Animal-Plant Mince Key to Revive APAC Alt-Protein Push: NECTAR Study
A NECTAR‑led sensory study of 116 APAC consumers found a blended chicken‑soy mince (70% chicken, 30% soy) outperformed a 100% chicken mince in a blind taste test. The research evaluated 20 blended products across ten categories, revealing that appearance and flavor remain key hurdles, with only 42% of participants liking the look of blended proteins. While 57% of consumers favor blends containing roughly three‑quarters animal meat, 69% perceive these products as healthier than conventional meat. The findings suggest blended proteins can bridge taste and health gaps for the region’s alt‑protein market.
How Does Your Restaurant Stack Up? ATO Releases Small Business Benchmarks
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has published 2023‑24 small‑business benchmarks for restaurants, pubs, bars and bakeries. For restaurants with annual turnover roughly $43,000‑$330,000, $330,000‑$1.3 million and over $1.3 million USD, cost‑of‑sales should sit at 32‑39%, 32‑38% and 31‑36% of revenue respectively. Total...
Aplós Dragon Fruit Martini
Aplós, the non‑alcoholic spirits brand, unveiled its Dragon Fruit Martini ready‑to‑drink cocktail on April 8, 2026. The beverage blends dragon fruit, kiwi, black tea, lemon verbena and Sarawak peppercorn, and is built on Aplós Arise, a functional zero‑proof spirit. It incorporates adaptogens such...
Nutella Made a Cosmic Cameo and Social Media Users Can't Get Enough
Nutella’s jar briefly floated past the Orion spacecraft during NASA’s Artemis II livestream, creating an unexpected viral moment. Social‑media monitoring showed mentions rise modestly while engagements exploded to over 1.1 million within hours. The brand quickly amplified the cameo with coordinated posts...
Good on Paper, Wrong in Market: Where Business Doesn't Shy Away From Talking About Failures
Marico’s first foray into healthy baked snacks with Saffola Zest flopped because taste lagged behind health claims, prompting a deep dive into consumer insight. The insight reshaped product development, leading to Saffola Masala Oats, which now commands about 80% of India’s savoury‑oats...
Lone Star Rib House Debuts in Victoria as National Expansion Progresses
What Are Banana Bags, And Do They Actually Extend The Fruit's Shelf Life?
Banana storage bags, typically sealed polyester or nylon with a drawstring, retail for about $10 and are marketed to keep bananas fresh longer by controlling airflow, temperature, and humidity in the refrigerator. Unlike the common paper‑bag hack that accelerates ripening,...
Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Constellation Brands reported Q4 FY2026 beer operating margins held up thanks to cost‑saving initiatives, favorable pricing and a one‑time depreciation benefit, offsetting volume declines, higher logistics costs and tariff pressures. Management warned that Q4 margins will fall as the depreciation...
Pioneering Protein Innovation: Inside the Nordic Approach to Next-Generation F&B Ingredients
The Nordic food‑and‑beverage sector is positioning itself at the forefront of protein innovation, with Finnish dairy leader Valio and ingredient specialist Apetit developing next‑generation dairy and plant proteins. Valio’s lactose‑free, high‑protein powders are tailored for the rapidly expanding GLP‑1 medication...
Waitrose to Stock Northern Pasta Co's 'Regeneratively Farmed' Pasta in UK Stores
Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to carry Northern Pasta Co's regeneratively farmed spelt pasta, adding radiatori, fusilli and rigatoni to its shelves nationwide. The partnership marks a milestone for British sustainable food brands, showcasing products grown using regenerative...
Beyond Meat Makes Blunt Claim on Climate Change
Beyond Meat, now rebranded as Beyond, has launched two protein drinks and announced that its Beyond Burger and Beyond Steak qualify as climate solutions under the Exponential Roadmap Initiative framework. The company claims these products use 97% less land, 92%...
A Mobile Grocery Store Championing Black-Owned Brands Will Soon Cruise L.A.
Prosperity Market, a 48‑foot pink mobile grocery trailer, launched in Los Angeles to sell products from Black‑owned food brands and farms. Founded by former fashion professionals Carmen Dianne and Kara Still, the solar‑powered trailer debuted with a pop‑up on Crenshaw...
Claims Wild-Caught Australian Seafood Will Soon 'only Be Afforded by the Rich'
Australian wild‑caught seafood is facing a steep price surge as fuel costs for fishing vessels have doubled, pushing operating expenses from $54,000 to $100,000 per trip. A permanent ban on demersal fishing in Western Australia and the recent collapse of...
Most Restaurants Are Missing Out on the Platform That Brings Customers In — Here’s What a Google Strategist Recommends
Google’s strategic partner manager Farah Shirzadi urges restaurants to treat YouTube as a core discovery engine, not just a marketing add‑on. By publishing short clips, long‑form videos, and live streams, eateries can showcase kitchens, chefs, and sourcing stories before a...
Soft Drink Vending Machines in Japan Fall Below 2 Million for 1st Time
Japan’s soft‑drink vending machine fleet slipped to 1.95 million units in 2025, marking the first time the count fell below two million in three decades. The decline represents a 20 percent drop from the 2014 peak and the steepest annual reduction since...
The Best New Walmart Groceries You Can't Miss In April 2026
Walmart rolled out 13 new grocery items in April 2026, ranging from protein‑rich breakfasts to trendy snack flavors. The lineup includes Jimmy Dean’s Chipotle Breakfast Bowl with 40 grams of protein, Mountain Dew’s Dirty Dew cream soda, and Smash Kitchen hot‑honey...
Redemption Whiskey’s Core Bourbon Just Got a Lot Stronger
Redemption Whiskey has relaunched its core bourbon at a stronger 92 proof, up from the previous 88 proof, and introduced a new eagle‑emblazoned bottle design. The higher proof, crafted by master blender Alan Kennedy, is said to amplify vanilla, fruit, and floral...
McDonald's Rival Franchisee Files Chapter 11, 65 Restaurants at Risk
Friendly Franchisees Corporation, a major Carl’s Jr. franchisee operating 65 California locations, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 2, 2026. The filing includes several affiliated entities such as Senior Classic Leasing and DFG Restaurants, but the company emphasized that the issue is isolated...
Animated Lemons Show Sassy Personality For Mike's Hard Lemonade
Mike’s Hard Lemonade launched a new "Made with Real Character" campaign featuring three animated lemons—Sonny, Cal and Tina—as brand ambassadors. The ads showcase the characters going "hard," "harder," and "dirty," promoting the brand’s expanded lineup that now includes a non‑carbonated...
Kroger Begins Earth Month Campaign To Benefit World Wildlife Fund
Kroger has launched an Earth Month campaign, inviting customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout through April 30, with the company matching donations up to $50,000 via its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation. The...
Thermo Fisher Scientific Reveals Beverage Quality Testing Technology
Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the SureTect Beverage Spoilage Multiplex qPCR Assay, an industry‑first test developed with Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners. The assay uses quantitative PCR to detect more than 100 spoilage‑causing microorganisms in beverages, delivering results in hours instead of...
Beyond The BLT: IHOP Aims To Trademark Acronym For Latest Menu Item
IHOP has added a new BLTAF sandwich—bacon, lettuce, tomato, and fries—to its value menu, priced between $6 and $7 and available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The chain is also seeking a trademark on the BLTAF acronym and has seeded it...
10 Best Fiber Supplements for Gut Health in 2026
Americans are dramatically short on dietary fiber, with over 90% falling below the 25‑38 gram daily recommendation. A recent GQ roundup tested a variety of fiber supplements, highlighting Ancient + Brave True Biome as the best overall for its PHGG blend, BelliWelli gummies for...
Skip Adds Loblaw to Growing Grocery Network
Skip has sealed a partnership with Loblaw Companies, adding the retailer’s 13 banners—including No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore and Maxi—to its on‑demand grocery network. The deal extends Skip’s service to every Canadian postal code, allowing customers to order from a broader...
Kicking Horse Coffee Brand Platform Is an Ode to the ‘Hellbent’
Canadian roaster Kicking Horse Coffee marks its 30‑year anniversary with a new brand platform titled “Here’s to the Hellbent.” The campaign, developed with agencies OneMethod and Super Proper, rolls out a 60‑second television spot supported by social, out‑of‑home, connected TV,...
Front-of-Package Labels Are Already Shaping Shopper Behaviour
Canada’s Health Canada launched mandatory front‑of‑package (FOP) nutrition warning labels on Jan. 1. Early data shows 56% of shoppers are aware of the symbols, while 57% say the warnings would affect their buying choices. Price remains the dominant purchase driver for...
Kikkoman Embraces Gen Z’s Love of Japanese Culture in New Campaign
Kikkoman has unveiled a multiyear, anime‑inspired campaign called “Unleash Legendary” aimed at Gen Z home cooks. Developed with agency BSSP, the effort features a 30‑second spot voiced by Christopher Sabat and two 15‑second videos, running across YouTube, paid social, connected TV, programmatic...
These Delicious Croissants Had a 14,000-Person Waitlist—And They’re Packed with Protein and Fiber
San Francisco‑based Hero Bread has launched a low‑carb, high‑protein, high‑fiber croissant that mimics traditional buttery layers while delivering a healthier macronutrient profile. The pastry quickly gained a cult following, generating waitlists of more than 14,000 people during early drops. Each...
O Positiv Health Lands at Meijer
O Positiv Health announced its debut in Meijer stores, rolling out nine women’s health supplements across the Midwest. The launch brings the brand’s four product lines—URO, FLO, MENO and PREGGO—into 85 Meijer locations, with plans to reach 270 stores by...
Locus FS Receives 2026 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition
Frost & Sullivan has awarded Locus FS the 2026 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for its precision fermentation platform. The company’s proprietary microbial designs produce renewable glycolipid biosurfactants that replace petrochemical inputs across agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and industrial...
New Restaurant Mariela to Open in Chicago’s Reliance Building
Mariela, a new restaurant housed in Chicago’s iconic Reliance Building, opens on May 6, 2026. Chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir deliver a coastal‑focused menu that weaves Southeast Asian roots with flavors from the Americas and Europe. The beverage program, led by...
FDA FY 2027 Budget Request Includes $57 Million for ‘MAHA’
The FY 2027 Presidential Budget proposes a $57 million allocation for the FDA's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, targeting unsafe chemicals, AI‑driven safety tools, and alternatives to animal testing. FDA’s Human Foods Program receives a $108.5 million boost, bringing its authority to...
Fertilizer Spike Adds up to $35/Acre for US Corn as Iran Crisis Deepens
Rising fertilizer prices triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created a sharp supply shock for nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur products. Rabobank estimates the urea price surge adds up to $35 per acre to US corn...
'Japan Is Living In 2080': The Japanese Ice Cream Machine Americans Can't Wrap Their Heads Around
Japan’s Nissei soft‑serve machine delivers a theatrical, robot‑led performance while preparing a cone, turning a simple dessert into an entertainment act. The system features animated mascots Nikkun and Seichan and synchronizes music and choreography, extending service time compared with typical...
Consumers Are Having Trouble Following New Food Pyramid
Numerator’s latest report reveals that just 42 % of U.S. consumers correctly identify the newly released food pyramid as the current dietary guideline, while a sizable share still reference outdated models such as MyPyramid and MyPlate. Fresh‑food purchases have risen modestly,...
Cousins Maine Lobster Expands Wisconsin Operations with Madison Launch
Cousins Maine Lobster is launching its second Wisconsin food‑truck in Madison on April 18, operating from Rusty Bee Lounge. The move follows a highly successful Milwaukee debut that outperformed demand forecasts. Local operators Chris Goeman and Kevin Smith will manage the new site,...
Tasty Burger Named Official Burger of Boston Red Sox for 2026 Season
Tasty Burger has been reinstated as the Official Burger of the Boston Red Sox for the 2026 season, reviving a partnership that ran from 2014 to 2020. The fast‑food chain will sell its Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Chili Cheeseburger, and an exclusive...
Pizza Inn Launches SPAM Hawaiian Luau Pizza
Pizza Inn, part of RAVE Restaurant Group, introduced a limited‑time SPAM Hawaiian Luau Pizza, blending diced SPAM, pineapple, and whole‑milk mozzarella on its signature crust. The pizza hits buffet lines and to‑go menus nationwide from April 6 through May 13, priced at...
National Restaurant Association: Getting the Nitty Gritty on 'No Tax on Tips' And Overtime
The National Restaurant Association and H&R Block hosted a webinar to explain the new “No Tax on Tips” (NTOT) and “No Tax on Overtime” (NTOO) deductions introduced by the 2025 Working Families Tax Cut Act. The provisions let eligible tipped workers...
McDonald's Rival Franchisee Files Chapter 11, 65 Restaurants at Risk
Carl's Jr. franchisee Friendly Franchisees Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, putting 65 California restaurants at risk. The filing mirrors Burger King's recent acquisition of its largest franchisee, Carrols, after a similar Chapter 11 case. Carl's Jr. emphasized the bankruptcy is isolated and...
This Once-Beloved Mall Steakhouse Only Has One Location Remaining
York Steak House, once a mall‑centric steak chain with nearly 200 locations in the 1980s, has dwindled to a single restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. The original outlet, opened in 1966, survived multiple ownership changes and recently changed hands in 2024....
New York Governor Seeks Federal Aid for State’s Oyster Industry
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has asked the USDA to issue a disaster declaration for the state’s oyster industry after an unprecedented cold snap damaged equipment and halted harvests. State officials estimate $2.4 million in damages and a 30% drop in...
Keurig Dr Pepper Acquires JDE Peet’s
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) announced it has acquired 96.22% of JDE Peet’s shares, creating a combined coffee powerhouse. The deal will be followed by a detailed integration focused on operational excellence, synergy capture, and leadership alignment. KDP plans to separate into...
Califia Farms Wasn't Supposed To Be Milk - Now It's An Empire
Califia Farms, originally a struggling juice startup, pivoted to almond milk and now occupies over 20,000 U.S. stores as a leading plant‑based beverage brand. Under CEO Dave Ritterbush—formerly of Quest Nutrition—the company is betting on organic, nutrient‑dense lines and a...
Natural Grocers Plans New Store Opening In McMinnville, OR
Natural Grocers announced a new store opening this summer at 448 OR-99W in McMinnville, Oregon, marking its 15th location in the state and the first in the Willamette Valley. The company is conducting a virtual hiring fair on April 8, offering...
The Proven Way to Prevent Refrigeration Downtime and Protect Food Safety
Food service managers face costly refrigeration failures that threaten safety, waste inventory, and brand reputation. Michael Rosone, VP of Service Sales at Arista, explains that proactive maintenance—cleaning coils, checking thermostats, and quarterly tune‑ups—can eliminate temperature variances and extend equipment life....
Images: Opening Nears for Atlanta's First Indoor Farmers Market
Atlanta is converting a vacant Collier Road office‑warehouse complex into Upper West Market, the city’s first climate‑controlled indoor farmers market. The development features a 9,000‑square‑foot, 33‑stall vendor hall with 13,000 square feet of office space above, and a second building...
UK Strikes Lucrative Organic Livestock Deal with Japan
The United Kingdom and Japan have signed an organic livestock equivalency agreement, allowing British producers to sell certified meat and dairy products in Japan with a single UK certification. The deal opens access to Japan’s fast‑growing organic market, valued at...
McDonald’s Türkiye Introduces Video Game-Changing Promotion
McDonald’s Türkiye launched a Pro Gamer Menu that bundles a Big Mac, fries, onion rings, Coke and a new “Archie” controller accessory. The Archie device links analog sticks so in‑game characters keep moving while diners eat, preventing automatic kicks for inactivity....
India Unlocks Market Access to Canada for Fresh Mangoes, Pomegranates, Oranges, and Garlic
India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has released a phytosanitary protocol that unlocks Canadian market access for fresh mangoes, pomegranates, oranges and garlic. The Canadian National Plant Protection Organization approved the access in January, but shipments...