Supermarkets and convenience stores (c-stores) are raising the bar on their foodservice offerings and an increasing number of consumers are choosing these outlets for their prepared meals and snacks in addition to quick service restaurants (QSRs), reports The NPD Group, a leading global information company.

Over a third of snacks consumed after dinner are sweet, and over 40% of snacks carried from home and eaten at school, work, in the car, or at other locations are better-for-you.

By 2018, Packaged Facts expects sales of chocolate candy in the U.S. to exceed $26 billion for the first time, up from roughly $22 billion in sales estimated by the end of 2015. Most important, the category is quite dynamic: with a strong pace of innovation, an influx of creative new players and a steady flow of new products that engage consumers.

A new national consumer poll released by Instantly™ found that artificial ingredients in food products are a top concern for Americans and many do not trust large companies to produce all-natural alternatives.

The latest report from business intelligence provider visiongain offers comprehensive analysis of the global protein ingredients market. Visiongain assesses that this market will generate revenues of $27.70 Billion in 2015.

The Kroger Co. announced a new line of corporate brand products, imported directly from the most food-rich regions of the world. HemisFares™ is a guided tour of the best-of-the-best tastes the planet has to offer – found exclusively at the Kroger family of stores.

This initiative to simplify ingredient lists is part of Schwan’s longtime work to evolve its foods to meet the health and wellness expectations of consumers.

Social media marketing strategies are an undeniable force in today's world, and retail food industry must make social platforms a part of their marketing strategy.

Men are stepping up purchases, less affluent shoppers are buying a wide variety of products like artisanal cheese and single-origin chocolate, and millennials are showing their age at the store.

Consumers in the U.S. and around the world are showing increased concern about how their food products are sourced including whether vegetable and grain products are free of pesticides and/or made grown without the use of genetic modifications; and if non-genetically modified ingredients are being included in the feed of the poultry and livestock from which their animal foods are derived. These concerned consumers also want to know that the animals were raised and slaughtered under humane conditions.