Industry News

Food Away from Home industry is already feeling an impact from tariffs—for better and worse

Tariffs are already impacting the Food Away From Home industry, shaking consumer confidence and shifting spending habits. Some brands saw sales gains from perceived value, while others, like McDonald’s and Sysco, reported declines.

What’s looming in state legislatures for the FAFH industry

The Trump White House has been a wellspring of regulatory activity with implications for the food-away-from-home business, but states haven’t been idle, either. Recent days have brought a flurry of state legislative and regulatory proposals that coul

Sysco plans to test a cash-and-carry venture

Sysco is giving the cash-and-carry business a try. The distribution giant told financial analysts Tuesday morning that it intends to open two Sysco-to-Go outlets in its home city of Houston as a test. Access to the club-style stores will apparently b

C-stores and QSRs compete for food-buying customers

No line between food-away-from-home segments may be fading as quickly as the already-faint boundary between quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and convenience stores.

Consumers say they’d pay more for better to-go packaging

Restaurant customers may be wincing from today’s takeout prices, but a majority would accept an increase if the to-go packaging was improved, according to a new report from the National Restaurant Association.

FDA outlines a plan for voluntarily eliminating artificial food dyes

The FDA plans to phase out artificial, petroleum-based food dyes in favor of natural alternatives. While the shift is voluntary, officials expect broad industry cooperation. A timeline and new approvals for natural dyes are forthcoming,

Restaurant chains share their tariff defenses at RLC 2025

If there was an overriding theme to the 2025 Restaurant Leadership Conference, it had to be uncertainty.

HHS to announce the phase-out of artificial food dyes

The Trump Administration will announce a plan to phase out petroleum-based artificial food dyes from the U.S. food supply. HHS and the FDA will detail the initiative.

The fog has yet to lift on what tariffs will mean for the FAFH business

Tariff uncertainty clouds the food-away-from-home industry as shifting White House policies spark confusion, cost concerns, and contingency planning—leaving operators scrambling to adapt amid volatile trade rules and rising import duties.

Foodservice was c-stores' growth engine in 2024, NACS says

Foodservice fueled growth in c-stores in 2024, rising to nearly 29% of in-store revenues and 40% of gross profits, offsetting fuel and cigarette sales declines, according to NACS. Prepared foods led the surge, especially in breakfast and hot offering

Congressional group pushes for SNAP changes benefiting restaurants

A bipartisan bill aims to let SNAP recipients buy hot, ready-to-eat meals from restaurants and convenience stores, reversing a long-standing ban and expanding food access for low-income families. The legislation faces uncertain prospects in Congress.

Whole milk could return to schools receiving federal aid

Congress is considering a bipartisan bill to allow whole milk in schools receiving federal aid, citing improved student milk consumption, reduced waste, and health benefits.

More particulars emerge on Trump’s tariffs

The White House released details on Trump’s tariffs, including exemptions for food and beverage imports under USMCA, new implementation dates, and surcharges on EU goods. The restaurant industry remains concerned about the impact.

Trump reveals his tariff plan: 10% on all imports, more on goods from protectionist nations

Trump announced new tariffs, imposing a 10% baseline on all imports and up to 46% on goods from protectionist nations. He claims the measures will boost U.S. manufacturing and lower consumer prices. The highest tariff, 46%, targets Vietnamese imports

Five years later: How foodservice leaders lead differently in the post-pandemic world

Five years after the pandemic reshaped foodservice, industry leaders share how they’ve adapted—embracing technology, off-premise dining, and new leadership mindsets.

This is not your father’s Gold and Silver Plate event

Anyone who’s not attended the Gold and Silver Plate ceremony since the industry’s premier awards event was recast post-pandemic will likely be surprised by this year’s celebration on May 17.

Drinking up knowledge at the Bar & Restaurant Expo

The mood was far from somber, but the aim clearly was to learn, from the presenters and from one another.

Administration makes deep cuts in two food-safety watchdog agencies

The Trump Administration is cutting 3,500 FDA and 2,400 CDC jobs as part of an HHS reorganization, reducing staff by nearly 25%.

The history of foodservice is told in the list of Gold Plate Award winners

If there were a Foodservice Hall of Fame, the exhibits not to miss would be ones honoring past winners of the Gold Plate Award, the Most Valuable Player designation of the food-away-from-home industry.

Bar & Restaurant Expo’s Bar of the Year Is...

A highlight of the Bar & Restaurant Expo is the presentation of the annual Industry Excellence Awards, a recognition of the nation’s top independent restaurants and bars.

Jessica Shelly

Her career path has focused on food safety and celebrating diverse dining traditions in an often-underestimated foodservice segment: elementary and secondary schools. Her efforts give the “scholars” she serves a heads’ up to getting ahead.

Toni Watkins

Moving the needle on healthcare foodservice quality from bland as cardboard to delicious and nutritious isn’t easy. But we know a remarkable operator who not only set out to do just that, but succeeded way beyond expectations.

How RFK, Jr.’s MAHA plan could affect the food-away-from-home business

RFK Jr.’s MAHA plan could bring major changes to the food-away-from-home industry, from avian flu policies to restrictions on seed oils and artificial dyes. Discover how his push for “radical transparency” might reshape food safety, ingredient regula

FDA delays Traceability Rule by 30 months

The FDA has delayed compliance with the Food Traceability Rule by 30 months, giving the food industry more time to adapt to strict recordkeeping requirements. The rule aims to enhance food safety but faced industry concerns over complexity.

Mary Molt

There's a recognized manual for high-volume cooking that is used nationwide and has been maintained since the 1930s. The volume’s most recent author, and an extraordinary industry expert, is Dr. Mary Molt, who has kept “Food for Fifty” current for th

AI figures large in this year’s Kitchen Innovation Award winners

AI-driven kitchen innovations take center stage at the 2025 Kitchen Innovation Awards, recognizing cutting-edge equipment that enhances efficiency and automation. From AI grill monitors to robotic fry stations, these breakthroughs will be showcased a

PepsiCo buys poppi prebiotic soda for $1.95B

In a nod to the changes reshaping the U.S. soft drink market, PepsiCo has agreed to buy the upstart soda brand poppi for $1.95 billion.

Our New Focus on The News

The association is expanding its commitment to fact-based industry insights with a new news and media platform. Led by veteran journalist Peter Romeo, this initiative will provide timely updates, analysis, and expert perspectives on legislative and b

Co-branding spreads across the food-away-from-home universe

Co-branding is surging in the food-away-from-home industry, from quick-service giants to convenience stores. Despite challenges, brands are leveraging dual concepts for efficiency and growth.

McDonald’s shifts to a category-management model for key menu components

McDonald’s is restructuring its menu strategy by adopting a category-management model for beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts, aiming to boost sales and agility.

How the Trump Administration plans to reduce egg prices

The Trump administration is unveiling a five-point plan to combat soaring egg prices, including boosting imports, restricting exports, and investing $1 billion in biosecurity, farmer aid, and avian flu prevention.

Non-browning bananas are now a reality

A British company has developed a non-browning banana, reducing food waste for retailers and foodservice providers. Approved for commercial production in the Philippines, the gene-edited variety resists browning even after being cut.

Helen Corbitt

In recognition of Women’s History Month, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association is looking back at six women whose pioneering work earned them the association’s coveted Gold Plate Award, an honor synonymous with foodservice operator of the year.

FDA to reconsider GRAS standards and designations

The FDA is reconsidering its GRAS policy, which allows food manufacturers to self-certify ingredient safety. At the same time, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing to eliminate artificial dyes from food products.

COEX 2025 turned a spotlight on new realities for the food-away-from-home industry

The tariffs snagged attention, but they were far from the only topic addressed during the event, held March 2 – 4 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Attendees heard experts address issues ranging from artificial intelligence to menu trends, strategies f

6 insights foodservice operators missed if they weren’t at COEX

Missed COEX 2025? Discover six key insights foodservice operators need to know, from post-pandemic service challenges to customer retention strategies, third-party delivery impacts, and shifting consumer confidence

Be sure you have a Ringo Starr, advised COEX keynoter Tim Sanders

At COEX, keynote speaker Tim Sanders emphasized the power of collaboration, urging businesses to ask, “Who are we missing?” rather than “How many?” Using The Beatles as an example, he highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives.

Marc Lore intends to upend the food-away-from-home market

Marc Lore is revolutionizing the food-away-from-home industry with AI-driven meal selection and high-tech Wonder kitchens. At COEX, he detailed his vision: AI predicts consumer cravings, robots prepare meals, and food is delivered in minutes.

Canadian and Mexican tariffs are back off—for now

President Trump has temporarily lifted tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports under the USMCA until April 2, easing concerns in the food and manufacturing sectors.

Egg supplies unlikely to rebound before 2026, COEX speaker says

Egg prices will remain high until 2026 due to ongoing avian flu outbreaks, according to Nate Hedtke of the American Egg Board at COEX. With over 126 million hens lost and a shortage of replacement chicks, recovery will take time.

Restaurants will likely have to wait for any tariff exemptions

Restaurants may face delays in securing tariff exemptions on imported food supplies, as the U.S. foodservice industry awaits a formal process from the administration.

2025: Add Agility to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Explore the challenges shaping the food industry in 2025. Stay agile and informed with strategies to navigate rising costs, tariffs, and evolving consumer demands.

Bringing the Industry Together

This November at the conference, with our newly expanded membership that now includes foodservice operators and members of the supply chain, we focused on highlighting diverse perspectives that address common issues.

Election 2024: Either Result Will Stress Your Business

We keep an eye on developments that touch on our industry’s interests, and no matter what the outcome of this year’s election, we encourage you to become better informed on important legislative activities.

AI Boom Appears to Live Up to Its Hype

It seems clear that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is here to stay, even if we’re still working out what to do with it in our businesses.

Eight Leading Organizations Form Collaboration To Tackle Food Industry's FSMA Rule 204 Challenges

IFMA has joined seven other leading organizations to form the "Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration." Together, we’re tackling the challenges of FSMA Rule 204 to enhance food safety across the entire supply chain.

Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

Explore IFMA's latest forecast predicting a 0.5% growth for the total restaurant segment in 2024, fueled by higher-income consumer demand. Quick service and fast casual restaurants show upward growth trends, while on-site segments like colleges and u

2024-2025 Food-Away-From-Home Industry Forecast & Segment Projections

IFMA releases latest 2024-2025 Food Away-From-Home Industry and Segment Forecast. Despite a projected 0.9% growth, challenges loom due to slowing consumer traffic.

FSMA 204: Get Ready!

The new FDA requirement, FSMA 204, mandates that by January 2026, companies involved in the food supply chain must maintain detailed records of food traceability to improve food safety and expedite the response to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Better Together: A Story of Transformation & Unification

Explore the critical role sales agencies play as strategic partners in today's market, and learn about the transformation of the sales agency community. Discover how the purchase process for operators has evolved from traditional catalogs to digital

Jon & Jen Corto: Micro Market Entrepreneurs and 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award Honorees

Read the inspiring journey of Jon and Jen Corto, former NFL player and MBA graduate turned Micro Market Entrepreneurs. Learn how they transformed their vision into Buffalo Strive, the largest independent food-vending operator in Buffalo, New York.

IFMA Announces 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award Winners

IFMA is proud to announce the 2024 IFMA Silver Plate Award receipients, representing eight catagories across the industry. We will honor the winners at the 70th Gold & Silver Plate Awards Gala taking place in Chicago, May 18, 2024.

2024 Industry Forecast & Segment Projections

02.26.24 - IFMA releases latest industry growth projections for 2024 including foresight on segment performance and economic trends. IFMA projects that the Food-Away-From-Home (FAFH) industry will grow 0.9 percent, on a real basis, in 2024.

Industry News & Perspectives