Brandon Stephenson

Next Tuesday, I will share insights from our new Operator Forecast and Outlook Program. This webinar is free to restaurant operators and will provide a preview of the intelligence this new program offers, which spans industry financial forecasts to quarterly research into how consumers and operators are responding to the major macro-economic forces of the day. In the presentation, we will cover our forecast for the next two years, how operators plan to manage their costs and how consumers have adapted to menu inflation. I hope you can join us!

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Fresh Foods are still anchored in "stack 'em high, watch 'em fly" strategies- and yet we know sales growth is being outpaced by center-store items and retailers' continuing to do traditional commodity tactics are losing market share to more niche and relevant competitors. This article from WSJ shows the broader business world- as well as a many shoppers- want fresh foods marketed better. While I know we have better evidence of branded and marketing successes in Circana data, the point is there. We can't keep getting outmarket-ed when fresh foods are in demand! https://lnkd.in/gY-fyPQu #freshfoods #produce #bigdata #marketing

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Learn more about how leaders in Chicago's food innovation scene want to 'step up' at Future-of-Food Week in the wake of Dom's and Foxtrot's recent closures.

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🚨FOOD INDUSTRY NEWS🚨 PepsiCo has reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts’ expectations, despite weaker U.S. demand caused by Quaker Oats recalls and backlash to higher prices for its drinks and snacks. Shares of the company fell more than 2% in morning trading. Earnings per share: $1.61 adjusted vs. $1.52 expected. Revenue: $18.25 billion vs. $18.07 billion expected. 🥤 #pepsico #earnings #inflation #foodindustry #newsletter

The "no compromise" consumer attitude is reshaping the food industry! 🌱✨ Today's shoppers demand that their "better-for-you" options also deliver on taste, driving significant changes in food ingredients markets. As health consciousness rises, taste remains a non-negotiable factor. This shift is prompting manufacturers to innovate around ingredients that can deliver both health benefits and satisfying flavours. https://lnkd.in/gh-iVwNU #FoodTrends #HealthyEating #ConsumerDemands

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Unlocking the 2024 KeHE Macro Trend: The Current Natural Customer. Explore the rising tide of health-conscious consumers seeking nutrient-rich foods for wellness and vitality. https://lnkd.in/ed3ghhZE

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CPG Is Constantly Changing - Except When It's Not (part 8 in a series) The Role of Sales in CPG The role of sales has actually changed little since trade promotion escalated over 30 years ago - and even before then. Sales has always been charged to increase a brand's DSMP - Distribution, Shelf Position, Merchandising Support & Pricing Effectiveness to improve profitable revenue and volume. The key phrase there being 'improve PROFITABLE revenue and volume'. And trade promotion is over 25% of your gross revenue - even though a lot of it may be buried in those distributor deductions. So, what does that mean? Here are a few quick questions to ask yourselves: * Are we securing the RIGHT doors, not necessarily the most doors. * Are we finding the RIGHT everyday price point to increase profitable revenue and volume, not just what happens based on the various markups. * Have we developed the RIGHT promotional mix, not just doing what the retailer or distributor thinks is great. So, how do you get there? I constantly have heard, 'We don't want our sales folks behind a computer, we want them out selling'! Let's face it, selling in CPG requires more analytical skills than most positions. Yes, both your sales team and brokers need to be with customers, but they need a lot to most of their time developing profitable brand plans for DSMP, developing profitable customer plans, executing & revising the plans as the environment is constantly changing, and then addressing the process all over again. That's happening with fact-based analysis. And it grows progressively. So, if you're an investor, founder, owner or leader, think before suggesting your sales team needs to get out from behind a computer - instead ask them more questions on how their volume / profit mix is being addressed by brand and by customer. And on every event. Then decide.

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I recently had the opportunity to speak with Food Dive about PureCircle Clean Taste Solubility Solution, a first-of-its-kind drop-in stevia sweetener.    🔍 Read the full article below to learn more about this stevia sweetener and its applications. #SugarReduction #Stevia #Innovation 

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 Is inflation hitting your dining plans? You’re not alone. #Circana market research found only households with income over $200k dined out more in 2023 than in 2019. Discover why Americans are changing their habits in this @MarketWatch article. #DiningOut #Inflation #WeAreCircana

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🌿 Discover the incredible benefits of Chickweed with Erica Garber's invaluable insights. @foodmoodnutrition -------- 🛒Explore our store for Chickweed Herb: https://lnkd.in/g5a2BTrz --------- ✨Your journey to optimal well-being starts here! 🗓Book your appointment now at https://lnkd.in/g3_XAkGW --------- Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in our store regarding herbs, tinctures, powders, and compounds is carefully compiled from diverse sources and is intended solely for educational and descriptive purposes. Under no circumstances should it be regarded as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized guidance and advice tailored to your specific health needs, consulting with your doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner is crucial. If you have or suspect a medical condition, seeking timely professional medical attention is paramount.

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Is Hormel Foods prepared to tackle the challenges of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences? Jim Snee, CEO of Hormel Foods, offers insights on the company's strategies to navigate these issues. Learn how they are adapting, building partnerships, embracing sustainability, and leveraging technology in this volatile landscape. #FoodIndustry #SupplyChain #ConsumerPreferences

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Beverage alcohol consumption has undergone significant changes in recent years, influenced heavily by the pandemic and evolving preferences of younger consumers aged 21 and older. I joined Joan Holleran Driggs for an episode of Circana’s Growth Insights podcast to explore these shifts and offer insights into what we can expect for 2024 and beyond. Here are the key takeaways: 🍺 Traditionally, adults aged 21+ started with beer or wine. Now, many young adults are beginning with ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, particularly spirits-based options. 📉 Despite a plethora of choices, overall beverage alcohol consumption is softening across generations. However, premium beverages are still experiencing growth. 🥤 The appeal of RTD beverage alcohol among younger consumers is largely due to innovative packaging, including on-the-go options like ball form, slim cans, and aseptic packaging. 🥃 Whiskey, tequila, spirits-based RTDs, and imported beer from Mexico continue to drive the beverage alcohol market. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gqRdf9Xd #Circana #BeverageAlcohol #RTD #GenerationalTrends #PremiumBeverages #CircanaGrowthInsights

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Food makers are in something of an extended slump as American consumers feel increasingly pinched. Grocery sales last year were hit by the twin shocks of inflation and the expiration of pandemic-era benefits. Many had hoped that this year would mark the start of a recovery, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way. “Some of our clients are saying we should be seeing a return to growth,” said Carman Allison, vice president of global thought leadership at NielsenIQ. He noted that although inflation has slowed, food prices are merely leveling off at record levels around one-third higher than before the pandemic. What is more, consumers are now facing hefty increases in unavoidable expenses like auto insurance and shelter costs. “There has been this compound effect as it relates to inflation over the last couple of years. I kind of think of this as the inflationary ball and chain that the consumer is still carrying around,” Allison said. #inflation #groceryindustry NielsenIQ Aaron Back Carman Allison Campbell's The J.M. Smucker Co. https://lnkd.in/gpWdA8Gw

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One in five consumers who purchase frozen food items usually buy a store-brand product, and that figure is growing, according to “The Power of Frozen 2023” report from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI- The Food Industry Association. The big factor turning the eyes of consumers toward private label products, unsurprisingly, is price. While private label and national-brand frozen products each saw unit share erosion in 2023 — down 3% for private label and down 5.4% for national brands — both segments saw dollar sales grow 7.7% during the prior year. Also notable is the rather weak brand loyalty that consumers have within frozen food despite the category’s having some long-standing national brands. The AFFI report found that 20% of consumers usually purchase private label frozen food products, while 16% said that they prefer national brands. Nearly four in 10 said that brand preference varies by item, and 26% had no brand preference. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gFZEj_j3 #retail #supermarkets #frozenfoods #storebrands #privatelabel #consumers

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As consumer demand for diverse, global flavors increases and companies work to respond, responsible ingredient sourcing becomes paramount. I recently participated in a webinar presented by Food & Beverage Insider during which my fellow panelists and I discussed the increasing importance of functional ingredients, supplier relationships and the role of sustainability in sourcing ingredients in the food and beverage industry. I encourage you to watch the full webinar to diver deeper into the conversation 👉 https://lnkd.in/gbAUWzb6 #Sustainability #ResposibleSourcing

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Ad Age rounded up the top summer 2024 beverage alcohol trends, one of which being around the continued interest in low- and no- alcohol beverages.   At EIGHT Brewing Co., we've been all about a lower alcohol offering that complements your life without compromise since day one. With only 4% ABV, our low carb, low cal light lager is the perfect option, not only for the summer but every season.   I'm curious to watch the wider trend as it plays out across both the alcohol and traditional beverage categories. As and since we launched, we've watched more players roll out lower alc. / lower calorie offerings across wine, beer and spirits in an effort to continue to meet ever-evolving drinkers where they are. It will be interesting to see if this is a lasting trend and shift in consumer preferences, a passing phase, or the growth of a niche consumer that was previously overlooked.   To read the full piece, click the link below: https://lnkd.in/gmp6SVra

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Working in marketing turns all of us into accidental anthropologists. For the last 6 months I've gotten a bit addicted to studying #GenZ and the impact they're having on our industry, and more specifically, the food industry. The proliferation of food influencers is just one byproduct of this fascinating generation and who better to spill my guts to on that topic than Elizabeth Green + Food Ingredients First!? tysm 🧡↓ #foodindustry #influencermarketing #marketing

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Trends suggest that Ohio’s craft beer industry will continue to grow on net in 2024, but that growth is expected to be harder to come by for an industry segment grappling with an increasingly crowded, competitive and evolving market.

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