Restaurants: McDonald’s hopes the third time is the charm on chicken tenders

Why it’s trending: • McDonald’s sales struggles: McDonald’s sales have been struggling, with flat system sales last year and its worst same-store sales number since the pandemic, making the launch of McCrispy Strips a crucial move for the company. • Growing demand for chicken: The demand for chicken is growing, with chicken chains like Raising…

Restaurants: Consumers expected to spend 7% less on restaurants this summer

Why it’s trending: • Inflation: Rising prices are affecting consumer spending habits, making them more cost-conscious and selective about where they spend their money. • Declining incomes: Many consumers are experiencing a decline in income, which is further reducing their disposable income and ability to spend on non-essential items like dining out. • Tariffs: The…

Beverages: Actor-Supported Tequila Promotions

Why it’s trending • Celebrity influence: Celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Nick Jonas, and George Clooney are leveraging their star power to enhance brand recognition and consumer engagement, creating a sense of authenticity and credibility that resonates with their fans. • Economic sensitivity: Brands are adapting promotions to address current economic concerns, such as…

Beverages: Why Busch Light is winning the bargain beer game

Why It Is Trending: • Economic Factors: The current economic climate has led consumers to seek affordable options, making budget-friendly beers like Busch Light increasingly popular. • Value-Oriented Choices: As consumers become more price-conscious, the demand for value-oriented products has surged, positioning Busch Light favorably in the market. • Cultural Relevance: The brand’s marketing resonates…

Shopping: Cute, cuddly, calculated: How plushies are helping brands stay relevant

Why is the topic trending?  • Unexpected Use of Plushies in Marketing: The article highlights a surprising shift where plush toys are no longer just children’s items but are being strategically used by various brands as marketing tools. • From Transactional to Relational Marketing: Brands are moving away from purely transactional relationships with customers and using plushies…

Restaurants: Chipotle cooks up TV campaign with mukbang influencers

Why is the topic trending?  • Chipotle’s Innovative Advertising Strategy: Chipotle, a major fast-food chain, is breaking away from its traditional advertising approach by featuring user-generated content from mukbang influencers in its first TV advertisement of this kind. • Leveraging Social Media Trends: The campaign taps into the popular South Korean social media trend of mukbang, showcasing…

Fashion: Is Food Fashion’s New Status Symbol?

Why is the topic trending?  • Intersection of Fashion and Food: The article explores the growing trend of food becoming a prominent element in the fashion world, from advertising to runway themes. This unexpected combination is generating discussion. • Food as a Symbol: The piece questions whether food is taking on the role of a status symbol…

Restaurants: Is the revival of ‘lost recipes’ a necessity or yet another fad?

Why is the topic trending? • Spotlighting Lesser-Known Dishes: Restaurants and hotels are increasingly featuring ‘lost’ or lesser-known recipes, moving beyond typical mainstream offerings. This trend is gaining attention in the culinary world. • Debate on Authenticity and Sustainability: The article questions whether this revival is a genuine effort to preserve culinary heritage or simply a passing…

Shopping: Tariff turmoil compounds cost-of-living pressures

Why is the topic trending?  • Global Concern over Tariffs: The article highlights a significant global concern (76% of people) regarding the personal impact of tariffs, adding to existing worries about the cost of living. • Compounding Economic Pressures: Tariffs are presented as an additional factor exacerbating already heightened anxieties about the economy and inflation. • Consumer…

Restaurants: Wendy’s Predicts Diners Will Feel Pressured All Year

Why is the topic trending?  • Prediction of Continued Financial Strain for Diners: Wendy’s, a major fast-food chain, anticipates that their customers will continue to experience financial pressure throughout the remainder of 2025. This prediction from a significant player in the food industry reflects broader economic concerns. • Company Response to Economic Conditions: Wendy’s is adjusting its…