Recycled paperboard producers are signaling another potential price hike. Foodservice packaging costs could rise as mills respond to tighter margins and input challenges. Operators should review contracts and sourcing strategies ahead of proposed changes expected to impact the market this May.
U.S.-based foodservice businesses may soon feel the effects of rising grocery prices tied to recent tariff actions. A national consumer survey reported that Americans anticipate an average increase of 8% in their grocery spending. While the exact impact will vary by category, early indicators point to a ripple effect throughout the food supply chain particularly for businesses reliant on products sourced from international trade partners. Ongoing policy changes affecting imports from countries like Mexico, China, and Canada have introduced new cost burdens on commodities such as produce, grains, and packaged goods. For foodservice distributors and restaurants, that translates to pricing volatility and operational uncertainty as they head into the second half of 2025. Consumer Behavior Offers Early Signals for Operators As grocery prices trend upward, U.S. households are adjusting spending patterns—gravitating toward private-label brands, discount retailers, and at-home meal preparation. These behaviors are not new, but they’ve intensified in recent months in response to inflationary pressures and tighter consumer budgets. For foodservice businesses, this shift underscores the need to closely monitor traffic, ticket sizes, and consumer sentiment. If cost sensitivity continues to rise, value positioning and menu flexibility will become essential tools in protecting revenue and guest loyalty. Strategies for Managing Cost Increases in Food Operations Operators already operating within narrow margins face difficult decisions when upstream costs climb. Adjustments to menu pricing, portion sizes, and recipe design are all common levers but they require careful calibration to avoid customer pushback. Supply chain teams may also look to rebalance their vendor mix, sourcing more from domestic or tariff-neutral regions. Bulk purchasing agreements, local supplier partnerships, and flexible distribution arrangements could help ease exposure to import-driven cost increases. In the back of house, tighter inventory management and smarter forecasting can limit food waste and optimize purchasing decisions—both crucial in times of price instability. Proactive Planning Remains a Competitive Advantage Whether these cost pressures persist or deepen will depend on several external factors, including ongoing trade negotiations, crop yields, and fuel prices. Still, for most foodservice organizations, the prudent move is to plan for continued volatility. Forward-looking operators are already reevaluating cost structures, identifying substitution-ready ingredients, and building playbooks for tiered pricing scenarios. Those with agile operations and adaptable sourcing models are more likely to maintain stability through economic swings.
New US tariffs are reshaping how retailers set prices during the critical holiday season. Businesses face rising costs, shifting consumer behavior, and tighter competition. This article breaks down the strategies companies are using to stay competitive without losing customer trust.
Cherries are redefining summer 2025 in American foodservice with bold new culinary uses. This article details how cherry is making its way into drinks, entrées, and desserts. See how chefs and operators are using this vibrant ingredient to meet changing customer demands.
PCA’s latest earnings reveal a strategic push in packaging performance with strong Q1 gains and a new Arizona facility. Tariffs and pricing shifts still pose challenges. See how these changes could directly impact packaging costs for foodservice operators in the months ahead.
The FDA is weighing a plan to hand off most food inspections to state and local governments. Budget cuts and staffing shortages are driving the proposal. Critics warn this shift could reshape how food safety is enforced nationwide, with little federal presence on the ground.
Cybersecurity in the restaurant industry is facing critical challenges. This article examines real data breaches and how businesses are responding with smarter safeguards. Find out what strategies are making a difference in customer data protection and why they matter now more than ever. As online ordering systems, loyalty apps, and cloud-based platforms become embedded in day-to-day operations, restaurants are facing a growing challenge: securing customer and employee data in an increasingly complex digital environment. Cyberattacks are operational risks with real consequences. From point-of-sale breaches to supply chain vulnerabilities, the foodservice industry is navigating a heightened threat landscape. And recent incidents show just how exposed even large, tech-savvy brands can be. How Are Restaurants Exposed? Foodservice businesses are uniquely susceptible to cybersecurity threats due to their operational model: Point-of-Sale Systems: Frequently targeted for credit card data and often left underpatched, POS terminals are prime attack surfaces. Employee Training Gaps: Phishing and social engineering attacks often succeed when frontline staff aren’t trained to spot red flags. Third-Party Integrations: Vendors and tech providers may not always meet the same security standards, introducing supply chain risk. Outdated Infrastructure: Legacy systems without regular security updates can become soft targets for increasingly sophisticated attackers. Industry Incidents Underscore Rising Risk Several foodservice and delivery companies have reportedly experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past year, underscoring the growing digital risks across the industry: Panda Restaurant Group was reported to have experienced a data breach in 2024 involving unauthorized access to internal systems. Public reports suggest that personal information of current and former employees may have been exposed, including sensitive HR data. The incident has led to legal claims and investigations. Krispy Kreme reportedly detected unauthorized activity within its U.S. IT systems in late 2024. Media coverage indicated that the cyberattack disrupted online ordering functionality, though in-store operations were said to remain unaffected. Grubhub disclosed in early 2025 that a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party vendor may have exposed limited personal and payment-related data of customers, drivers, and restaurant partners. According to public statements, full credit card numbers and highly sensitive identifiers were not compromised. Each of these incidents highlights the vulnerabilities that come with digital growth, particularly when third-party systems and legacy software intersect with evolving consumer expectations. Building Security: Industry Best Practices Operators can mitigate risk by implementing a proactive cybersecurity framework that includes: Data Encryption: Protect sensitive information both in transit and at rest. Access Management: Use role-based access controls and require multi-factor authentication for sensitive systems. Regular Backups: Store encrypted backups offsite and test recovery protocols regularly. Ongoing Staff Education: Integrate cybersecurity into onboarding and conduct routine training refreshers. Framework Adoption: Align internal practices with established models to build systematic resilience. The future of dining is digital, right from AI-driven guest personalization to mobile-first payment systems. But every new integration adds complexity and without a strong cybersecurity foundation, that complexity becomes a liability. To move forward confidently, restaurant operators must embed cybersecurity into every layer of their digital infrastructure. Protecting guest data isn’t just the cost of compliance, it’s the price of trust.
New diet trends are influencing how restaurants build their menus. Flexitarian and climatarian habits focus on sustainability, health, and conscious choices. This article breaks down how those preferences are driving real changes across the food industry.
Fast-casual dining is shifting the restaurant landscape with tech-forward service and health-driven menus. Consumers are choosing speed, quality, and value without compromise. This article breaks down the real reasons behind the industry's unexpected comeback and what’s coming next.
The rise of off-dining premises services is reshaping the food industry in 2025. Consumers expect more than convenience—they demand tailored, tech-driven options. This article reveals how restaurants are rethinking service models to stay competitive in a landscape where dining rooms are no longer the default.
A new dining trend is reshaping menus: the hotdog tower. Fueled by rising costs and customer nostalgia, chefs are stacking gourmet links with bold sides. It’s a savory shift redefining how luxury looks—and tastes—today.
Gen Z is rethinking their coffee habits with the rise of the home cafe trend. They’re skipping expensive lattes and designing creative, budget-friendly setups at home. This article breaks down how they’re making café-quality drinks and turning daily routines into a personal, aesthetic ritual.
