Consumer Foods-to-Go Wrap! Wrapping up July 2026 – An intense month despite the summer heat

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.