Americans desire food indulgence, and despite health concerns, some consumers don't mind if sugar is a part of indulgent consumption. Due to the impact of COVID-19, consumers stockpiled food, and many turned to familiar, comforting (and sugary) foods.

Jones Soda Co., a premium craft soda maker known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted label artwork, is turning its bottles into messages of optimism during the COVID-19 pandemic with limited-edition “Messages of Hope” cream soda labels featuring inspirational images created by consumers.  

Although consumers have moved on from the panic grocery shopping they did in the early stage of COVID-19, they still maintain the same level of foods and beverages inventory. Across all categories, there has been only a 3% drop in the estimated number of food and beverage packages on hand in homes compared to early April, reports NPD.

New Hope Network misses gathering with the natural & organic products community, and we are sad to announce that we will need to wait until 2021 for us all to be together in person again due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 crisis on events and travel.

Prepared by The Hartman Group, the 2020 report provides a clear picture of grocery shopping habits before the pandemic, attitude shifts that took place during COVID-19 and offers a glimpse of what might come next for the food industry.

The new report, "COVID-19 and Navigating the Path Ahead: Supporting the Natural Products Consumer," highlights natural shoppers’ product and shopping preferences, recommended strategies for manufacturers and retailers to attract and retain consumers, and suggestions to maximize new opportunities in the future.

By the time I finish writing this sentence, I imagine another industry trade show will have been cancelled. In my 20 years of covering the food and beverage industry, I have never witnessed such widespread disruption to business. I don’t believe any among us have been left unaffected by the current crisis.

Covid-19 has affected bakery players in different ways. With foodservice representing as much as 70% of their sales, frozen bakery players have seen reduced orders as food consumption changes from restaurants to home kitchens.

The primary purpose of the platform is to bring vast efficiencies to the food supply chain, while also serving as a critical tool in times of need. Retailers requiring additional resources to fulfill needs at grocery stores, are connected with sellers that have capacity of products, transportation services, labor, and warehousing services.

Widespread stay-at-home orders amid the COVID-19 pandemic have led to record rates of unemployment and increased pressure on food banks. In support of its local communities during this challenging time, Lesaffre Corp. and Red Star are making charitable food donations worth $100,000 to food banks, starting with the cities where the company operates: Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Dothan, Ala.; and Milwaukee.