JUNE 17, 2024

ON THE RETAIL FRONT

Non-discount restaurant chains are getting pulled into the value wars. The industry’s preoccupation with price is forcing brands to change tactics in marketing and on the menu (even if they refuse to discount), reported Restaurant Business. Full Story

McDonald’s is ending its drive-thru AI experiment with IBM. After two years of testing at over 100 sites, McDonald’s plans to remove AI implementation in its drive-thrus without immediate plans for further expansion. McDonald’s remains confident that “a voice ordering solution for drive-thru will be part of our restaurant’s future,” reported Restaurant Business. Full Story

Danone is increasing its investments in nutritional drinks for cancer patients and the elderly, betting an aging population will boost long-term growth. The dairy and plant-based business, which produces Actimel yogurt drinks and Alpro soy milk, remains Danone’s biggest unit, notching some $15 billion in annual sales, reported Bloomberg. Full Story

SUPPLIER NEWS

The newly FDA-approved sweet protein brazzein could offer a sweet solution to the world's growing sugar problem. In fact, Oobli is banking on it. Food Institute Focus

U.S. import prices fell for the first time in five months in May, providing a boost to the domestic inflation outlook, according to the Department of Labor. However, consumer sentiment was not lifted as it hit a seven-month low in June, reported Reuters. Full Story

UPCOMING EVENT

There will be a private reception on June 24, 5-8 pm to benefit Wellfare.org during the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC at Legacy Records, a cool space within walking distance to Javits Center.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

From $8 strawberries to $400 pineapples, a niche group of U.S. shoppers are paying top dollar for premium fruits. What motivates these consumers to spend so much on luxury produce? Food Institute Focus

Northwest Cherry Growers projected a strong season for the crop. Analysts say cherries are well spread through the tree canopy with less larger clusters than in 2023, and warm weather is ramping volumes up, reported Fresh Fruit Portal. Full Story

FI NEWS REVIEW

From creative flavor combinations to the rising popularity of international flavors, it’s clear that consumers want more than a meal – they want an experience. What are the current trends? What are the key takeaways? And what’s the bottom line for food businesses? Watch Here

YOU SHOULD KNOW...

China officially called for an anti-dumping probe into imports of EU pork and Spain is already calling for negotiations to avoid the tariffs. China's investigation into EU pork imports seems to be focused on Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark, reported Reuters. Full Story

Standard pasteurization methods may not fully destroy H5N1 avian influenza as a study from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found small amounts of infectious virus during testing. "This finding indicates the potential for a relatively small but detectable quantity of H5N1 virus to remain infectious in milk after 15 seconds at 72 degrees C. if the initial virus levels were sufficiently high," reported Reuters. Full Story 

Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to 14 states, according to the FDA. Consumers are being advised to check with their local grocery store to see if the affected cucumbers were sold where they shop, reported NJ.com. Full Story

Classic Delight LLC of St. Mary’s, Ohio, has issued a recall of individually wrapped sandwiches due to possible Listeria contamination. The sandwiches were shipped to distributors in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Maryland, and may end up in foodservice, convenience stores, and vending. Full Story

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