Reaching Gen Z: Restaurants need to create ‘new food experiences’ away from home that include fresh produce
I am a hoarder of research, always searching for, collecting, examining and tucking away the latest market reports, consumer survey data, peer-reviewed research studies, long-form articles from respected sources, and government reports. My inspiration for this column came from the 2024 Consumer Curiosity Report recently released by Curious Plot, a marketing firm. The survey was […]
How retailers, agencies in the U.S. are rallying momentum for produce-based prescriptions
Food as medicine is far from a new concept. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek who lived in the fourth century B.C., made the connection by saying, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Today, this concept should be front-row center on our plates. There are three reasons why. First, poor diet contributes to […]
Study: Regenerative cultivation could unlock key to soil health, preserving nutrients
Though still early, a recent study being conducted at the University of Leeds Farm is showing the steep potential and benefits of regenerative cultivation techniques over invasive ploughing. The study compares soil health, crop production, greenhouse gas emissions, and profit of different farming systems across seven 12m x 40m plots. Some of the plots were […]
Food as medicine? Why it’s probably best to avoid that label
There are certain words or phrases that make me cringe. Yes, kale, but also “food is medicine,” or “food as medicine.” I believe both phrases overpromise benefits while also taking away the joy, pleasure, and enjoyment of eating — especially when it comes to fresh produce. Think of the beautiful colors, enticing aromas, crunchy textures, […]
As inflation wanes, what factors can drive consumers to purchase more fresh produce?
Inflation made another surprising but welcoming dip last month to 7.9% in the UK and was an additional point lower across the food sector at 6.9%. Though still not a reason to jump for joy, as summer carries on, at least one retailer says it is seeing very positive signs from its Family Matters Index. […]
Could Africa’s ‘forgotten crops’ be key to a healthier, sustainable future?
What do wild custard apples, bush plums, Malabar spinach, spider plants and bottle gourd have in common? They are all among a group of African fruits and vegetables highlighted as forgotten food crops by a group of researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the World Vegetable Center, World Agroforestry and other institutions. They say oft-dismissed […]
Food Menu Trends report has a new No. 1: Making vegetables the centerpiece
Foodservice leader Unilever Food Solutions has released its annual Future Menu Trends report, and No. 1 on its list should delight those who dabble in fresh produce: Irresistible Vegetables. The top choice of more than 1,600 chefs from 21 countries this year is veg, and in particular, how to make carrots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts […]
Sainsbury’s launches £3 million campaign to Nourish the Nation before Christmas
Sainsbury’s is one of the many UK supermarket chains providing transformative assists during this festive season to those in need. But its latest endeavor – a campaign that will see 13.7 million people receive £3 million in food gifts – is certainly one of the most ambitious and generous. Sainsbury’s Nourish the Nation programme, in […]
