Sprouts Same-Store Visits Slow in Q1 2026 Amid Tough Comparisons and Softening Consumer Demand – Placer.ai Blog
Sprouts Farmers Market saw same‑store foot traffic dip 3 %‑6 % YoY in Q1 2026, a slowdown amplified by an unusually strong Q1 2025 baseline and higher food prices. Total chain visits, however, rose 1.8 % YoY thanks to the opening of 37 new stores in fiscal 2025 and additional locations in early 2026. The retailer is countering the softness with continued expansion, a 2025 loyalty program, and a shift to self‑distribution of fresh meat. Analysts will watch whether these moves can restore comparable‑store growth in the coming quarters.
Quality vs Quantity: Food Makers Face Tradeoffs when Choosing Protein Source
Food manufacturers are scrambling to meet a surge in consumer protein demand, with two‑thirds of shoppers seeking higher intake and GLP‑1 drugs adding momentum. ADM advises brands to weigh protein quality, cost and functionality, highlighting soy, dairy, whey and pea...
The Hidden Hazard in Commercial Kitchens: Why Floor Safety Can’t Be Ignored
Commercial kitchens face a hidden safety threat: the flooring. Slip‑resistant surfaces like Altro Stronghold 30 protect staff from grease‑laden slips, reduce injury liability, and improve comfort during long shifts. Operators often overlook floor design, drainage, and transitions, focusing instead on equipment...
Territory Changes and Deals: Carlsberg, Brown-Forman. Keurig Dr Pepper. Big Geyser. Coke Consolidated. Nestle. 7-Eleven. Hopwtr. Suja. Coca-Cola
Marriott International has ended its 35‑year partnership with PepsiCo, opting to serve Coca‑Cola products across its global portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels. The switch follows Coca‑Cola’s aggressive food‑service push and comes as the company prepares for a leadership transition...
Gatorade Restages Around ‘Science-Backed Hydration’ for Everybody
PepsiCo is relaunching Gatorade with a new "Gatorlyte Longer Lasting" variant that emphasizes science‑backed, sustained hydration for a broader audience. The product builds on a 2009 strategy overhaul that aimed to win back casual consumers who had drifted to water...
Sweets & Snacks Expo Draws Convenience Focus
The Sweets & Snacks Expo returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center May 19‑21, hosted by the National Confectioners Association. The three‑day event gathers thousands of retailers, suppliers and brand leaders to showcase candy and snack innovation, with a pronounced...
Rethinking Fast-Casual Growth in the Age of Instant Gratification
Fast‑casual chains are abandoning the old playbook of prime foot‑traffic locations and sprawling menus in favor of speed, digital convenience, and consumer‑first real‑estate. Edible Brands illustrates the shift by integrating order‑ahead tech, simplifying operations, and expanding into nontraditional sites such...
Shoppers Shift Food Spend to C-Stores
Retail research from Tillster shows convenience stores are gaining a larger share of food‑service occasions as diners cut back on restaurant spending. The 2026 Phygital Index surveyed 2,144 U.S. consumers, finding 33% now visit c‑stores more often while 29% and...
US House Committee Advances FISH Act
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Fighting Illegal Seafood Harvests (FISH) Act, a bipartisan effort to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The legislation creates a blacklist that would bar offending foreign vessels from U.S. ports...
Runi Seeing Continued Demand in Seafood Industry for Its EPS Compaction Solutions
Runi, a Danish manufacturer, is seeing growing adoption of its expanded polystyrene (EPS) compactors among seafood processors. The machines can shrink up to 50 truckloads of EPS, turning waste into a sellable product and delivering a payback period of six...
Norway’s Farmed Cod Prices Double Since the Beginning of April; Wild-Caught Prices Fall in Scotland
Norwegian farmed cod prices have nearly doubled since early April, climbing to NOK 136.75 per kilogram (about $14.40). The surge follows a sharp production drop, with shipments falling from 8.26 million kg in March to 4.78 million kg in April – a 42% reduction. Lower...
B&R Stores Acquires Family Fare Store From SpartanNash
B&R Stores Inc. announced an agreement to purchase SpartanNash’s Family Fare location at 1815 Court St. in Beatrice, Nebraska, with a closing target of April 30. The store will be renovated and rebranded as a Russ’s Market, joining an existing...
The ‘Warming’ Buzz for Alcohol-Free Booze Is Finally Cracked
Alcohol consumption in Europe is falling while low‑ and no‑alcohol drinks surge, with 2.2 bn L of non‑alcoholic beer brewed each year and one in five beers now alcohol‑free. Researchers at KU Leuven and VIB have patented a piperine‑niacin blend that creates a...
Grocery Prices Will Keep Rising No Matter What Politicians Promise
Canadian grocery prices are climbing faster than in the United States, with families now spending roughly $1,200 more per year than before the pandemic. Inflation is driven by sharp increases in staples such as coffee (+30.8%) and beef (+16.8%). The...
Work Begins on Coleburn Speyside Bistro
Work has begun on The Kitchery, a new bistro housed in the former piggery at the historic Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. The venue, part of a multi‑million‑pound masterplan for a whisky and hospitality resort, is slated to open in late...
Buffalo Bills Name Treasure Cave Its Official Cheese
The Buffalo Bills have named Treasure Cave blue cheese its official cheese, integrating the product into Highmark Stadium’s menu and fan experiences. The partnership introduces a house‑made blue‑cheese dressing for wings, pizza and subs, and launches a "Ticket Tuesday" giveaway that...
NACS CEO Frank Gleeson on the Next Phase of C-Store Growth
Frank Gleeson, newly appointed NACS president and CEO, says the convenience‑store sector is moving beyond its historic reliance on fuel and tobacco toward foodservice, fresh offerings and digital engagement. He describes the change as rapid evolution rather than disruption, with...
First Batch of 2026 Zhanjiang Lychees Sail for the US Market
A 21.5‑ton container of the early‑ripening Guihuaxiang lychee left Zhanjiang’s Risheng Cooperative on April 15, marking the city’s first full‑container export for the 2026 season and one of the earliest Chinese shipments to the United States this year. The fruit,...
Restaurants Brace for the Impact of High Gas Prices
Restaurant executives warned that surging gasoline prices could erode consumer spending, with the National Restaurant Association estimating an additional $125 billion in fuel costs for Americans this year. While the industry’s $1.6 trillion sales base remains robust, chains like KFC and Panda...
Tee Yih Jia Targets Plant-Based Growth with Asian-Western Fusion
Tee Yih Jia’s plant‑based brand ALTN is pursuing an “East meets West” strategy, launching new frozen meat‑free Asian and Western dishes as the broader plant‑based market slows. Leveraging its distribution network in 80 countries, the company refines recipes to appeal...
The Next Matcha? Ube Surges in Popularity
Ube, the purple Filipino yam, is gaining global traction as a color‑driven food trend, echoing matcha’s rise. Social‑media buzz and a sharp increase in Google searches since February have pushed the ingredient onto beverage and dessert menus worldwide. Market research...
How Did McDonald’s Navigate Q1 2026 Headwinds? – Placer.ai Blog
McDonald’s reported a modest 0.6% year‑over‑year increase in Q1 2026 visits, showing resilience amid Winter Storm Fern and a tighter consumer climate. Same‑store traffic proved volatile, falling 1.3% in January, surging 3.8% in February, then slipping 1.2% in March. A March 31 partnership...
Online Grocery Sales Will Near $500B by 2028, FMI Report Says
Online grocery sales are projected to reach $452 billion by 2028, growing at an 11.6% annual rate and representing about one‑fifth of total grocery spend. Omnichannel shoppers now account for 94% of the market, but retailers face hurdles such as high‑cost...
Canadian Grocery in Focus: Leadership, AI, and Resilience at RCCSTORE26
RCCSTORE26, the premier Canadian grocery conference, convenes June 2‑3 in Toronto to tackle AI, leadership, and supply‑chain resilience. Sessions feature Loblaws senior executives discussing AI‑powered product discovery and digital loyalty, while a leadership track explores building resilient teams amid rapid change....
FTC Order in TruHeight Case Signals Scrutiny of Height Claims and Incentivized Reviews
The FTC issued an administrative order against TruHeight, finding its height‑increase claims for children unsubstantiated and its review practices deceptive. The agency required the company to back any health claims with competent, double‑blind clinical evidence and to stop incentivizing 5‑star...
Average Rob Launches La Patate, a Chip Shop with International Ambitions
YouTuber and entrepreneur Robert Van Impe, known as Average Rob, is launching La Patate, a Belgian‑style chip shop, with its first outlet opening next to Antwerp Central Station in May. The concept is a joint venture with serial entrepreneurs Gilles...
Diverging Paths: What the Data Reveals About CAVA and Sweetgreen – Placer.ai Blog
Q1 2026 foot‑traffic data shows CAVA gaining same‑store visits while Sweetgreen’s per‑location traffic declines. CAVA’s protein‑forward menu expansions and broader pricing have attracted a wider income range, lifting its same‑store visits 6.8% YoY. Sweetgreen responded with value‑focused initiatives, including a...
REWE Group Has Surpassed the €100bln Revenue Threshold in FY25
European grocery giants posted mixed results in early 2026. REWE Group broke the €100 bn ($108 bn) revenue barrier in FY25, posting 4% top‑line growth but seeing net profit dip to €525 m ($567 m). Meanwhile, Carrefour reported a 2.2% like‑for‑like sales rise in...
Report: Specialty, Discount Grocers Outperform As Supermarkets Lose Ground
Consumer Edge’s U.S. Grocery Outlook 2026 shows overall grocery spend fell about 3% YoY, but shoppers are reallocating dollars toward specialty and discount retailers. Trader Joe’s led the specialty segment, posting over 3% growth and a 35% four‑quarter retention rate, while...
Where AI Meets the Aisle: How The Vitamin Shoppe Is Reinventing Supplement Retail
The Vitamin Shoppe has opened an innovation store featuring Shoppe Advisor, an AI‑powered discovery tool that merges its extensive digital content with in‑store expertise. The platform delivers real‑time inventory, education, and product suggestions through a conversational interface, while also offering...
Mondelez Meets Packaging Goal: 5% Recycled Plastic
Mondelez International announced it has met its European target to cut virgin plastic use by 5%, swapping rigid PET trays for containers made of roughly 80% recycled PET. The change touches flagship brands such as Milka, Oreo and Philadelphia, marking...
Ahold Delhaize USA Joins Responsible Labor Initiative
Ahold Delhaize USA announced its membership in the Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI), an international body that helps companies address human‑rights risks in supply chains. The grocery giant, which operates The Giant Company, Hannaford and Food Lion, will join an RLI...
Captain Morgan Sliced Adds Colada Variety Pack
Diageo’s Captain Morgan Sliced line introduces a new Colada Style Drink Variety Pack, offering four tropical flavors—Piña Colada, Mango, Passionfruit, and Strawberry—in 12‑ounce cans. The 12‑count pack retails for $18.99 and carries a 5% ABV, positioning it as a ready‑to‑drink malt...
Nerds Maker Ferrara to Spend $675M on New South Carolina Plant
Ferrara Candy, a Ferrero‑affiliated confectioner, announced a $675 million investment to build a 750,000‑square‑foot manufacturing complex in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The plant will house processing, packaging, warehousing and corporate offices, and is slated to begin production in the first quarter of...
Aldi Ramps up Clean-Label Push with 44 New Ingredient Bans
Aldi announced it will add 44 new ingredients to its banned‑list for private‑label products, bringing the total to 57 prohibited items by the end of 2027. The expansion targets artificial colors, synthetic sweeteners, preservatives and certain phthalates, affecting roughly 90%...
Beyond the Label: Insights for Retailers To Close the Nutrition Gap
Retailers are confronting a massive nutrition gap affecting 2.8 billion people unable to afford a healthy diet, according to the UN World Food Programme. INSEAD research shows that behavioural nudges—such as labeling only the top third of healthier products—drive purchases among...
Ready-to-Drink Beverages Expected to Double by 2030 as Consumers Shift to Impulse Purchases: Redseer
India’s non‑alcoholic ready‑to‑drink (RTD) market is projected to double to $40 billion by 2030, up from roughly $20 billion in 2025. The surge is powered by a structural shift toward impulse and need‑based purchases, especially through quick‑commerce platforms that have seen 100 %...
7-Eleven Adding Catering to Restaurant Locations
7‑Eleven announced a partnership with food‑technology platform ezCater to roll out a scaled, national catering service across its restaurant brands, including Speedy Café, Laredo Taco Company, and most Raise the Roost locations. The new offering adds pizza, tacos, salads and...
Lactalis Targets UK Demand for “Clean Protein” With Siggi’s Skyr Launch
Lactalis is introducing Siggi’s skyr to the UK with four SKUs – two 450 g pots (0% and 5% fat) and two 140 g two‑packs – priced at £3.25 (≈$4.40) for the larger pots and £2.50 for the multipacks. The brand touts...
45% Less Plastic and a Stronger Brand: How Looye Switched to Paper Banding
Looye Kwekers replaced plastic bands with narrow paper banding for its fresh‑produce range, cutting plastic use by roughly 45% while reinforcing its premium brand image. The paper bands keep the fruit visible, lower overall package weight, and are largely recyclable,...
Join Food Tank at London Climate Action Week
Food Tank, Google Cloud, and the U.N. Environment Programme are co‑hosting the third annual Food Tank London Climate Action Week Summit on June 25 at Google’s London campus. The event will convene more than 180 senior leaders—CEOs, CSOs, founders and...
Plan for Healthier School Meals in England Will Hit Services, Say Caterers
The UK Department for Education is overhauling school‑meal standards, mandating higher fibre intake, a 50% fruit content in puddings and a ban on deep‑fried items such as battered fish and chicken nuggets, with many changes slated for September 2027. Caterers warn...
Charlie’s Produce Breaks Ground On New Facility In Spokane, WA
Charlie’s Produce, an employee‑owned fresh‑food distributor, broke ground on a 66,000‑square‑foot facility in Spokane, Washington. The new site will house 56,000 sq ft of warehouse space and 10,000 sq ft of offices, with completion slated for April 2027. Featuring 17 loading docks, multiple temperature zones,...
Southern Hemisphere Cherries Are Missing Out on a $800 Million Opportunity
Kroger’s fresh‑sourcing VP Patrick Haines warned that Southern Hemisphere cherries capture just 9% of U.S. cherry sales, leaving an estimated $800 million revenue gap. He compared the category to grapes and soft citrus, which retain 74‑76% of domestic volume when sourced...
JOYRIDE Debuts Lower-Sugar Candy Line
Joyride introduced three lower‑sugar candy products—Fruit Chews, Fruity Zips and Sour Zips—each offering at least 50% less sugar than typical alternatives and featuring prebiotic fiber. The line is free of artificial sweeteners and colors and comes in a variety of...
Flytrex and Little Caesars Partner to Deliver Full Family Meals by Drone
Flytrex has teamed with Little Caesars to launch drone delivery of full family meals using its new Sky2 platform. The octocopter can lift up to 8.8 lb, allowing two large pizzas, sides and drinks to be delivered in an average of 4.5 minutes...
Duo Behind Michelin-Starred Variety Jones to Open New Casual Restaurant This Weekend
The Higgs brothers, chefs behind Dublin’s Michelin‑starred Variety Jones, are launching a new casual eatery called Mongoose on April 26. Located at 78 Thomas Street – the original Variety Jones site – the 28‑seat restaurant will serve a concise à...
Alternative Agave: Emerging Brands, Regions & Trends
At ProWein 2026, Rakshay Dhariwal, founder of Maya Pistola Agavepura, outlined the hurdles facing Indian agave spirits, from a shrinking overall alcohol market to the difficulty of securing distributors. He argued that treating distributors as logistics partners and investing in...
This Hyped American Cookie Chain with More than 200 Shops Around the World Is Coming to London
Insomnia Cookies, the American late‑night bakery founded in a 2003 dorm room, is set to open its first London shop on Camden High Street. The proposed site, a former butcher shop, would operate from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., seven days a...
This Famously Posh Restaurant Company Is Opening Its First Ever London Hotel – the Five-Star Establishment Will Take over an...
London’s iconic Wolseley restaurant group is converting a former NatWest bank on Piccadilly into its first hotel, the WestDill Mayfair Hotel. The six‑storey, Grade II listed building will feature 50 luxury rooms, a new restaurant and bar, and is slated to...