Covid-19
Beyond Meat Sales Soar; Tyson Suffers as Plants Close
While production issues currently plague the meat industry, plant-based meat companies are growing. In their respective quarterly earnings calls this week, executives from meat company Tyson and plant-based brand Beyond Meat discussed powering through a pandemic — and trying to develop future strategies despite looming uncertainty.
KeHE VP: Innovation, Promotion Still Crucial in Crisis
In a webinar hosted by the Hirshberg Institute on Wednesday, three leaders in the natural grocery space discussed how distributors and retailers are responding to the fast-changing environment and what brands can do to stay on top of the crisis.
Data Digest: Consumer Behavior Moves into New Phase
Last week, three new reports from market research firms IRI, Datassential and Blue Chip, shone light on how consumer behavior has changed since March and what the industry should anticipate as the crisis eases and a new normal for consumer buying habits emerges.
Experiential Grocers, Snack Services Move Online
Where does a floating grocery store land during a pandemic? What about a curated snack service for office workers? As most daily activities move online, businesses whose plans rely on disrupting the everyday grind with exciting new products need to move forward — including snack services and experientially-focused popup retailers.
IRI State of Snacking: Before, Now and Beyond COVID-19
Although impulse buys are taking a hit during COVID-19, IRI expects on-the-go snacks to regain steam, especially with younger generations and Hispanic shoppers, once normal schedules return. In a recent report, IRI discussed the organization’s findings on snacking trends during 2019 and COVID-19 — and how both might influence the future of snacking.
COVID-19 News Roundup: Smithfield, Campbell’s See Cases at Plants, Accelerators Move Online
COVID-19 is changing the landscape for innovation as accelerators find digital ways to help new brands grow and trade shows stall for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, two large manufacturers see COVID-19 cases in plants. Here’s the latest COVID-19 news from around the industry this week.
Whole Foods Issues Merchandising, Receiving Changes & Mask Policy
Whole Foods Market has issued a variety of policy changes for vendors who come in contact with store employees as it works to cut back possible routes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
UNFI EVP: Supply Chain, Communication Critical For Brands During COVID
Yesterday, John Raiche, EVP of supplier services at UNFI, discussed in detail how the industry is adapting to the changes brought on by the novel coronavirus in a webinar hosted by the Hirshberg Enterprise Institute. Raiche offered advice for how brands can adapt to the new environment while providing an update on how UNFI is responding to the demands of the crisis.
How Brands and Distributors Can Help Protect Grocery Workers
As grocery workers help feed Americans sheltering in place, at least 30 have died from COVID-19, with nearly 3,000 reporting missing work due to symptoms, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).
COVID-19 News Roundup: IRI’s Latest Shopping Trends, Mercato Grows Platform
As consumers stay inside, shopping habits are changing and delivery platforms are adapting to meet the increased demand. Here’s the latest COVID-19 news from around the industry this week.