Current Global - A Special On Food

A Special On Food – July.

This week’s spotlight on the food and beverage industry, with a rundown of top trends we’ve spotted and been enjoying. Remember: stay safe, stay strong… and eat well. Bon Appetít!

THREE WISHES CEREAL TRACKED DOWN THE WILLY WONKA CAST TO TEST ITS NEW COCOA FLAVOR

Organic cereal startup Three Wishes got creative launching its new cocoa flavor to consumers during the pandemic by hosting a Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory cast reunion to promote the truly chocolatey new flavor. The cast from 1977 is located all over the globe but came together for a virtual taste test.

A NEW BOOK EXPLORES THE EFFECTS OF THE GOLDEN ARCHES ON THE BLACK COMMUNITY

New book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, chronicles McDonald’s complicated relationship with the African American community it serves. The book states that, while the brand provides some entry-level jobs, its wages are not liveable, and its food contributes to the large number of physical ailments that black people in low-income communities face.

JUST ADD COCONUT WATER

While coconut’s creamy texture and rich flavor has long been associated with indulgent cocktails like the Pina Colada, coconut water is having a moment as a “secret weapon” behind the bar. Coconut water can make the dilution in a cocktail more interesting without changing the texture of the drink, is versatile in pairings and adds a refreshing, lighter sweetness.

DINNER WITH A SIDE OF QUARANTINE: GET READY FOR CONTACT TRACING

Even though contact tracing is not yet widespread in the United States, many health departments are beginning to contact trace restaurant customers who are exposed while dining. Many in the restaurant industry fear that while customers understand the risk of dining out during a pandemic, actually being contact traced by a government entity will lead to further stigmatization.

CHOBANI TO DONATE 100% OF PROFITS FROM NEW PRODUCT TO SUPPORTING FEEDING AMERICA

Chobani is donating profits from its new PB&J Food Bank Batch yogurt to help support food banks as demand hits new highs. Sold nationwide from July through September, the new product builds on the company’s commitment to ensuring Americans have access to nutritious foods.