In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the minimum wage hikes that recently took effect, impacting more than 8 million American workers.

In the first Food for Thought Leadership episode of 2026, hosts Chris Campbell and Rebecca Fryer lead an editorial roundtable focused on the 2026 food industry outlook. They are joined by The Food Institute’s Kelly Beaton, George Hajjar, and Anna Kinder to unpack early signs of a potential foodservice rebound, the rise of fiber as the next major wellness focus, and how GLP-1 medications are reshaping consumer behavior, menu strategy, and product innovation across the food industry. The discussion dives deeper into 2026 food industry trends influencing culture and consumption, including the continued growth of non-alcohol beverages, increasing demand for clean labels and transparency, and a consumer redefining value through the lens of price, quality, and convenience. Global flavors remain a key driver, evolving toward hyper-regionality and third-culture cuisine as consumers balance authenticity with experimentation. Rounding out the episode, the team explores how 2026 food industry trends are accelerating change in technology and retail. Artificial intelligence and automation are moving from experimentation to essential tools for efficiency and food safety, while private label and challenger brands continue to reshape retail shelves. Together, the episode delivers a clear, forward-looking perspective on the forces shaping the food industry in 2026.

This Episode is Sponsored by: Koelnmesse Snacking in the U.S. has been on the rise for many years, but is this a global phenomenon? Sabine Schommer, Director, ISM, and Guido Hentschke, Director, ProSweets Cologne and ISM Ingredients, explore European and global snacking trends, and how the trio of ISM, ISM Ingredients, and ProSweets Cologne serve as a meeting place for the global snacking industry.  More About Sabine Schommer: Sabine Schommer loves the energy on the show floor, the excitement of the sweetest of all industries and the joy of being part of a team striving to create the perfect surrounding for both business opportunities and memorable moments. She has been in the trade fair business for more than 30 years, having led the ISM team as Director since 2015. For her, being Director ISM is a unique opportunity to shape the customers' trade fair experience, introduce new features, liaise with experts, watch trends and developments and realize every year the best possible version of the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks – ISM in Cologne, Germany. More About Guido Hentschke: Guido Hentschke has been the Director of ProSweets Cologne since January 2021. With more than 25 years of experience in the international trade fair industry, he brings extensive expertise from roles in Europe, the U.S., and Brazil. At ProSweets Cologne, he has continuously developed the show in line with market needs, positioning it as a content leader within the sweets and snacks sector. Building on these insights, he successfully launched ISM Ingredients — the new platform for suppliers of raw materials, ingredients, and semi-finished products — which will debut as a new format starting in 2026. His goal: to unite all key players along the entire value chain through close alignment and integration with ISM. More About ISM: The ISM in Cologne is the world's leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks and offers impulses, innovations, exciting networking, top-class exhibitors and expert visitors in a combination that is unique in the world. There you will find the world's largest range of private labels in the sweets and snacks sector. From 2026, the new trade fair ISM Ingredients will offer a platform for innovation, expertise and networking around raw materials, ingredients and semi-finished products as part of ISM - with the aim of strengthening the value chain and promoting sustainable solutions. More About ProSweets Cologne: ProSweets Cologne is a trade fair for the entire industry-specific supply spectrum of the confectionery and snack industry. This ranges from confectionery and snack packaging and packaging technology to the raw materials and ingredients required specifically for confectionery and snack production and process technology. Secondary areas such as refrigeration and air conditioning technology, operating and auxiliary equipment, and the topics of food safety and quality management for the confectionery and snack industry round off the profile. Relevant Links: https://www.ism-cologne.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ism_cologne/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ism-cologne/ https://www.ism-cologne.com/newsletter/ https://www.prosweets.com/ https://www.instagram.com/prosweets.official/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-sweets-cologne/ https://www.prosweets.com/newsletter/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the numerous CEO roles that changed hands at major CPG brands in 2025.

Adam Michaels, CEO of Mama’s Creations, joins Food Institute Vice President of Content and Client Relationships Chris Campbell to discuss how the deli category is evolving and why this rapidly growing segment is primed for innovation. A veteran of global CPG and strategy roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and Mondelez, Michaels shares how Mama’s Creations has transformed from a regional meatball company into a national, full-service deli solutions provider serving retailers across all 50 states. During the conversation, Michaels explains how the company is addressing some of grocery retail’s most pressing challenges, including labor shortages, changing consumer meal preferences, and the need for greater efficiency in the deli case. He outlines how Mama’s Creations supports retailers with a wide range of prepared foods, proteins, sides, and globally inspired flavors — all designed to simplify in-store execution while maintaining quality and consistency for shoppers. Michaels also details how strategic acquisitions, vertically integrated manufacturing, and a disciplined focus on metrics are fueling the company’s growth. As the only publicly traded deli company in the U.S., Mama’s Creations is leveraging scale, operational rigor, and data-driven decision-making to compete in the $40+ billion deli prepared foods category, while continuing to expand its national footprint and product capabilities. More About Adam Michaels: Adam Michaels is an experienced food industry executive and former management consultant with broad experience transforming consumer-focused companies. Previously, Adam served with Mondelez International, a multinational food and beverage company with operations in over 150 countries. Over the past nine years, he has held numerous roles with increasing responsibility at Mondelez across Supply Chain, Commercial Sales & Marketing and Strategy. Adam led Mondelez’s North American Insights & Analytics organization and was most recently responsible for M&A and Commercial for North American Ventures – a business unit comprised of high growth brands including Perfect Snacks, a refrigerated snacks brand, Hu, an ultrasimple multi-category lifestyle brand, and Tate’s Bake Shop, a premium cookie brand, among others. Before joining Mondelez, Adam was a Principal at Booz & Company, a management consulting firm, for seven years where he specialized in the Food & Beverage sector. He started his career at Capital One Financial and holds an MBA in Marketing & Management from Columbia Business School, as well as a BSE in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Adam has lived and worked in the US, England and France. He lives with his wife and their two boys in New Jersey. More About Mama's Creations: Mama’s Creations is your ultimate destination for fresh, easy-to-prepare dishes that capture the essence of grandma-quality food. Built off the authentic Italian heritage of Mama Mancini’s, our name pays tribute to the treasured kitchens of grandmothers worldwide, where each meal is crafted with passion and care. At Mama’s Creations, we understand the value of convenience without compromising on quality. We bring together a diverse range of culinary traditions and flavors, offering you an unforgettable taste experience. With fresh ingredients and our simple preparation methods, we ensure that every dish is a celebration of authentic homemade goodness. Learn more: https://mamascreations.com/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we touch on Circana's revised 2026 outlook for the F&B sector, which projects continued volume tightness.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Starbucks' intensifying labor issues.

In this episode of Food for Thought Leadership, Food Institute vice president of content and client relationships Chris Campbell sits down with Barry Thomas, senior thought leader at Kantar, to unpack the rapid rise of agentic AI — a new class of AI systems that don’t just generate information, but take action on behalf of the user. Thomas explains why agentic AI represents a foundational shift in how consumers discover, evaluate, and shop for products. He explores how AI-powered shopping apps, answer-engines, and agentic browsers are reshaping the digital journey, and why businesses should prepare now for changes that will accelerate through 2026. The conversation also dives into how this technology impacts retailers, CPG manufacturers, and foodservice operators — from the rise of metadata marketing and AI-optimized product visibility to the growing influence of user-generated content in agentic shopping environments. Thomas outlines the challenges ahead: data governance, shifting retail media dynamics, consumer trust, and the delicate balance between authenticity and automation. With younger demographics adopting AI at record speed, the companies that invest in upskilling and AI-readiness today stand to gain the strongest competitive advantage tomorrow. More About Barry Thomas: Barry is one of Kantar’s foremost global commerce experts with a distinguished history of serving customers, partners, and people throughout his more than 30 years in the retail, food service, and FMCG industries. His 25-year career with The Coca-Company featured landmark achievements in the areas of customer leadership, customer marketing, ecommerce, innovation, consumer insights, category management, and future strategies. Before joining the Coca-Cola system, Barry worked for Pfizer (formerly Wyeth-Ayerst) for seven years in commercial, customer, marketing, and insights roles. Barry earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of North Florida and an MBA from Mercer University. He is currently on the advisory boards of the Digital Marketing Institute, George Washington University Digital Marketing Program, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. More About Kantar: Kantar is a data and evidence-based agency providing insights and actionable recommendations to clients, worldwide. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with deep expertise and technology platforms to track how people think and act. To learn more, visit https://retailiq.kantar.com/.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping consumer habits in rather unique ways heading into 2026.

In this episode of The Food For Thought Leadership podcast, CEO Mike Messersmith unpacks how Lasso’s SpinTech — dubbed “an advanced cotton candy machine” — could revolutionize food texture, ingredient flexibility, and sustainability. About Mike Messersmith: Mike Messersmith is the CEO of Lasso, a new food tech company redefining consumer packaged foods. He joined the company in October 2024, deploying its proprietary Lasso SpinTech across new applications and partners to create a generation of healthier foods. Before joining Lasso, Mike served as President of Oatly North America where he oversaw the brand’s U.S. launch in 2017 and led all facets of business and brand development surrounding its vegan, plant-based food and beverage products made out of oats. Prior to Oatly, Mike held a variety of marketing and commercial roles at The Nature’s Bounty Co, Chobani, and PepsiCo. Before starting his career in CPG, Mike served as an officer in the Navy in a variety of roles including nuclear engineering management on aircraft carriers. He has his MBA from Harvard Business School, a masters in engineering management from Old Dominion University, and his undergraduate degree from Duke University. Mike lives in NYC with his wife Laura and their dog Kelce. More About Lasso: Stop compromising on texture, nutrition, or taste. Our machines make food, better. Your brand makes the headlines. Learn More: https://lassolabs.com/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the latest Gen Z drinking trend that's poised to impact the alcohol industry.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the latest in the vertical farming category.

This Episode is Sponsored by: Performance Foodservice How important is it as a food distributor to build a brand for foodservice – especially since consumers may never see or recognize it? Mike Seidel, vice president of procurement at Performance Foodservice Corporate, shares how the company views the development of its existing foodservice brands, including Roma and Contigo, and how they helped in the creation of its most recent Mediterranean concept Zebec.  More about Mike Seidel: Michael Seidel is the corporate Vice President of Procurement for Performance Foodservice, one of the largest broadline foodservice distributors in the country. “Mike” brings to his role 28 years of sales, procurement, and leadership experience within the foodservice industry. In 2025, Mike is celebrating his fourteenth year with Performance Foodservice.   Over the course of 14 years from 1997, Mike held multiple sales and procurement roles at a Sysco operating company including Marketing Associate and Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.   Mike served as a member of the Executive Board of Directors for the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and was recently reappointed to the Board of Directors for NFI, to a term ending in late 2027. Mike currently serves as a board member of Circana Supply Track. Mike is an elected Manager of NFI’s Better Seafood Board and is on the planning committee for the Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC). Mike, annually, co-hosts or participates in GSMC panelist discussions. Mike is a delegated member of the Procurement Council for the Independent Procurement Alliance Program (IPAP).   During his career, Mike has testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission, on three occasions, regarding certain ripe olives and shrimp. Mike is an active speaker/presenter for various foodservice industry events.  He is married, lives in the Richmond, Virginia area, and has four children and one grandchild.   More About Performance Foodservice: Performance Foodservice is one of the nation’s largest foodservice distributors, delivering quality ingredients, reliable service, and on-time consistency. With 125,000+ products and 67 distribution centers, we serve over 100,000 customers coast to coast. From restaurants and hotels to schools and healthcare, operators trust us for both food and non-food essentials that keep kitchens running. Backed by a best-in-class fleet and passionate associates, Performance Foodservice is more than a distributor—we’re your partner in growth and success.  Learn more: http://performancefoodservice.com/   More About Zebec: Zebec is Performance Foodservice’s exclusive brand of specialty Mediterranean foods and ingredients, inspired by the 16th-century sailing ships that once carried flavors and traditions across the sea. Just like those fast, agile vessels, Zebec delivers authentic spices, bold flavors, and versatile ingredients that make it easy for operators to bring the Mediterranean to their menus. From falafel to grilled chicken skewers, every item is crafted with quality and convenience in mind—helping passionate restaurateurs, whether inspired by global traditions or family roots, add an exciting Mediterranean twist to their offerings. With Zebec, a bold upgrade to the menu is always within reach.  Learn more: https://www.performancefoodservice.com/Products-and-Services/Our-Family-of-Brands/Zebec

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the roots of the deadly Listeria outbreak that has impacted several U.S. states.

Food for Thought Leadership co-host Chris Campbell sits down with Robyn Carter, founder and CEO of Jump Rope Innovation, to explore the concept of the “return to real” in today’s food industry. With so much of life filtered through screens, algorithms, and ad-driven messaging, consumers are now seeking real food, real stories, and real connection. Robyn lays out how this trend is reshaping not only what we eat, but how we shop, dine, and engage with brands. Looking ahead, Robyn highlights the next frontier of the trend: longevity and women’s health, and deeper provenance through farm-to-table narratives. Whether you’re a CPG brand, a retailer, or a food-service operator, this conversation offers timely insights and actionable ideas to align your strategy with a consumer mindset that values what’s real. More About Robyn Carter: Robyn Carter is the founder and CEO of Jump Rope Innovation, a best-in-class trends and innovation consultancy based just outside NYC. Founded in 2005, Jump Rope brings a human-centered approach to innovation through immersive research, trend insights, and co-creation techniques. Beginning her career in advertising, Robyn held roles in Account Management and New Business, working on iconic brands including Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, and Red Stripe. She was a Partner and Account Supervisor at Ogilvy, where she helped develop and implement communications strategy for the global Maxwell House brand. Robyn is a co-founder of IT! Factor, a groundbreaking Influencer research and innovation tool. She is also a host of the Ask an Influencer podcast, sharing insights and advice for brands based on learnings from category influencers. She is a renowned moderator and has been a featured guest on numerous panels and podcasts, including BevNet Community Call. Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-carter-72b4391/ Listen, Share and Subscribe to Ask An Influencer here or anywhere you listen to podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qfOAuHGyzIEznmwBnAX8D?si=2606fb21856e403d More About Jump Rope Innovation: At Jump Rope Innovation, we’re a team of curious, collaborative problem-solvers. We’re strategists, researchers, and creative thinkers, driven by the thrill of discovery and a commitment to true understanding. We specialize in uncovering insights that spark breakthrough innovation, activation and communication. We help our clients to develop their gut for the consumer and to use this understanding to develop bold, meaningful strategies that resonate today—and tomorrow. Find us online at https://jumpropeinnovation.com/ And follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@jumpropeinnovation Learn More: LinkedIn:  Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jump-rope-innovation/ Robyn Carter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-carter-72b4391/ Podcast: Ask An Influencer: https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ Instagram: Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.instagram.com/jumpropeinnovation/ Ask an Influencer: https://www.instagram.com/askaninfluencerpodcast/ TikTok: Jump Rope Innovation: https://www.tiktok.com/@jumpropeinnovation?lang=en

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the growing concern surrounding retail shrink in America. 

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the government shutdown's impact on the U.S. restaurant industry.

As the leading consumer products accelerator, SKU has helped launch and scale some of the most innovative brands in CPG. At the center of that mission is Michelle Breyer, SKU’s Chief Marketing Officer and a serial entrepreneur who knows what it takes to build lasting consumer brands. In this episode, Michelle shares how SKU empowers founders to navigate early-stage challenges, the marketing strategies that separate breakout brands from the rest, and why mentorship remains the foundation of SKU’s success. She also offers a look ahead at the trends and categories poised to define the next decade of CPG innovation. More about Michelle Bryer: Michelle Breyer is a visionary entrepreneur who took a personal frustration over her curly hair and built it into NaturallyCurly — the largest social-media platform for hair. She was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in the Multicultural Market by Women's Wear Daily. Since it was founded in 1998, NaturallyCurly company grew to include an ecommerce site, a consumer insights division and an experiential marketing company. The company has worked with numerous companies, including L’Oreal, Unilever, Walmart and Sephora to help them develop, launch, position and merchandise the products to this valuable consumer. The company developed the popular curl type system that now is the standard for the industry. NaturallyCurly was acquired in 2018 by Essence Ventures. Michelle is an advisor and mentor for several haircare brands. Before launching NaturallyCurly, Michelle was a business reporter with daily newspapers in Texas and California, focusing on retail, real estate and consumer products. A year-long special project on the explosive growth of Whole Foods Markets won several state and national awards. Michelle currently is the Chief Marketing Officer at SKU, the nation’s first CPG accelerator. She joined SKU as a mentor, working with emerging brands to help them scale. More about SKU: We educate and equip market-validated consumer product companies for growth into world class brands. Learn more at: https://sku.is/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine how tariffs are influencing consumer cutbacks in America.

Is the future of flavor increasingly borderless? Valda Coryat, vice president of marketing for condiments and sauces at McCormick, reveals how curiosity powers McCormick’s flavor foresight, why segmentation by “flavor personality” matters, and how flavors are becoming more culturally driven. More about Valda Coryat: More about McCormick: McCormick & Company, Inc. is a global leader in flavor. With our diverse and balanced flavor portfolio, we are ideally positioned to meet the increasing demand for flavor around the world. Learn more at https://www.mccormickcorporation.com/.