The Food Institute

Featured Content

Why 2026 Could Include the Summer of the Staycation

With gas prices surging past $4 per gallon in many states and the U.S. engaged in a heated conflict with Iran, this could be the summer of the staycation.

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BMO: M&A Opportunities Abound in F&B

Coming off a year where food and beverage M&A activity remained relatively stable, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for dealmakers. The current market is characterized by fewer, higher transaction deals, with an appetite for disruptive brands.

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The New Wellness Mindset: Where Pleasure Meets Purpose

Consumer expectations around wellness have shifted, and the snacking aisle is at the center of it. Today’s consumers want it all: great taste, functional benefits, satisfying textures, and elevated, multisensory experiences. In this on-demand webinar, ...

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3 Emerging Innovations in Eco-Friendly Packaging

Sustainable packaging materials are moving from concept to real-world testing as scrutiny of microplastics intensifies. Explore three emerging solutions that show promise, though experts say scalability and cost remain barriers to widespread adoption.

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Why the Jersey Mike’s IPO Might Be a Challenge

Jersey Mike’s is gearing up for a splashy IPO as Blackstone seeks a lofty valuation that tests whether investors still crave fast-casual growth stories. Strong unit expansion and a proven operator have converged with a market growing more selective.

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Foodservice Battle: The Landscape

“We’re seeing consumer behavior become much more situational. People are making that decision in the moment based on convenience, price, and what’s nearby,” Swiftly CTO Sean Turner told The Food Institute. “That puts grocery, convenience, ...

The 3 Most Popular Fast-Food Chains in 2026

Savory = Premium: 3 Flavor Profiles Surpassing Sweetness on Drink Menus

Whole Moon Launches ‘Straight Up Good,’ a Bold National Brand Campaign

The New Wellness Mindset: Where Pleasure Meets Purpose

Play Next

FI Spotlight: Why Celebs Launch CPG Brands

Food for Thought Leadership: The Restaurant Labor Crunch – Signals Operators Can’t Afford to Ignore

FI Spotlight: Has Food Media Been Gatekeeping Global Cuisines?

Food for Thought Leadership: Why Food Leaders Are Rethinking Their Workforce Strategy Now

Winning the Digital Shelf: Acosta Group on AI, Strategy and Growth

FI Spotlight: How Pricklee Went From Startup to Whole Foods, Sprouts & HEB

The Future of Food Retail: 2026 and Beyond

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The Future of Food Retail: 2026 and Beyond

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Latest Podcasts

FI Fast Break audio news: April 22, 2026

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses a new report revealing that 31% of diners are visiting restaurant chains less often due to rising prices.

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Food for Thought Leadership: The Restaurant Labor Crunch – Signals Operators Can’t Afford to Ignore

Fransmart CEO Dan Rowe lays out the restaurant labor market, and challenges operators to view it not as a cost but as a strategic investment.

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FI Fast Break audio news: April 15, 2026

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on breakfast products’ ongoing move beyond the morning daypart, as brands are reformulating products for portability amid demand for all-day breakfast.

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capability era, john linehan, city national bank, irresistible foods group

Leadership in the Capability Era

John Linehan, president of Irresistible Foods Group, explains how organizational charts are being supplanted in the Capability Era.

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FI Fast Break audio news: April 8, 2026

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the encouraging reduction in egg prices in recent weeks, as farmers successfully replenished flocks.

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Food for Thought Leadership: Why Food Leaders Are Rethinking Their Workforce Strategy Now

Korn Ferry’s Sharon Aho, Senior Managing Director at Korn Ferry, discuses workforce strategy and talent excellence for F&B companies.

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FI Fast Break audio news: April 1, 2026

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on new research that suggests stopping GLP-1 drugs abruptly may increase risks of heart attack and stroke.

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mike kurtz, mike's hot honey, swicy, chris campbell, hot honey, food institute podcast

From Side Hustle to Shelf Staple: The Building of Mike’s Hot Honey

Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, shares the story of his company’s founding, and how CPG partnerships continue to inspire fans.

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FI Fast Break audio news: March 25, 2026

The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on an eye-opening new report about the prevalence of pesticides and forever chemicals on produce.

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Events

Mar

The Future of Food Retail: 2026 and Beyond (Webinar)

Apr

Food & Beverage Industry M&A: What to Expect in 2026 (Webinar)

Apr

The New Wellness Mindset: Where Pleasure Meets Purpose (Webinar)

Publications

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FI Report April 2026