FAST FOOD

Fast Food is on a bumpy road

Californians are reacting to price increases at fast food chains by choosing to dine at smaller, independent restaurants instead. These price hikes are largely a response to a new law requiring fast food franchises in California to raise their minimum wage to $20 starting in April. Since the law's implementation, chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Pizza Hut have increased their prices by about 10% overall. In contrast, the rest of the U.S. has seen a more modest price rise of just over 5%. The price increases have prompted customers like Greg LaVay and John Matthews to shift their dining preferences to less expensive, independent eateries that aren't affected by the wage increase law. This shift highlights a growing frustration with the perceived value at fast food chains amidst rising costs.

The decline in sales at fast-food chains as more people opt to eat at home, is influenced by economic pressures and other factors. Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, reported a 3% drop in same-store sales, with decreases observed at Pizza Hut and KFC, although Taco Bell saw a slight increase. Starbucks also experienced a 4% decline in global store sales, attributed to a decrease in customer transactions. Conversely, McDonald’s saw a modest increase of 1.9% in its comparable sales. Overall, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is facing challenges due to economic factors and changing consumer behaviors, leading some companies to emphasize value and deals to attract customers.

FOODIE SOPTLIGHT

Walmart is taking a page out of Trader Joe’s book

Walmart has launched a new store-label food brand named Bettergoods, aimed at appealing to younger consumers who favor affordable, chef-inspired options. This brand marks the largest launch by Walmart in 20 years, featuring an initial rollout of 300 products that include frozen foods, dairy, snacks, beverages, and more, with prices mostly under $5. Bettergoods offers a range of products catering to various dietary needs and preferences, such as plant-based and gluten-free options, alongside unique culinary items like creamy corn jalapeno chowder and Italian pasta. This initiative responds to growing consumer interest in private labels, which have seen increased market share amid inflation, as shoppers look for cost-effective alternatives to national brands. Walmart's introduction of Bettergoods aligns with broader trends of enhancing private label offerings across the retail industry.

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EDUCATION

Food Safety Coaching & Training

Excellent food safety practices start with people who uphold standards, policies, and procedures. At AQR, we want to help our clients develop a food safety culture by coaching and training staff on foundational food safety principles. Partner with AQR to elevate your people and culture.

FOOD DOLLAR

The rise of at-home pop-up restaurants

A growing trend where individuals are turning their culinary hobbies into side hustles by transforming their homes into pop-up takeaways. For instance, Matt O’Brien in Penarth has started "Matty's BBQ Chop Shop" from his home, taking advantage of the low overhead costs to sell barbecue-inspired dishes on weekends. Despite the challenging environment for traditional restaurants, which are closing due to high operational costs and reduced business rates, home-based food ventures are emerging as a viable alternative. These ventures allow entrepreneurs like Matt and Sranya Khaengkhan, who runs a Thai takeaway called Hug Paeng from her home in Cardiff, to operate with minimal expenses, bypassing costs associated with commercial spaces and staff. This model not only offers a better work-life balance but also provides a platform to share their passion for cooking with a wider audience while keeping the business manageable and personal.

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FILL YOUR CUP FIRST WITH VITAVATE

FIND YOUR FOCUSED FLOW 

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FOOD SAFETY

Keeping your air fryer safe

Despite some recalls, air fryers are generally safe to use if basic safety guidelines are followed.

1. Clean the air fryer basket after each use: Removing oil and food residues prevents fire risks.

2. Monthly coil cleaning: This prevents buildup that could catch fire or impair functionality.

3. Dedicate an outlet to the air fryer and unplug it after use: This reduces the risk of electrical fires.

4. Avoid overcrowding the basket: This prevents food from touching the heating elements, which could cause burns or fires.

5. Never leave the air fryer unattended while it is on: Monitoring the air fryer can prevent accidents.

Concerns about chemical coatings like PFOA in air fryer baskets have been raised, but most modern nonstick coatings are considered safe under typical cooking conditions. However, for those concerned about nonstick surfaces, alternatives like air fryers with wire racks are available.

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AGRICULTURE, SCIENCE, AND TECH

Food security crisis in Nigeria

Nigeria is facing an escalating food security crisis, with a projected 31 million people expected to face acute hunger by mid-2024. This situation is exacerbated by multiple factors including climate-induced flooding, inflation, insecurity, and currency fluctuations affecting the Naira. Despite Nigeria being a leading global producer of crops like cassava and maize, there has been a decline in the production of essential foodstuffs such as rice, millet, and soybeans. The Ministry of Agriculture has not prioritized data collection, which is crucial for policy-making and investment decisions. Challenges such as insecurity, low mechanization, high input costs, and labor expenses are impeding agricultural productivity. These issues are further compounded by environmental and security problems across various states, leading to decreased crop yields and contributing to the worsening food security situation.

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