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.
Even as the coronavirus has ground most of the U.S. economy to a near stop, food and beverage suppliers and retailers — deemed an essential business by state and federal governments — are running at full speed, and looking to expand.
The company recently announced that, through its partnership with the Global Empowerment Mission/#BStrong non-profit disaster relief organization, it has commenced donations starting with 5,000 packs of its research-backed and independently tested hydration drink mix as an easy-access/use dehydration avoidance and treatment/recovery solution.
The closure of workplaces and schools nationwide in the last several weeks is leading to increasing food insecurity for many Americans, including low-income families, housebound individuals, and children unable to access free school breakfast and lunch.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was designed to provide an option for employees to take paid leave due coronavirus-related illness, quarantine or loss of childcare. But some food and beverage company CEOs are also concerned about keeping their manufacturing facilities staffed, due to their operating at a size at which having a few employees out on leave could hamper production.
Last week, private equity firm VMG Partners and marketing firm Right Side Up hosted a webinar, titled “Shifting to Online Amid COVID-19,” to help companies swiftly optimize their ecommerce business to meet increased demand and maximize their direct-to-consumer (DTC) and Amazon sales.
New Riff Distilling is providing a little bit of comfort to residents of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati by launching online ordering and curbside pickup at the distillery.
Last week Oahu-based Ko‘olau Distillery (makers of Old Pali Road Whiskey) made the decision to shift production to begin supplying hand sanitizer for critical services.
KeHE announces it will provide a temporary essential services bonus to the company’s front-line employees across all 13 United States and 3 Canadian North American distribution centers.
Over the past week, BevNET and NOSH edit staff reached out to a number of brands across food and beverage to hear about how they are grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it ripples across the globe. Their responses show an industry that, even as immediate demand for their products soars, is vacillating between measured caution and deep concern.
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.
The demand for hand sanitizer has spiked in recent weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic, making the germ-killing product hard to come by both in stores and online, where Amazon and EBay have been forced to crack down on price gouging. With their ample supplies of alcohol, distilleries have stepped up to close the gaps.
KeHE announced on Thursday, it is looking to fill a range of full-time jobs, including roles such as professional truck drivers and hourly warehouse positions due to increased demand that has impacted the food supply chain during COVID-19 pandemic.
