Consumer Foods to Go

October was an eventful month! Cyberattacks on food retailers made headlines, and we may not have seen the last of them. We also discuss recent research on China's evolving role in the global food system as the country increasingly focuses on food exports. Finally, we ask our audience: What happens when AI agents start doing consumers' grocery shopping?   Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. 

The original Consumer Foods to Go Wrap team is back! Maria Castroviejo, Tom Bailey, and Cyrille Filott discuss the key highlights from September 2026. Topics include food prices and promotions in Europe as retailer negotiations get underway, the potential impact of climate change on tropical fruit production in southern Europe, and developments in the dairy market.    Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. 

The RaboResearch Consumer Foods-to-Go team came together to discuss the highlights in food in August 2026. They cover key topics like the weather and climate, as well as some recently published and very interesting Rabobank research, including the Dairy Top 20, which details profound shifts in the dairy sector. The team also flags the brand spanking new private label report: Is 60 the new 50? They wrap up by discussing questions received from clients, including food inflation.   Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. 

Despite scorching heat in the Northern Hemisphere, July has been far from a dull month. In this episode, we reflect on why on-premise alcohol consumption in the US has remained resilient, even as retail alcohol sales continue to soften. Several theories may help explain both the trend and the consumer groups supporting it. Questions about consumer behavior extend beyond alcohol. Potato demand also appears to be weaker. Though perhaps too much of what is happening in the food and beverages world is being attributed to GLP-1 drugs, potatoes may be one category affected by the growing use of these medications. Still, other factors may also be contributing. At the same time, the month has been equally dynamic in terms of corporate activity. As geopolitical developments and disruptions become increasingly frequent, industries, including packaging, may be prioritizing resilience over optimization. The risk of a super El Niño provides yet another reason to do so. These pressures are unfolding against a broader backdrop of uncertainty. Yet despite ongoing cost pressures, supply chain disruptions, and heightened uncertainty, sluggish demand and limited visibility into future sales remain top concerns for food and beverage operators. We close our monthly episode with some thoughts about demand indicators and strategies to attract consumers.   Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast. 

Another exciting month in food! Steve Rannekleiv (of Liquid Assets fame), Maria Castroviejo, and Cyrille Filott discuss the hottest topics in food – and this time, beverages as well. They begin by exploring the latest developments shaping the industry, including geopolitics (once again) and the growing momentum behind dietary fiber as a consumer trend. They then dive into several recent RaboResearch reports, with one about the evolving landscape of alcohol distribution standing out in particular. To close, they reflect on the rapid rise of AI and debate whether artificial intelligence could become the next major influencer of consumer choices.   Disclaimer: Please refer to our global RaboResearch disclaimer at https://www.rabobank.com/knowledge/disclaimer/011417027/disclaimer for information about the scope and limitations of the material published on the podcast.