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The threat of food and beverage shortages was averted earlier this month when a strike at 14 ports along the East and Gulf Coasts was tentatively settled after three days.

The strike by some 25,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) working at ports from Boston to Houston, was the first such work stoppage in this major supply chain hub since 1977.

The organic products market has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the past few decades, transforming not only the food industry but also consumer approaches to health, environmental sustainability, and ethical food production.

“The emphasis is on farmers using renewable resources and mimicking natural ecosystems to conserve and maintain the soil and water without polluting the environment,” explains The Spruce Eats. “In a nutshell, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.”

Americans are getting sicker as a nation, and it just may be what we are putting in our grocery carts and on our dinner tables that is causing the problem with four of the top six killers in the U.S. related to diet.

In recent years, the American diet has undergone a dramatic transformation. Our plates, once filled with whole foods prepared at home, are now dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This shift has not only changed how we eat but also significantly impacts our health and society.

As 2024 nears the midway mark, many consumers are grappling with the persistent issue of rising food prices. While inflation has been easing downward, many food prices remain stubborn or even continue to climb.

“In 2024, all food prices are predicted to increase 2.2 percent, with a prediction interval of 0.7 to 3.8 percent,” said the USDA Economic Research Service in April.

Never say never.

At least that is what some large brands, such as Chick-fil-A, are finding out when it comes to pledges about meat, poultry, and antibiotics.

“A newly announced change to Chick-fil-A’s menu may ruffle some feathers,” reported Food and Wine. “The fast-food chicken chain announced this week via a notification on their app that it'll be ending its promise to only serve 100 percent antibiotic-free chicken.”

Fans of crawfish have been boiling mad this spring as the popular crustaceans are unusually hard to find – and expensive when spotted! -- on local menus due to a combination of extreme weather events.

If bioengineered foods had their own relationship status it would certainly be “it’s complicated.”

KSAT reported that the National Academies of Sciences Commission said that sweeping statements about genetically engineered crops are problematic because issues related to them are multidimensional.

“In other words — it’s complicated,” said the KSAT report.

December might be the best time of the year for food lovers with holiday meals and festive get-togethers. It’s also the time of the year when the food industry dusts off its crystal balls and looks towards the food trends for the coming year.

“Keeping up with global food trends can be a little dizzying these days. The internet has ushered in an era of fads that burn hot and fast, showing up everywhere before disappearing completely. Sometimes, they start on TikTok, making it to Instagram and Reddit within days or weeks. If they show promise or seem to have staying power, restaurants and grocery stores may decide to jump in to cater to consumers,” explains DoorDash for Merchants.

A new survey by NielsenIQ highlights that while the holiday season is a time for celebration, it can be a financially stressful time for consumers, especially when it comes to trips to the grocery store.

“With the rising cost of food and other expenses, it’s more important than ever for CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands and retailers to understand what motivates consumers to buy and how it’s going to affect holiday grocery sales,” says NielsenIQ. “But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. There are still plenty of ways to get the most out of holiday grocery shopping.”