forum.
At Cannabis Forum Winter 2019 in Santa Monica, presented by BevNET and NOSH, experts unpacked the world of ingredient sourcing and testing, growing investor interest and more.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued 15 warning letters to cannabidiol (CBD) companies and updated its advice for consumers to follow while regulations are developed. Citing numerous safety concerns and a lack of scientific information, FDA said it cannot recognize CBD as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in human or animal food.
