
FI Fast Break News - June 16, 2026
In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the high fuel surcharges that are challenging the restaurant industry right now.
Episodes
446
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN
The Food Institute Podcast leverages the Food Institute's 90-plus-year history to provide actionable information and insight to food industry professionals.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the high fuel surcharges that are challenging the restaurant industry right now.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine Ingredion's major acquisition and what it suggests about consumer demand these days.

Peptides, protein, and fiber are the wellness trends shaping the future of food. In this clip from a Food for Thought Leadership, Chris Campbell sits down with registered dietitian Marie Molde to discuss how 2026 is lining up to become the "Year of Fiber" and how consumers are rethinking health through a more holistic approach to nutrition. The conversation explores emerging interest in peptides, while breaking down why fiber remains one of the most overlooked nutrients in modern diets. Learn how protein and fiber work together to support digestion, immunity, hormone health, weight management, and long-term wellness. Whether you're in food manufacturing, retail, foodservice, or nutrition innovation, this discussion offers valuable insight into the trends influencing consumer purchasing decisions and product development.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we break down America's growing 'K-shaped economy,' the latest in tariffs news, and more.

In this episode of Food for Thought Leadership, Chris Campbell, George Hajjar and Anna Kinder examine how consumers are adapting to mounting economic pressure, rising gas prices and shifting travel behaviors in 2026. From staycations and micro-vacations to scaled-back road trips and reduced air travel, the FI All-Stars explore how households are reevaluating spending while still searching for meaningful experiences and moments of indulgence.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine the potential for an AI-induced job crisis, CAVA's continued success, and more.

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we discuss Starbucks' corporate layoffs, the latest in functional snacks, and more.

It seems one set of tariffs is declared unconstitutional and then another set get installed in the current day, but what's really happening with tariffs? Sara Albrecht, Chairman of the Liberty Justice Center and founder of Swan Capital, talks about their recent Supreme Court win, how refunds might play out, and what to keep an eye on in the year to come. More about Sara Albrecht: Sara Albrecht serves as Chairman of the Liberty Justice Center, helping guide one of the nation’s leading constitutional litigation firms in its mission to defend individual liberty and restore the proper limits of government power. With a deep commitment to educational freedom, free speech, workers’ rights, and checking government overreach, Sara provides strategic leadership, philanthropic vision, and hands-on support for the Center’s high-impact litigation nationwide. An accomplished investor and entrepreneur, Sara founded Swan Capital following a career in investment management that included leadership roles at Harris Associates and as a founding partner of the equity team at PPM America. She has also taught International Finance and previously owned and operated the retail chain Ultimo. Sara is an active civic and cultural leader, serving on several nonprofit boards, including the Illinois Policy Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Unify America, and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. In addition to her CFA certification, she holds degrees from DePaul University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. More about Liberty Justice Center: Liberty Justice Center is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public-interest litigation firm dedicated to protecting constitutional rights and restoring limits on government power. Founded in 2011, the Center litigates cutting-edge, precedent-setting cases across the country in the areas of free speech, educational freedom, workers’ rights, and government overreach. The firm became widely known for representing Mark Janus in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, which restored First Amendment rights to more than five million public employees. The firm is also well known for winning V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump which ruled the IEEPA tariffs unconstitutional The Liberty Justice Center has litigated more than 145 cases in 36 states and Puerto Rico, with attorneys based in eight states. The Center represents every client at no cost, grounded in the belief that no American should have to choose between their constitutional rights and the ability to afford a lawyer—especially when facing the vast resources of government. Beyond the courtroom, the Liberty Justice Center works to expose overreach, hold officials accountable, engage communities, and strengthen the court of public opinion. Its vision is a nation where government respects the limits of its power and every American can speak, work, learn, and live freely. Learn more: https://libertyjusticecenter.org/ Learn more about Project TERRA: https://libertyjusticecenter.org/tariffs/terra/

In this week's food industry news in 2 minutes, we examine how higher gas and diesel prices are starting to seep into the produce aisle.

At SIAL Canada 2026 in Montreal, Food Institute VP of Content and Insights Chris Campbell sat down with Mathieu Brisson, Global Sales Lead at Prestige Maple, to discuss how the company is transforming maple products for a rapidly evolving global food and beverage market. From maple mocktails and maple wine to the growing demand for natural sweeteners, Brisson explains how Prestige Maple is expanding beyond traditional syrup products while exporting to more than 60 countries worldwide. The conversation also explores shifting consumer preferences, the rise of better-for-you ingredients, and how multinational brands are embracing maple sugar innovation. Brisson also shares insights on global trade, supply chain agility, and the importance of building strong international relationships in uncertain markets. Plus, he offers practical advice for food brands looking to expand internationally, including why getting on the ground in local markets remains essential for success. Recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026. More about Mathieu Brisson: Mathieu Brisson is a global sales and market development leader in the food and beverage industry. At Prestige Maple Products — one of Canada's largest maple producers and manufacturers, exporting to more than 60 countries — he is responsible for market development across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With deep CPG and FMCG expertise, he has built a career advancing brands internationally and cultivating strategic partnerships with leading retailers, distributors, and foodservice operators. He's a regular voice at international food trade events. More about Prestige Maple Products: Founded in 1995 and based in Québec's Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Prestige Maple Products is a family-owned company and one of the world's top maple processor-exporters, serving more than 60 countries. In 2024, Prestige joined the CDL Corporate Group — the global leader in maple production equipment — creating the world's first fully integrated maple company, from the maple tree to the final consumer. With a portfolio spanning maple syrup, sugar, butter, beverages, and wines, Prestige combines deep craft heritage with industrial scale and continuous innovation. Learn more here: https://prestigemapleproducts.com/en/home/
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