Industry Trends

Drinks are the most visible expression of the wellness shift through 2026

Zappi tracks emerging functional platforms, while Morning Consult shows this year’s limited growth skewing toward beverages and familiar brands.

Top 100 beverage companies report calls mergers and acquisitions the new normal

Beverage Industry's Top 100 lost familiar names to M&A, Hain Celestial is selling a $323M unit, and this week's launches lean on limited editions.

Alternative protein specs are shifting from imitation to repeatable, processing-focused quality

A Science|Business report backed by EIT Food says the next wave of alternative proteins will be judged on taste, price, and processing, not novelty.

44% of higher-income shoppers are buying more private label

Simon-Kucher finds higher-income U.S. shoppers are increasing private label buying faster than lower-income shoppers, forcing retailers and suppliers to plan

Restaurant kitchen automation is moving from robots to connected equipment

Sweetgreen’s $450k–$550k Infinite Kitchen and the National Restaurant Association Show’s KI winners point to one shift: automation that plugs into POS and reduc

GLP-1 users cut food spend

PwC and Acosta Group data point to smaller baskets, more protein, and fewer impulse snacks, changes operators can now validate in loyalty and menu data.

Restaurants are buying more customer tech even as visits stay 7% below 2019

NRA data shows 60% of operators prioritizing customer-experience tech for 2026, but chain visits are still down and diners are split on whether tech improves ho

Tim Garrett - The Business Case for Frozen Beverages

Learn why frozen beverages boost profits, drive incremental sales, and enhance customer experience while requiring minimal operational effort for your business.

How is the Frozen Beverage Market Evolving and Why Should Businesses Pay Attention Now?

Why Should I Sell Frozen Carbonated Beverages vs a Slush Product?

Frozen carbonated beverages deliver 70-80% margins and require minimal maintenance versus slush products.

The Produce Distribution Industry Needs Flexibility, Empathy, and a New Generation of Talent

Produce distributors must rethink operations and attract fresh talent to survive tightening margins and mounting supply chain pressures

Value Meals Are Fast Food’s Summer Strategy. What’s the Long Game Amid Persistent Inflation?

Quick-service restaurants bet that affordable combos can rebuild customer loyalty while protecting margins in an uncertain economic climate

The Culinary Compass: How Gastronomy Is Redefining Travel with Wayne Conte

Food-focused travelers are now choosing destinations based on dining experiences rather than traditional landmarks

CosMc’s Demonstrates McDonald’s Ability to Further Expand the QSR Industry and Challenge Its Competitors

McDonald's new beverage-focused concept signals a shift in how quick-service restaurants can compete beyond traditional fast food boundaries

Network Services in Restaurants Improve Customer Experiences When Used in a Balanced Approach

Smart technology adoption helps restaurants boost efficiency without sacrificing the personal service customers crave

Fast Food Customers Want More Convenience and Unique Fare. McDonald’s Answers with CosMc’s.

The fast-food giant bets on a beverage-focused spinoff to capture consumers seeking specialty drinks and streamlined quick-service experiences

Improved AI Technology is Going to Change How Efficient QSRs Are For Customers and Driving Profits

Advanced AI is automating operations and personalizing service in ways that simultaneously boost customer satisfaction and restaurant margins

Personalizing the Dining Experience Through Music

The right soundtrack can transform a meal into a memorable moment that encourages diners to return again and again

Atomic Wings Aims to Spice up Franchise Operations in the Competitive Wing Space

Restaurant franchises are discovering that quality control and operational consistency are essential to capturing market share in the booming poultry segment

Cancellations and No-Shows Are Putting Strain on Restaurant Owners. They Should Invest in Data Solutions and Improved Customer Experience.

Rising cancellations and no-shows threaten restaurant profitability, making data-driven booking strategies essential for survival