Between corporate restructuring, intensifying competition and new pressures on household grocery budgets, the food industry has plenty to contend with as we head into the home stretch of 2026. Just to make it interesting, some of the biggest challenges are coming from unexpected directions.
In this Food Trade Roundup, I’ve assembled five stories I think you need to know about.
Bryce Graham examines PepsiCo’s latest job cuts and the deeper problems facing one of the industry’s biggest suppliers.
Michael Rathburn explains why supermarkets risk losing valuable holiday grocery sales to Walmart, Target and Costco over the next five weeks.
Don Walker looks at how digital promotions may be alienating millions of older shoppers, while Jessica Smith examines proposed SNAP cuts that could remove billions from grocery spending.
And Maria Maggio brings us a photo gallery from St. Joseph’s University’s Future Food Industry Leaders networking and recruitment reception.
There’s plenty here that deserves a closer look. Read the stories, consider what they mean for your business, and stay ahead of the developments shaping our industry.
It’s all waiting for you below…
PepsiCo’s Problems Run Deeper Than 1,000 Job Cuts
PepsiCo is cutting 1,000 jobs, but the bigger story is a company struggling to regain momentum. North American beverage volumes fell 2% in the third quarter, food volumes were flat, and earnings expectations have been lowered. Pile on pressure from activist investors and recent plant closures in New York and Maryland, and the latest restructuring looks like something more than routine cost-cutting…
Bryce Graham has the full story…
This Holiday Season, Supermarkets Can’t Afford to Lose the Basket
Walmart, Target and Costco don’t need to steal the entire grocery trip to badly hurt supermarkets this holiday season. A few baking supplies here, some party platters and holiday staples there tossed into a cart already filled with gifts can mean one less supermarket visit. With shoppers hunting for value and convenience, grocers have five critical weeks to defend their share of holiday spending. Fresh departments, smart promotions and full shelves could make all the difference.
Michael Rathburn shows us just what’s at stake this season…
Digital Discounts Are a Potential Liability for Supermarkets
Supermarkets have invested billions in technology to make shopping easier, but somewhere along the way, saving money became more complicated. Digital coupons, loyalty apps and confusing promotions increasingly leave older shoppers at a disadvantage. That’s a problem for retailers, and potentially for manufacturers funding discounts customers never receive. With America’s 65-plus population approaching 65 million, making loyal shoppers jump through digital hoops to save a few dollars seems remarkably shortsighted.
Don Walker takes a closer look at this consumer hurdle…
SNAP Cuts Could Take $45 Billion Out of Grocery Spending
The USDA’s proposal to tighten SNAP eligibility could remove 6.3 million Americans from the program and reduce federal food assistance spending by $45 billion over five years. That could deal a big hit to grocery retailers, particularly those serving lower-income communities. The administration argues the changes would restore eligibility standards, while critics warn of greater food insecurity. The cuts aren’t final, but the implications for supermarket sales can’t be ignored.
Jessica Smith has details of the proposed cuts…
Gallery: SJU Future Food Industry Leaders
St. Joseph’s University Academy of Food Marketing held a networking and recruitment reception for its Future Food Industry Leaders earlier this month. Pictured first is a group of current Food Marketing majors ready for work opportunities as interns, co-op students, and whatever comes their way.
Maria Maggio was on hand to photograph the night. View the full gallery…