How One Truth Set Becomes a Competitive Advantage, Circana Reports

When shoppers shift allegiances overnight and margins leave no room for error, a rising sales line can mask a brand that is actually losing ground, while decisions built on partial evidence turn momentum into missed opportunity. Unifying every signal, from the register to the household, exposes the forces behind performance, clarifies the most profitable next move, and gives AI the reliable footing it needs to produce answers leaders can trust.

Key Takeaways

• Connected data explains "why," not just "what." POS data...

Holiday Spending Outlook Puts Value and Convenience in Focus for Foodservice

US consumers are expected to spend slightly less this holiday season as higher costs pressure household budgets. For foodservice operators and retailers, the outlook suggests consumers still plan to celebrate, but will be more selective about where holiday dollars go.

According to Circana’s 2026 US Holiday Purchase Intentions Study, consumers plan to spend an average of $779 during the 2026 holiday season, down from $796 in 2025. The survey of 3,534 US consumers found most shoppers expect to spend about the same as...

Datassential Sees Familiar Flavors, Global Specialties Shaping 2027 Food and Beverage Innovation

Some of the food and beverage trends expected to shape 2027 are not entirely new. According to Datassential, several familiar menu items that have already reached broad adoption are gaining renewed momentum as operators find new ways to use them.

In highlights from its 2027 Trends Report, the market research firm said items such as banana, anchovy, mango, deli salads and the old fashioned are seeing a comeback, even though they are already well established. The company said these concepts are being refreshed through...

FMI Report Shows Prepared Foods are Becoming Part of How Shoppers Build Meals at Home

The Food Industry Association (FMI) has released the 11th edition of its annual report series examining consumer behaviors and shopping patterns around deli-prepared foods in grocery stores.

The latest findings in The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2026 suggest grocery prepared foods are now a regular part of how consumers approach meals at home, with many shoppers blending store-prepared items with home cooking rather than treating foodservice as a separate occasion. The survey was conducted online using Qualtrics...

Global Fast Food Market Seen Reaching $2.57 Trillion by 2031, Report Says

The global fast food market is projected to reach $2.57 trillion by 2031, up from $1.78 trillion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Its latest research report points to convenience, digital ordering and changing consumer preferences as key growth drivers.

The study shows that technology is playing a bigger role in restaurant operations. Mordor Intelligence cited Domino's March update to its Tracker, which added an AI-powered system designed to provide more accurate ready-time estimates and better order visibility. Domino’s said the...

Value, Convenience Drive Restaurant Choice as Consumers Pull Back on Spending

Restaurant operators may be seeing modest improvement in consumer spending, but diners remain highly price-conscious and increasingly selective about where and how they spend. A new report from Popmenu found U.S. consumers are spending an average of $100 per week on restaurants, up from earlier in 2026 but still $15 below June 2025 levels.

The report underscores a key challenge for operators: consumers still want to dine out, but they are actively looking for ways to spend less. According to Popmenu...

OpenTable's Inaugural US Restaurant Impact Report Reveals Why Restaurants Matter More Than Ever

For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.

With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can...

Demand Signals Report: Unlock CPG, Consumer Behavior Insights

Circana's Demand Signals report provides a comprehensive picture of how shifting consumer behavior impacts the U.S. consumer packaged goods sector. Gain timely, data-backed insights that help support critical business decisions.

Key highlights from this period's report:

Consumer confidence drops on rising energy costs, while higher interest rates may add pressure ahead. Consumer confidence declined again in early September, its second consecutive monthly drop. Although August CPI held steady at 3.4%, gas prices have risen sharply in September and are back near the peaks...

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows 11th Month of Sales Growth in August

Retail sales rose modestly in August, marking the 11th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today [September 25, 2026] by the National Retail Federation.

"Retail sales climbed steadily once again in August," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Supported by low unemployment and steady wage gains, households remained budget-conscious but took full advantage of back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars. Retailers stayed committed to affordability, keeping everyday products accessible for American families."

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.22% seasonally...

Butterball® Togetherness Report™ Reveals 2026 Thanksgiving Outlook

Butterball, LLC, the company known for the most recognized and loved* turkey brand in the U.S., today announced the findings of the 2026 Butterball Togetherness Report, which explores how hosts and guests plan to shop, cook and celebrate this Thanksgiving.

The annual holiday report reveals that 85% of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with an anticipated celebration size of 10 people. Hosts are holding on to their traditions, with most saying even higher costs won't change their plans. Consumers are looking forward to spending time with family...

Generational Shifts Reshape Europe’s €361.2bn Foodservice Market

According to Circana’s latest report, Europe’s foodservice market was worth €361.2 billion in the year through June 2026, but relatively stable headline figures mask significant differences in how generations use the channel.

The report showed that in Europe’s five largest foodservice markets (Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain and Italy) spending rose 1.4% in the year ending June 2026, while visits fell 0.7%. Average spending per consumer increased 2.1%.

“Consumer behavior is evolving beneath the headline numbers,” Edurne Uranga, VP Foodservice Europe at Circana, said at the European...

Circana Tells Advertisers to Start Holiday 2026 Planning Earlier

Advertisers should start planning for the 2026 holidays earlier as shoppers increasingly discover products through social platforms, creators and AI tools, according to new guidance from Circana.

In its report, How Advertisers Should Prepare for Holiday 2026, the market research firm recommends that brands and media teams begin holiday activity ahead of traditional peak periods, build social and creator discovery into media plans, optimize product data for AI-assisted shopping and measure results across channels.

The case for an earlier start is reflected in Circana’s 2025...

White Castle Loyalty Program Saved Customers $5.1 Million in Past Year

White Castle is kicking off a new year of value beginning Sept. 15 with the launch of Craver Nation Rewards Season 3. This follows a winning Season 2 — spanning Sept. 2025 to Sept. 2026 — which delivered $5.1 million in savings to members through exclusive deals and offers.

Season 3 of Craver Nation Rewards, White Castle’s free-to-join customer loyalty program, brings new Quests, rewards and opportunities to level up, along with special offers throughout the year. To celebrate the launch, members...

Import Cargo’s Peak Season Not Over Yet

This year’s extended peak season is continuing, with a final bump expected this month that could push September just over the line to be the busiest month of the year for import volume at the nation’s major container ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We thought the peak season would be mostly behind us by now, but that’s not the case,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Some of the shift...

The Retail Rundown: Buying Opportunities Emerge Beyond Peak Grilling

As summer enters its final stretch, retailers are shifting their focus from peak grilling season to the next major merchandising window: back-to-school, Labor Day, and early fall meal occasions.

Consumers remain focused on value as grocery budgets face pressure, yet they are still willing to spend on proteins that deliver an affordable "restaurant-at-home" experience. 

At the same time, evolving priorities and the increased adoption of GLP-1 medications are reshaping how households plan meals and shop for groceries, with new consumer research showing that health...

Circana’s 2026/2027 Global Food and Beverage Outlook Predicts Slow-to-Moderate Growth 

U.S. consumers are no longer just cutting back; they are recalibrating how they buy, according to new Circana Compass research released today by Circana LLC. The insights show the U.S. retail food and beverage (F&B) industry grew 2.2% in the first half of 2026, and Circana projects growth will settle into a 2-3% range in 2027 as shoppers optimize spending amid financial pressure, shifting lifestyle priorities, and increasingly digital, AI-assisted shopping behavior. The findings signal a return toward pre..

FMI Report Finds Food Retailers Doubling Down on Value, Health and Tech Amid Economic Pressure

Food retailers and suppliers are continuing to invest in affordability, health-focused products and technology despite ongoing economic strain, according to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 report released by The Food Industry Association (FMI).

The report found industry leaders concentrated on five core priorities: managing macroeconomic volatility, meeting consumer demands for value and health, improving the shopping experience, adopting new technologies and building business resilience.

“Consumers are increasingly sensitive to both the cost of food and the nutritional...

WalletHub Study Reveals Where Fast Food Costs Consumers the Most

WalletHub has unveiled a new study highlighting where consumers spend the most and least on fast food. The study analyzed average prices for burgers, pizza and fried chicken sandwiches across all 50 states and compared those costs with average household income. Researchers based their calculations on the purchase of one burger, one small pizza and one fried chicken sandwich.

“With fast food prices rising by an average of 60% over the past decade, it’s fair for consumers to wonder whether the convenience of having food in minutes...

New Research from Global Payments Highlights the Cost of Order Anxiety at Restaurants

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN), a leading payment technology and software company that powers commerce for businesses of all sizes worldwide, today [May 14, 2026] released new research revealing the hidden impact of stressful quick service restaurant (QSR) ordering moments, including that 60% of customers say they default to their usual order when rushed, likely ignoring special offers and new items. The survey of 2,000 U.S. QSR customers uncovers the hidden impact of "order anxiety" and how it may be silently shrinking restaurant revenues.

83% of Fast-Food Chains Are Invisible to AI Restaurant Recommendations, Uberall Finds

As AI assistants increasingly shape where people decide to eat, most quick-service restaurants are being left out of the conversation. That’s the core takeaway from a new Uberall report, Fast Food, Faster Discovery: The 2026 GEO Playbook for Multi-Location QSRs, which examines how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity surface restaurant recommendations — and why many multi-location brands aren’t making the cut.

Based on Uberall’s GEO Studio benchmark data and performance metrics from its global QSR customers, the report...

OpenTable Data Shows Mothers Day Dining Is Driving Larger Parties and Earlier Dinners

OpenTable has revealed new data indicating what moms really want on Mother’s Day. Skip breakfast in bed: the research shows moms would rather celebrate with a multigenerational lunch or early dinner than be in charge of the cleanup afterward. That preference is helping drive larger gatherings, with reservations for parties of six or more on Mother’s Day up 13% year over year in 2025.

While brunch at noon remains the most popular option, an early dinner trend is emerging, with 5 p...

Day 55 of Iran War: Iran Refuses Strait Reopening; Peace Timeline Unclear

Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US blockade remained in place, calling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire between the two sides.

In Washington, the Senate voted 55–46 to reject a war powers resolution aimed at limiting US President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war on Iran, marking the fifth failed attempt to curb presidential war powers. The White House on Wednesday said Trump has not set a deadline by which Iran must submit a peace proposal...

Unilever Food Solutions Turns Future Menus Into Real-Time AI-driven Platform for Chefs and Operators

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is expanding its Future Menus platform from an annual trend report into what it describes as an action-oriented program built on a new experiential intelligence model, signaling a broader push to give chefs and operators more practical, real-time guidance.

According to the company, Future Menus 2026 was designed to address a gap in the market for predictive tools that can identify emerging diner expectations while also helping operators improve menu profitability, operational efficiency...

Online Grocery Set to Drive Majority of US Grocery Growth Through 2028

Online grocery shopping has firmly entered the mainstream, according to a new report from FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ, which positions e-commerce as a primary driver of future grocery growth.

"Ecommerce is poised for extensive growth," said Jack O’Leary, director of ecommerce strategic insights for NIQ. "With online grocery sales increasing at a projected 11.6% annual rate through 2028 and already accounting for about one-fifth of total grocery spending, success now hinges on how well retailers connect digital and physical...

Private Label Reaches New Milestone Across Europe’s Biggest Grocery Markets

Circana reports private label has reached a new milestone in Europe, hitting a 50% unit share across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK for the first time. The gain reflects sustained pressure from higher living costs, with store brands steadily expanding share since 2021 by more than three percentage points.

Circana’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Insights, Ananda Roy, said, "Supermarket private label brands have spent the last decade becoming powerful brands in their own right. Given that a normal shopping...

Circana Forecasts 3% Foodservice Growth Across US and Europe in 2026

Circana projects US and European foodservice spend will grow 3% in 2026, as evolving consumer behaviors reshape demand across channels, dayparts and formats.

Speaking at Alimentaria, VP Foodservice Europe Edurne Uranga noted that while the two regions share common trends, they differ structurally. “The reality is more nuanced. The two markets share common dynamics, particularly the blurring of channels as new touchpoints emerge to capture immediate consumption occasions, but diverge in important structural ways.”

In the US, convenience stores are driving disruption...

Gen Z and Millennials Reshape British Dining with a Health-First Mindset

Gen Z and Millennials are driving a health-first shift in British dining, with 45% following specific diets and reshaping how foodservice menus are developed. According to Circana, nearly one in four (23%) British consumers seeking higher-protein, lower-calorie meals will switch dining venues to match their preferences. Demand for energy, immunity, and weight management products is also among the fastest-growing segments.

While GLP-1 adoption remains limited in Britain due to regulations, Circana reports growing momentum. Awareness...

Day 46 of Iran War: Trump Says Iran Deal Still Possible Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions 

US and Iranian negotiating teams may return to Islamabad later this week to resume talks aimed at ending the war, following failed weekend negotiations and the US blockade on Iranian ports. 

Iran’s military denounced the blockade as unlawful and warned it could threaten shipping throughout the Gulf. Even with rising tensions, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was still “holding."

Instability in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing pressure on the global energy markets, with roughly 20,000 ships reportedly stuck and major supply chains being disrupted...

Private-Label Brands Surge Across US and Global Markets, Circana Reports

According to two new reports from Circana, private-label brands are rapidly expanding across CPG and FMCG markets, led by food and beverage in the US, where private label holds a 24% value share in those aisles. The data shows the sector has evolved into a strategic growth driver for retailers and has built strong momentum recently.

Circana’s global research, Category Transformation or Simply Competition: A Global Private Label Perspective, explores regional approaches to private brands across the European Union, Australia, and the...

Legal Challenges, Changing Demand and Wage Pressures in Foodservice

The foodservice industry continues to navigate a complex mix of legal scrutiny, evolving consumer preferences and ongoing labor challenges. Recent lawsuits targeting major brands underscore heightened expectations around transparency and worker protections, while new data reveals how even small factors like cooking oil are increasingly shaping dining decisions, particularly among younger consumers.

At the same time, global traffic trends show cautious but steady recovery, with quick-service restaurants leading the way despite economic headwinds. Layered onto this are mounting wage debates...

Reach3 Insights Report Shows Shift in How Americans Grocery Shop

Reach3 Insights has released a study, Rethinking Routine: What's Really Happening in the Grocery Aisle, revealing that 81% of Americans are open to trying new grocery brands. This research indicates a shift from sticking with familiar brands to more thoughtful brand comparison, research, and evaluation.

"In this time of sustained economic volatility, the grocery aisle has become more evaluative, rather than CPG shopping being comprised of quick, non-conscious decisions," said Jonathan Dore, Executive Vice President at Reach3 Insights. "Shoppers, particularly younger generations...

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Meat sales climbed to a new record of $112 billion in 2025, up 2% from the prior year, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

The report found meat remains a near-universal staple, with 98% of US households purchasing meat. For retailers, this underscores the importance of keeping meat and poultry front and center to capture consumer spending, especially as health and wellness trends continue to drive demand for protein...

America’s Rethinking Meal Planning: New Report Finds Frozen Foods Becoming a Kitchen Essential

New market data shows that frozen food is becoming a meal-planning essential for today’s consumers. As the national conversation about food, health, and affordability is intensifying, research unveiled at AFFI-CON finds millions of families see practical answers for this conversation in the frozen food aisle.

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and FMI – the Food Industry Association released the fourth edition of the Power of Frozen in Retail report, outlining a key trend: frozen food has moved from a backup option to a core element of meal-planning for a growing share of American households...

Walmart Achieves Record Grocery Growth as Consumer Habits Shift 

According to a quarterly study by dunnhumby, Walmart's grocery penetration in the US has reached a record 72%, driven by the improved financial security of American shoppers aged 18-54. This represents a 6 percentage point increase year-over-year (YOY), the largest growth among all retailers.

Walmart serves over 190 million Americans monthly, 2.5 times more than the second-place Dollar General at 28.6%. The data reveals that mass-channel retailers have, for the first time, equaled traditional supermarkets with a 79% penetration rate...

Valentine’s Day Dining Trends Show Shift Beyond Romance According to OpenTable

Restaurants are gearing up for the next major dining holiday: Valentine’s Day.

According to global restaurant tech company OpenTable, this year the industry continues to see a shift as consumers celebrate more than just romantic relationships. From friendships to family and self-love, Valentine’s Day is becoming more inclusive, and restaurants are at the center of it.

"Gen-Z is leading the charge in making Valentine's Day more inclusive," said Cheryl Paniagua, VP of Restaurant Sales & Services at OpenTable.

The data shows that 60%...

Kroger Announces Executive Leadership Changes, Outlines Vision for 2026

Kroger is making significant changes in its executive team with a series of new appointments.

"We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success," stated Ron Sargent, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and...

UNFI Identifies Key Trends Shaping Fresh Departments for Retailers in 2026

While shoppers are spending more deliberately, the fresh departments are still earning their attention. Categories including produce, floral, bakery, deli, specialty cheese, meat, and seafood are outperforming the rest of the store, with fresh product sales up 3.7% year over year*.

That performance reflects shifting shopper expectations: better taste, stronger nutrition, added convenience, and more transparency from the products they buy.

For retailers, success in fresh now depends on understanding these drivers and partnering with experts who can translate trends into execution on the sales floor.

Ron Selders, UNFI’s President...

Lamb Weston Shutters One Plant, Defers to New Production in Argentina; North American Sales Flat

As of January 8, Lamb Weston will close one potato processing facility in Munro to consolidate into its newest facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina, according to a press release from the group that supplies some of the world's largest fast-food chains. While the company realizes most of its profits in North America, officials say other markets like Argentina are growing quickly.

“These actions are part of our broader strategy to improve profitability and enhance operational efficiency across our global manufacturing network..."

Kroger Unveils Customer's 2025 Yearly Checkout

The Kroger Co. today shared that customers saved billions through discounts, promotions and everyday savings throughout 2025. With the Yearly Checkout feature, customers can view a personalized summary of their annual savings, shopping habits and grocery preferences.

"In 2025, we offered our customers record savings across the store on the everyday items that matter the most to their families and even more discounts during those special moments throughout the year," said Mary Ellen Adcock, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant and Marketing Officer. "With everyday low prices...

A Year of Change, Value, and Growth in Foodservice

As we closed the month of December and ushered out the year 2025, we look back at some of the most memorable moments in foodservice. From corporate controversy to shifting consumer behavior, the year delivered no shortage of headlines.

Controversy erupted when a popular chain restaurant walked back a logo redesign that ultimately spilled into the political arena. "Value" emerged as the buzzword of the year as restaurants competed to give consumers more for their money. Meanwhile, beef prices climbed to historic highs, pushing chicken into the spotlight as diners...

Whole Foods Market’s Top Food Trends to Watch in 2026

Whole Foods Market has released its annual forecast of the top food and beverage trends expected to shape shopping carts, kitchens, and consumer preferences in 2026. Developed by the retailer’s Trends Council, a group of buyers, culinary experts, and industry scouts, the list reflects emerging patterns in health, convenience, sustainability, and food culture.

One notable shift is the resurgence of beef tallow, a traditional cooking fat prized for its rich flavor and high smoke point. Once a staple of classic kitchens, tallow is being rediscovered by consumers interested in...

Foodservice Finds Momentum This Holiday Season Amid Shifting Consumer Spending

As the holidays approach and the year winds down, the foodservice industry competes with retail on how consumers stretch their dollars during "the most wonderful time of the year."

CNBC recently reported that, based on restaurant purchasing data, consumers continue to dine out, but many are opting for appetizer items instead of entrée menu options.

Despite the challenges of disease, supply issues, and rising costs, the American foodservice industry remains resilient and continues to find ways to tap into consumer spending this December, even as some consumers scale back.

Acosta Group Unveils 2026 Top Consumer Predictions  

Acosta Group has unveiled its four consumer predictions for 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of personalization and innovation for achieving success and relevance.

Colin Stewart, EVP of Business Intelligence at Acosta Group, noted, "Technology and evolving consumer lifestyles continue to reshape the shopping experience, as do the expectations, priorities, and values driving purchases. This creates fresh opportunities for brands, retailers, and foodservice operators to predict consumer needs and drive excitement and trust," based on comprehensive research conducted with the company's 40,000-member shopper community.

The predictions include:

• Shoppers turning to...

Americans Plan to Dine Out More in 2026 as OpenTable Reports Strong Industry Growth

OpenTable’s newly released 2026 Dining Trends Report shows that despite mixed views on the economy, Americans continue to prioritize eating out, driving steady growth across the foodservice industry.

According to the analysis, dining out increased 8% year-over-year in 2025, and consumers expect for that to increase in 2026.

"As we head into 2026, there's good news for the restaurant industry: our new research shows that people continue to make room in their lives and budgets for dining out...