William Devin

Brandon Thurber, VP of NRS Insights, on RTD Market Growth: In his latest Food and Beverage Magazine feature, Brandon discusses the 35% growth in the RTD cocktail market, backed by NRS data from over 27,000 retailers. RTDs now represent 9% of spirits and 15% of wine sales, highlighting their growing market share. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and flavor, RTDs lead to a 60% higher spend per transaction. But with the market evolving rapidly, the critical question is—are you keeping up? 💡Marketers and media teams: curious about how your brands perform in this fast-paced environment? Let’s connect to explore strategies that will position your brand for success. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/exGMwvic #RTDCocktails #BevAl #RetailInsights #NRS #FoodandBeverageMagazine

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🍻 Did you know beer sales in the U.S. hit $116 billion? With nearly 10,000 craft breweries, sour beers and IPAs are leading the trend. As beer brands multiply, shoppers have become more selective. If their favorite beer isn’t available, they’ll likely head to another store. This creates a big challenge for retailers who must manage their portfolios while meeting picky shoppers' needs. Check out this insightful report by Jason Smith, highlighting the beer shopper and offering three key recommendations for retailers: 1️⃣ Introduce diverse beer types, flavors, and brands. 2️⃣ Optimize your assortment to fill gaps and minimize out-of-stocks. 3️⃣ Enhance shelf signage to help shoppers easily find what they want. Discover the full report through the link https://lnkd.in/e4REWZmQ #learningevolution #beer #shopperinsight #customers #cpg #grocery #nbwa

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Is Hormel Foods prepared to tackle the challenges of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences? Jim Snee, CEO of Hormel Foods, offers insights on the company's strategies to navigate these issues. Learn how they are adapting, building partnerships, embracing sustainability, and leveraging technology in this volatile landscape. #FoodIndustry #SupplyChain #ConsumerPreferences

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🚨🚨Applications are open for The Big Connecticut Food Event $50k pitch competition for emerging CPG food & bev brands, happening on 3/1/25 at the Yale School of Management. Visit ctfoodevent.com to learn more about the event and submit a participation request. Deadline to apply is 12/1/24. More info 🏆Applications will be scored by our judging committee then ranked. The top 5 scoring brands will be invited to participate in the pitch competition, and the top 30 scoring brands (including the finalists) will be invited to participate in tabling and sampling. 📍All food & beverage brands that are interested in participating in the pitch competition or tabling/sampling must be headquartered in Connecticut (it's okay if you were incorporated in a different state). Food & bev brands based outside of CT are welcome to participate in expert coaching sessions and attend the event. 🔎The following factors will be considered when scoring food & bev brand applications for consideration in the pitch competition. --Target market: Addressable target market is large and/or growing, or is a high-priced niche. Customer is well-defined. --Solution: Product is differentiated vs. competition: better, faster, cheaper, quality, efficient, convenient, focused. --Team/board/advisors: Evidence of more than just founder-led and -run. Relevant industry knowledge, skills, leadership experience, key relationships, prior successes and/or failures. --Traction: Stated planned milestones, minimal viable product built, market validation, key success metrics, revenue growth, partners. --Impact on the company: Would this company stand to gain significant advancement and opportunities by being featured at our event? Will an award help them move their stated project along and help take the company further? --Woman- or BIPOC-owned: Business owners represent one or more sytemically disadvantaged identities (race, gender, etc.). --Sustainable or regenerative: Sustainable/regenerative practices are a significant component of product and business (ingredient sourcing, packaging, energy use, etc.).

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As the demand for high-protein, on-the-go snacks continues to surge, Conagra is positioning itself at the forefront of this enduring trend. Conagra Brands, the force behind iconic names like Slim Jim and Duke's, has strategically expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Sweetwood Smoke & Co., makers of Fatty Smoked Meat Sticks. What makes Fatty's unique? Their meat sticks boast high protein, low sugar, gluten-free ingredients, and no MSG—exactly what today's health-conscious consumers are after. Since their major 2018 acquisition of Pinnacle Foods, Conagra has been laser-focused on strengthening their core business and managing debt, keeping acquisitions on the back burner. But when the right opportunity comes along, especially a bolt-on that aligns perfectly with market trends, they were ready to act. With the meat snack market projected to grow at nearly 7% CAGR through 2033, this acquisition is a smart move for Conagra, bolstering their position in a booming segment. At Greenwich Capital Group LLC, we anticipate a significant increase in strategic-driven M&A activity within the F&B category in the coming year, likely surpassing previous levels. Mars' recent acquisition of Kellanova underscores the growing trend of large strategic acquirers making bold moves to enhance their market presence and diversify their offerings. This acquisition is a clear signal that leading players are not just pursuing growth, but are also keenly focused on aligning with evolving consumer demands for health-conscious, innovative products. We expect to see more deals of this nature as companies seek to strengthen their positions in an increasingly competitive and dynamic market. #MergersAndAcquisitions #FoodIndustry #FoodandBeverage #ConsumerTrends #InvestmentBanking https://lnkd.in/gT4AWgMW

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Energy drink sales in convenience stores are on a tear, and c-store operators and beverage experts expect more of the same for the remainder of the year — although they are concerned about how anticipated price increases could impact demand. Convenience stores should brace for higher prices but can use deals, variety and sizing flexibility to draw in customers, experts say. https://lnkd.in/eDaPiHFf

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Tequila!   Many large players such as White Claw, and The Boston Beer Company (maker of Truly) are expanding their offerings and releasing tequila-flavored ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails as consumers are increasingly turning to tequila offerings in the beverage alcohol sector.   I had the opportunity to share my insights and thoughts on this surging trend with The Food Institute. In the article, I emphasized how innovations in ready-to-drink (RTD) formats, including tequila-based seltzers and margaritas, are meeting consumer demand for novel flavors. Additionally, I pointed out that tequila production has remained stable despite global supply chain disruptions and highlighted the increasing consumer preference for high-quality artisanal spirits.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gB9f-3Ci   #Tequila #BeverageIndustry #MarketTrends #ConsumerInsights #RTDCocktails

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