- United States ports are processing a high volume of shipping containers this coming spring. 2.34 million 20-foot containers in March, with a 10.8% increase from February. Ports are experiencing high volume due to the fact retailers are beginning to import more goods in hopes to beat inflation and prepare for any disruptions that may stem from the U.S. West Coast port labor negations that started earlier this week. (Source: Times of San Diego).
Source: Seafood Source. Read the full article here.
- According to a recent study looking at the 2022 Loyalty Maturity Benchmark Research from Incisiv, digital is now the main starting point for over 85% of consumers during the buying journey. This includes convenience, grocery, and QSR and the digital capability that loyalty programs have on consumers and their want to buy digitally.
Source: Bake Mag. Read the full article here.
- DoorDash is expanding to Long Island, New York, announcing two DashMart convenience stores – one in West Babylon (opening next month) and one in Huntington (opening later this year). DashMart convenience stores allow customers to order their groceries, household goods, and restaurant items all within the app and have the option to receive delivery or pick up at the stores.
Source: QSR Web. Read the full article here.
- According to Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s economy is expected to gradually recover as China is achieving great anti-epidemic and pro-growth policies in full effect. While China’s economy did take a significant dip from the domestic resurgence of COVID-19 in April due to high cases, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and progress is underway.
Source: Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full article here.
- In two California cities – Santa Monica and West Hollywood, Uber is piloting two food delivery services: tapping robots and autonomous cars. The goal is to keep up with the consumer demand of wanting the best and easiest delivery options that UberEats can provide.
Source: QSR Web. Read the full article here.
- Grocery inflation is affecting restaurants at an all-time high. Food prices have continued to increase, rising at 9.4% (including 7.2% at restaurants). Grocery stores prices have increased even more, up to 10.8%. The inflation rate increases costs for the average consumer, which can result in consumers wanting to cut back on going out to eat at restaurants and bars.
Source: Restaurant Business // RB Daily Podcast. Read the full article here and listen to the podcast episode here.
- Since the grain surge due to the Russia-Ukraine war, India is not the only one who has banned wheat imports. Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Serbia have banned wheat exports, too. With food prices continuing to increase, according to a recent announcement from India’s Weekend (Source: CNBC), wheat prices increased up 6% on Monday, May 16th.
Source: CNBC. Read the full article here.
- According to a recent report with Toast Restaurant, In Q1 of 2021 dine-in sales increased 46% while take out and delivery sales decreased 7%. These increases and decreases are a result of pandemic restrictions lifting around the United States in recent months.
Source: Restaurant Dive. Read the full article here.
