Latest news with #Lunchables
Miami Herald
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Instacart slashes prices for a surprising reason
It was the summer of 1999. My mom had just dropped me off at day camp at the local JCC. The sun was already beating down, and the blacktop outside the gymnasium shimmered with heat. I had my Lisa Frank notebook, an extra scrunchie around my wrist, and a lunchbox filled with what I looked forward to all morning: a mini-hot dog Lunchables, a packet of Dunkaroos, and a Capri Sun. After carefully stabbing the straw through the foil pouch, I'd suck it down like I had been stranded in the desert. Related: Target struggles to stop spiral amid customer backlash Then I'd fold the empty Capri Sun into a rectangle and pretend it was a flip phone, wedging it between my shoulder and ear as I strutted around the picnic table like I was deep in conversation. To five-year-old me, this was peak cool. Those lunches weren't just were mini moments of freedom. Paired with afternoons of water games, tie-dye shirts, and making friendship bracelets, that summer felt like magic. I hadn't thought about that version of summer in a long time. But now, one company is bringing it all back. Time to dust off the jelly sandals - and maybe the old Capri Sun flip phone, too. Image source: Instacart Instacart's new national campaign, "Summer Like It's 1999," is more than a clever ad play. It's a data-backed move aimed at drawing in Millennial shoppers who are balancing inflation with a craving for simpler times. According to a Harris Poll survey commissioned by Instacart, 79% of Americans who grew up in the '90s say they often reflect on their childhood summers. That insight inspired the platform not only to embrace the vibe of the decade (with commercials full of butterfly clips, water guns, and baggy jeans) but also to slash prices on grocery items that defined it. Related: Lululemon's latest viral product reveals something much bigger Through September 5, shoppers can get up to 47.2% off classic summer snacks like Capri Sun, Bagel Bites, Otter Pops, Kool-Aid, and more. That discount isn't arbitrary. It's based on the CPI change between 1999 and now, a nod to the real economic pressures families are facing. The idea is clear: if you're going to take shoppers on a trip down memory lane, make it affordable. In Q1 2025, Instacart saw orders rise 14% year-over-year to 83.2 million. Revenue also climbed 9% to $897 million. Company's CEO Fidji Simo said the brand is doubling down on what matters most to customers: "convenience, affordability, quality, and selection." Instacart has made it clear it wants to be more than a utility. The brand is now betting big on emotional connection - leaning into joy, simplicity, and the power of shared memories to deepen loyalty. And the business case is there, too. Advertising revenue climbed 14% year-over-year, driven by brands investing more heavily in Instacart's growing media network. By leaning into campaign storytelling, the platform is positioning itself as a compelling space for high-intent advertising, not just grocery logistics. More on retail: Beloved discount grocery chain has massive US plansTrader Joe's rival launches wine battle with new private labelKroger announces big store change amid price gouging accusations The '90s campaign also supports another Instacart focus: increasing value perception. With grocery inflation still top of mind, even a small discount on nostalgic brands can feel like a meaningful win. By combining AI-driven personalization, smart pairing tools, and strategic partnerships with Chase and United, Instacart is working to turn occasional shoppers into loyal, repeat customers. The summer push is a blend of emotional resonance and strategic timing. It tells shoppers: "We get expensive. But it can still be fun." Whether this nostalgia-fueled play creates long-term growth remains to be seen. But for now, it's kicking off summer with a smile. Related: Post Malone makes deal with Stanley for signature cup The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Costco Is Selling an Adult Version of Lunchables and It's Packed With Protein—Fans Say It's 'So Good'
If you're longing for the days when you would rush back home from school, throw open the door to the refrigerator and grab one of your favorite Lunchables, you're in luck because Costco has a product with your name written all over it. In a Reddit post shared this week, it was revealed that the warehouse is selling an item that's essentially an adult version of the beloved Lunchables. Related: That product is Honey Smoked Fish Co's Honey Smoked Salmon Stackers. The packaged snack is comprised of smoked salmon, lemon chive spread and rice crackers. The convenient offering is gluten-free and also packs 13 grams of protein in each serving. The original poster revealed that they came across the Stackers when they were in need of something to snack on. "I was not that hungry but wanted to eat something, this hit the spot 13g of protein it was pretty good," they wrote. Overall, their fellow Redditors were fairly divided on whether or not they would buy the snack pack again. There were those who loved them, and others, not so much. "I've been having these for lunch recently. Love them, the smoked salmon is so good I'm gonna try to smoke my own," one person on Reddit wrote. "I eat these every day for lunch. They disappeared over winter which was rough. Great company too," another person chimed in. Related: The biggest complaint from shoppers about the Honey Smoked Salmon Stackers is that they're just too salty. "I found it a bit too salty but I am sensitive to salt. Once in a while it's okay," read one comment. "I wish it wasn't so salty. Loved the dip tho!" another user pointed out. There was also some concern about the cost of the Stackers. Up NextCostco Is Selling an Adult Version of Lunchables and It's Packed With Protein—Fans Say It's 'So Good' first appeared on Delishably on May 19, 2025
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kraft Heinz confirms $3B investment in US manufacturing
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Kraft Heinz will spend $3 billion on its U.S. manufacturing facilities, the company confirmed to Food Dive, the largest investment in its plants in decades. Pedro Navio, president of Kraft Heinz's North America operations, told Reuters last week that planned investments could add 3,500 employees to the Lunchables producer's workforce. Part of Kraft Heinz's investment includes a $400 million distribution center in DeKalb, Illinois, that is set to create 60 jobs, a transaction that was first announced in 2023. Reuters was first to report the manufacturing investment. Kraft Heinz confirmed the news, but declined to provide further details to Food Dive. As President Donald Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on imports, the spending on Kraft Heinz's U.S. factories could help it offset the impact of trade uncertainty. Tariffs factored into the company's decision to make the investment, Navio told Reuters. The majority of the company's products sold are made domestically. Notably, the company's Maxwell House coffee brand faces tariffs on imported beans. Kraft Heinz has struggled with declining sales as consumer concerns over inflation cause shoppers to cut back on spending. The company has prioritized the growth of its Away From Home business, including condiment dispensers at foodservice locations nationwide. It's also expanding its product portfolio to broaden its reach into growing categories. This month, the company announced the launch of Lunchables with PB&J, aiming to cut into the market share of J.M. Smucker's nearly billion-dollar brand Uncrustables. Earlier this week, Kraft Heinz said it will explore 'potential strategic transactions," according to, CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, in order to drive 'profitable growth and value creation.' TD Cowen analyst Robert Moskow said in a note to investors that Kraft Heinz should divest some of its products to avoid the negative financial impact from a downturn in sales. Recommended Reading Kraft Heinz 'betting big' on reaching consumers away from home Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Lunchables Transforms a Lunchtime Classic with First-Ever Dippable, No-Thaw Crustless PB&J
PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Lunchables expands its kid-loved and parent-approved offerings with the debut of new Lunchables PB&J: the first-ever dippable, no-thaw crustless PB&J. Grounded in kids' love of dipping¹ and the timeless debate between the perfect ratio of peanut butter and jelly in a PB&J — the new product gives kids the freedom to enjoy a PB&J exactly how they like it. Lunchables PB&J, a 'remix' of a beloved lunchtime staple, includes two deliciously creamy, crustless peanut butter sandwiches per pack, complete with a side of delicious grape or strawberry flavored dip—perfectly crafted for optimal dipping and with no artificial colors. 'The launch of Lunchables PB&J is a continuation in our mission to reinvent the refrigerated category by providing high quality, delicious, affordable and convenient solutions for snack time and beyond,' said Danni Levin, Associate Director of Innovation, Lunchables. 'We're remixing a classic, delivering on parents' desire for convenience and kids' love of dipping and customizing – PB&Js will never be the same!' Beyond equipping kids with the independence to customize, Lunchables PB&J also solves the number one pain point for parents: thaw time. 2 Current PB&J category offerings are frozen, which require 30-60 minutes of thaw time before serving. Now, Lunchables is tackling this frustration head-on with the first-ever no-thaw, crustless PB&J that's ready-to-eat straight from the refrigerator for any time hunger strikes. Kid meltdowns, no more! To spread the excitement, the brand is reuniting GRAMMY Award-winning producer and artist Lil Jon and hip hop icon Twista for the first time in over a decade to remix a nostalgic, viral hit that many millennial parents can sing at the drop of a dime: 'Peanut Butter Jelly Time.' Just as Lunchables is 'remixing' kids' #1 favorite sandwich variety, 3 Lil Jon and Twista are putting a fresh spin on the nostalgic hit over 20 years after the original track's debut. Dropping today, fans can listen to the song on Lunchables YouTube as well as download for their playlists via Spotify. "It was cool to link back up with Twista on the Lunchables 'Peanut Butter Jelly Time' remix, cause I knew it would be fun, and we would make somethin' fire,' said Lil Jon. 'PB&J takes me back to my childhood days…YEAHHH!' The debut of Lunchables PB&J reinforces the brand's commitment to making bigger, more intentional bets to fuel growth and create new experiences for consumers. The innovation grows Lunchables' presence in the sandwich category, following the brand's first entrance with the debut of Grilled Cheesies in 2023. The launch of PB&J enables Lunchables to bring a convenient, kid-loved offering to the refrigerated section and reflects Kraft Heinz's broader ambition to drive $2 billion in incremental sales through innovation by 2027. Starting today, Lunchables PB&J is rolling out to select retailers nationwide for $2.49/pack. To learn more about the 'Peanut Butter Jelly Time' remix and new Lunchables PB&J, follow along on the Lunchables Instagram or TikTok. ¹ The NPD Group/National Eating Trends In-Home Individual Database ² Lunchables PBJ Qualitative Research 2022 ³Lunchables PBJ Qualitative Research 2022 ABOUT THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC), inspired by our Purpose, Let's Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2024 net sales of approximately $26 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of eight consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we're dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting or following us on LinkedIn.
Business Insider
02-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Starbucks is embracing a tough cost-cutting method that's led workers elsewhere to bring their own coffee to work
Starbucks is planning to use a cost-cutting method with a tough reputation as it continues its turnaround. The method, called zero-based budgeting, asks managers to justify every item they spend on each year, instead of using the previous year's spending as a baseline as many companies do. Starbucks executives say ZBB will help them find savings as they spend more on their Back to Starbucks plan, including paying for more hours for the baristas who staff its stores. "We're going to be looking at ways to grow the business and also take a really hard look through the zero-based budgeting approach to understand where else there might be some offsets," CEO Brian Niccol said during the company's earnings call on Tuesday. "I love deploying a few tools like zero-based budgeting" to "help us get after some of those maybe-stranded costs," CFO Cathy Smith, who joined Starbucks in the last few weeks, also said on the call. A Starbucks spokesperson did not respond to questions about how the company planned to use zero-based budgeting. ZBB gained popularity in the 1970s, thanks in part to former president Jimmy Carter, who advocated — ultimately unsuccessfully — for its use by the federal government. More recently, some major brands have adopted the strategy. Private equity firm 3G Capital has deployed the method at Stella Artois-maker AB InBev and Kraft Heinz, the company that makes Oscar Mayer and Lunchables, for instance. The strategy, which includes moves like making all senior execs fly coach class even over long distances, did lower costs and improve the companies' margins. But in some cases, the spending cuts were so severe that it made it tough for employees to do their jobs, Business Insider reported in 2021. One employee, who had recently left Kraft Heinz at the time, told BI that she could only spend $5 annually on office supplies. She also had to bring in her own Keurig pods from home since the company, which makes Maxwell House coffee, provided no coffee in the office break room. Other Kraft Heinz employees told BI that strict spending controls hampered the development of new products and ultimately made it less competitive. Some companies have adopted the method at key turning points. Managers at X, formerly known as Twitter, reportedly had to use zero-based budgeting after Elon Musk bought the company in 2022, for instance. And in 2020, General Motors implemented ZBB as a way to manage its way through disruptions caused by the pandemic. The company temporarily cut spending by slashing advertising and furloughing some employees, then-CFO Dhivya Suryadevara said at an investor conference.
