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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fast food chains say they're locked in a "value war" to win <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-are-doubling-down-on-loyalty-programs-2024-8">increasingly choosy US customers</a>.</li><li>On earnings calls, brands highlighted ways they're trying to offer more bang for diners' bucks.</li></ul>It's an especially challenging time in the fast food business.As a flurry of summer deals come to an end, quick-serve chains say they're now locked in a "value war" to win increasingly choosy US customers.While almost everything is more expensive now than a few years ago, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=109406">inflation</a> figures show price increases for dining out have outpaced groceries, with the divide widening sharply over the past two years.More recently, some brands have aimed to soften the sticker shock with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-starbucks-costco-fast-food-retail-loyalty-programs-2024-10">temporary discounts to get diners in the door</a>, but rising costs of things like labor and raw ingredients are increasingly squeezing profits."Consumers have become more discerning," Moody's Ratings analyst Michael Zuccaro said in a note Friday. "Value perception is a key driver. This is not just price but also experience related factors such as convenience, speed, consistency, and accuracy."On earnings calls this week, brands such as McDonald's, Starbucks, Wendy's, and others highlighted ways they're trying to offer more bang for their customers' bucks.Chipotle said Tuesday that its ingredient costs have gone up recently due to a recent emphasis on delivering "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-says-ensuring-consistent-portions-has-hit-profitability-2024-10">consistent and generous portions</a>" in its burritos and bowls after customers complained earlier in the year of feeling short-changed.Between higher ingredient usage and other costs on the one hand, and a more competitive consumer economy, interim CEO Scott Boatwright said Chipotle was well-positioned to win the "value war" in fast-casual dining."The chicken burrito, on average, is still under $10, which we believe is still a 15% to 30% discount compared to our peer group. And so, we'll continue to lean into that as we move forward," he said in the company's call.Boatwright's predecessor Brian Niccol, who's now CEO at Starbucks, made <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-ceo-to-lay-out-strategy-to-fix-coffee-chain-2024-10">several critiques of the coffee chain's recent value proposition</a> during the coffee company's Wednesday earnings call, including its "complicated" menu and customization options."What I have found is when you get simplification in place on pricing, people understand, OK, this is what I'm paying, and this is what I'm getting. And right now, I think we're surprising people a little bit on what they're paying through the customization process and we've got to fix that," he said.Even Wingstop CFO Alex Kaleida weighed in."We see consumers prioritizing brands that are going to deliver on quality and value," he said Wednesday. "We think we're right in that sweet spot of those guest expectations."In the world of burgers and fries, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed concern during the company's earnings call Tuesday that "our value leadership gap has shrunk" as other chains bring competitive offers to the marketplace."In response, we have moved with urgency in partnership with our franchisees to improve our value offerings in most of our major markets," Kempczinski said.McDonald's CFO Ian Borden also told analysts on the call that the company is using its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-sales-dropped-second-quarter-in-a-row-sharees-down-2024-10">$5 meal deal to grow its loyalty program</a>."Buyers of the $5 meal are visiting us more frequently," he said on the call, saying that those repeat visitors go on to choose other menu items as well. "That's what you start seeing when you start getting consumers back into the restaurants on a more regular basis."Even premium burger brand Shake Shack said on Wednesday that its customers have had enough with price hikes, pushing the company to invest more in value."Despite the pricing we've taken over the last year, we're one of the few brands to actually improve our value equation over the last year," CEO Robert Lynch said during the company's call. "It does feel like all the initiatives that the team has put in place around service and speed, coupled with the great food that we continue to deliver, is driving a stronger value perception, which is allowing us to continue to grow."Wendy's rounded out the trend on Thursday with a detailed discussion of its approach to value."We're thinking about value," CFO Gunther Plosch said Thursday. "We absolutely believe that value in an environment of value-seeking consumers is not about only executing price-pointed promotions and value deals and value bundles — there's more to that."Plosch added that beyond the burger chain's creative promotions, the core menu remains essential to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wendys-stores-closing-140-locations-2024-11">getting customers to come back</a>."We are working really hard on having that value-seeking consumer having an outstanding experience at the restaurant," he told analysts.In other words, prices aren't likely to come down, but CEOs and CFOs will be anxious to see that you were satisfied with your order.

Fast food chains are locked in a 'value war' for US customers

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fast-food chains and retailers are using loyalty programs to drive sales amid inflation challenges.</li><li>These programs are key for customer retention and giving chains a competitive advantage.</li></ul>Retailers and fast-food chains are leaning into loyalty programs to drive sales. This week, McDonald's reported its Q3 results. Global <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-sales-dropped-second-quarter-in-a-row-sharees-down-2024-10">sales dropped 1.5% in its latest quarter</a>, following a 1% slide in the previous quarter.However, one bright spot in its earnings was that the fast-food chain reported sales to its loyal members reached over $28 billion for the 12 months ending September — and $8 billion during the quarter across 50 loyalty markets. This is up from $6 billion in Q1 and $7 in Q2. The figure includes sales in both company-owned and franchisee restaurants.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-new-rewards-program-offers-free-burgers-and-mcchickens-2021-6">MyMcDonald's Rewards</a> was first introduced in the US in the summer of 2021. By the end of that year, McDonald's said over 21 million shoppers in the US had enrolled in the system. The program has since expanded to other markets.For every dollar spent on an order, you receive points. When accumulated, these can then be used to redeem free menu items.CEO Chris Kempczinski told analysts that the company's aim to reach 250 million active members by the end of 2027 was achievable. As of December 2023, McDonald's had 150 million 90-day active users in its loyalty program."We know as we drive loyalty adoption, we increase the frequency of visit and the spend from these customers over time," Kempczinski said.<h2 id="88661e47-ef97-4b4a-ae95-3bf701414a31">It's not just McDonald's</h2>McDonald's is not the only chain reaping the rewards from loyal consumers.Starbucks said in its most recent report earlier this week that its own rewards program had reached 33.8 million 90-day active members, a 4% year-on-year increase. Former boss Laxman Narasimhan said in February that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-offer-fewer-deals-under-new-ceo-2024-10">60% of the company's sales</a> were from the nearly 34 million Starbucks Rewards members.Another popular example is Costco, which has become a master at building a superfan base.The warehouse club chain said its executive-tier members, who get 2% rewards on purchases, are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-are-doubling-down-on-loyalty-programs-2024-8">responsible for about 73% of worldwide sales</a>.For West Paschal, cofounder of Alpine IQ, a Colorado-based customer loyalty platform that works with retail businesses, people are hesitant to spend on non-essential goods, so it is particularly important for businesses to use rewards programs to draw them in."It's especially necessary right now," he told Business Insider, "persuading consumers with loyalty deals can be a way to get them back in the store."<div type="image" title="A Starbucks barista works at an espresso machine" height="3456" width="5184" msid="114852909" hostid="261" sizebytes="514486"></div>As prices have soared due to inflation and shoppers have tightened their belts, fast-food chains have been competing against each other to tempt them back with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-price-rises-tipping-point-value-deals-combos-mcdonalds-2024-8">the best value meals</a>. McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King all rolled out $5 combo deals, for example."Loyalty programs are among the most effective ways businesses can cultivate customer engagement and repeat business," Kevin Shahnazari, cofounder of FinlyWealth, a personalized credit card recommendation service, said.Restaurants and stores that offer points-earning apps can drive consumers to opt to buy there over shopping at competitors and they would likely continue making their purchases somewhere where they can win rewards, he said.<h2 id="64ce7ac0-7b75-4926-88de-aa38ad203f8c">The power lies in the perks</h2>However, a good loyalty program should be about more than just the points.Financial incentives are still important, but there's a growing appreciation for rewards programs that align with the customer's values and include personalized experiences, Zsuzsa Kecsmar, chief strategy officer of Antavo Enterprise Loyalty Cloud, an AI-powered customer loyalty platform, said.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chappell-roan-against-hm-doesnt-bode-well-for-brand-2024-9">H&amp;M</a> is one of the retailers that offers exclusive event invites to its members, while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-ceo-elliott-hill-takes-over-faces-challenges-2024-10">Nike</a> provides a customization service for its app users.For Zarina Stanford, CMO at software development firm Bazaarvoice, today's customer wants to feel recognized, and programs that achieve this can create a powerful cycle of prolonged engagement."In a marketplace where choices are endless, a strong loyalty program doesn't just retain customers, it also builds a relationship that feels personal and valuable," she said.It also provides companies with valuable data to understand customers better and tailor marketing.For the future of rewards systems, Kecsmar said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/how-your-business-can-leverage-data-to-increase-customer-loyalty">technology will likely play a crucial role</a> in further adapting to the personalized needs of customers."This might include leveraging AI and advanced analytics to create more intuitive and responsive loyalty ecosystems that adapt to individual customer preferences and behaviors," she added.

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As we welcome the promising year of 2024, it's an opportune moment to reassess our lifestyles, particularly our eating habits. In the pursuit of better health, our daily choices regarding food play a pivotal role. Whether you're a health enthusiast or someone seeking to make positive changes, adopting these 10 major <keyword id="33552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-habits" source="Orion">food habits</keyword> can significantly impact your overall well-being. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The Importance of Healthy Living:" comment="subhead" text="The Importance of Healthy Living:">The Importance of Healthy Living:</cmsannotation> Healthy eating isn't merely a trend; it's a lifestyle that fuels our bodies, minds, and spirits. The foods we consume directly impact our energy levels, mood, longevity, and overall health. In a world where convenience often overshadows nutrition, consciously incorporating these habits can bring forth remarkable improvements. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="the 10 major food habits to embrace in 2024:" comment="subhead" text="the 10 major food habits to embrace in 2024:">the 10 major food habits to embrace in 2024:</cmsannotation> Mindful Eating: Cultivate a habit of eating mindfully. Slow down, savor each bite, and be present during meals. This practice enhances digestion, aids in portion control, and promotes appreciation for food. Embrace Plant-Based Foods: Integrate more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains into your diet. These nutrient-rich foods offer an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health. Prioritize Hydration: Make water your go-to beverage. Staying hydrated is crucial for bodily functions, aiding digestion, maintaining temperature, and supporting skin health. Spice up your water with herbs or fruits for added flavor. Opt for Balanced Meals: Strive for balanced meals comprising protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fiber. This balance stabilizes blood sugar levels, sustains energy, and promotes satiety. Cook at Home More Often: Take control of what goes into your meals by cooking at home. It not only allows you to choose healthier ingredients but also fosters a deeper connection with the food you consume. Reduce Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed and ultra-processed foods high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Instead, opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Understanding appropriate portioning helps prevent overeating and ensures you're getting the right amount of nutrients. Practice Diverse Eating: Incorporate a variety of foods into your diet to ensure a diverse nutrient intake. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients to keep meals exciting and nutritious. Read Food Labels: Take the time to read and understand food labels. This habit aids in making informed choices, enabling you to select healthier options. Mind-Body Connection: Acknowledge the connection between food and overall well-being. Nourishing your body with wholesome foods not only impacts physical health but also influences mental clarity and emotional stability. As we step into 2024, let's commit to fostering a healthier relationship with food. These 10 food habits are not a restrictive diet but rather a roadmap to a sustainable and nourishing lifestyle. Embracing these habits can pave the way for improved health, vitality, and a renewed sense of well-being. Here's to a year of delicious, nutritious choices and a healthier you! Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/webstories/most-searched-recipes-in-2023-in-india/slidelist/105902708.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Cocktails to prasads: What Indians wanted to cook and brew in 2023 </a>

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As we navigate the dynamic landscape of our 20s, it becomes increasingly evident that the choices we make during this pivotal decade can significantly shape our lifelong health and well-being. Among these choices, our dietary habits play a central role in establishing the foundation for a healthier and more energetic lifestyle. This article delves into ten essential <keyword id="33552" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Food-habits" source="Orion">food habits</keyword> that can pave the way for a robust and sustainable approach to nutrition during the transformative 20s. Prioritize Whole Foods: Make a conscious effort to prioritize whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Steer clear of processed foods and the pitfalls of excessive sugary drinks and snacks. Mindful Eating: Cultivate the practice of mindful eating. Slow down, savor each bite, and tune into hunger cues. Eliminate distractions like screens during meals to fully engage in the eating experience. Balanced Meals and Portion Control: Strive for well-balanced meals that encompass proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a generous serving of vegetables. Exercise portion control to avoid overeating and maintain a healthy weight. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key. Ensure a steady intake of water throughout the day to support bodily functions, while limiting the consumption of sugary beverages and excessive caffeine. Cooking Skills Matter: Equip yourself with basic cooking skills to prepare nutritious meals at home. Explore diverse recipes to make healthy eating not just a habit but an enjoyable and sustainable part of your lifestyle. Regular Meal Timing: Maintain consistency in meal timings to regulate metabolism and prevent erratic eating patterns. Start your day with energy by avoiding the temptation to skip meals, especially breakfast. Include Probiotics and Fiber: Foster gut health by incorporating probiotics from sources like yogurt, kefir, or fermented foods. Ensure a sufficient intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote digestive well-being. Smart Snacking: Opt for smart snacking with choices like nuts, fruits, yogurt, or vegetables with hummus to curb cravings. Ditch mindless snacking and embrace nutrient-dense options. Moderation and Flexibility: Embrace moderation and allow yourself occasional treats or indulgences. Steer clear of rigid diets, focusing instead on a balanced and sustainable approach to eating. Read Labels and Be Informed: Stay informed by reading food labels, making educated choices about ingredients, nutrients, and serving sizes. Keep abreast of nutritional information and trends to make conscious decisions about your diet. Cultivating these ten food habits during your 20s lays the groundwork for a lifetime of good health. Remember, it's not about strict rules but about creating a sustainable and enjoyable relationship with food, paving the way to a healthier and happier version of yourself.

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I tried 43 of Trader Joe's fall foods, and would buy at least 31 of them again

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Forklift drivers are an essential part of warehouse operations for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/founding-history-of-costco">Costco</a>.</li><li>It's a challenging and sometimes stressful job, but one that earns a $2 hourly wage premium.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a Chicago-area Costco forklift driver who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the media. Business Insider verified their identity and employment details. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.I joined Costco in 2011, starting out in the food court, and have done pretty much everything from merchandising to produce, deli, meat department, tire shop, and marketing. I was a supervisor in the warehouse and then ultimately settled down as a forklift driver.Typically, Costco forklift drivers are seen kind of like supervisors, because <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-treasure-hunt-layout-not-just-merchandise-tactic-superfans-say-2023-12">you designate the flow of the building</a>. You either set it up for success or failure, depending on what goes on in the receiving area.I also make more as a forklift driver now than I did ten years ago as a supervisor. My current wage is just 20 cents less than a supervisor's right now, so they hold you up to very similar standards. And it's fun driving a machine!<h2 id="7d469b81-f6cc-4a0d-9e88-fa0c456d86e4">We help Costco sell huge amounts of stuff</h2>For example, today we were out of stock of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-ceo-signs-off-every-new-kirkland-signature-item-2024-6">Kirkland Signature water</a>, but a truck driver came in early with 20 pallets of it. And I know we're gonna sell that water as soon as we throw it out there on the floor, so I told him to back up to the dock door, and I unloaded it right away.That was six hours early, plus we would have been closed at the time we were scheduled to unload him, so that's 20 pallets of water that's gonna sell before the end of the day.Then, a different truck came that had 24-packs of Monster. As soon as you unload them, they sell out, so that's another three pallets of sales for today that wouldn't have been added if I hadn't unloaded that truck.I'll look at the inventory on hand and work with the merchants to make sure we remove certain things from the floor and set the flow of the building because if we keep stuff in the truck and keep it back there on the dock, it's not going to sell, and that's bad for everyone.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-costco-uses-large-packaging-for-tiny-products-2023-2">We receive full truckloads of everything we need</a>, sorted by corporate and shipped out to us. The buyers look at our sales and see what we're projected to sell and they tell the depot to send a certain amount of pallets to a given building.Typically, a truck has a minimum of 20 pallets and a maximum of 60 pallets of items, depending on how heavy the items are. You don't really see smaller stores going through three truckloads of water or a truckload of paper towels in a day.In a truckload of 60 pallets of paper towels, each pallet has 30 sell units, so that's 1,800 packs of towels. The sheer volume of things that go through our building is crazy.<h2 id="309dc3a6-2fe6-4c86-9717-d2112aa96f22">Costco takes safety incredibly seriously</h2>I'm actually a Costco forklift trainer, too.Costco worked with OSHA to set up its own certification course. We have a third-party company that certifies all the trainers, but the trainers are all Costco employees. Every building has to have at least one trainer and they are the only ones who can train and certify Costco employees to operate the machines.Trainers are usually the more veteran drivers who have shown they know how to operate safely because it's not just about driving fast.When you drive a forklift, you actually don't have to drive fast; you have to drive smart, and you have to drive carefully because these forklifts weigh as much as three cars. The battery alone on a forklift weighs as much as a car, so there's a lot of weight and power there.We only train one person at a time to make sure that we're giving them the attention they need, and then they get around 20 hours of supervised driving.In the end, if we feel comfortable with how they drive and they've shown that they're going to be safe drivers, we go through a checklist. They have to show proficiency in load placement, driving in the freezer, operating instructions, vehicle stability, and properly caring for the battery.After six months, we take them through an evaluation to make sure they're still driving safely. If they've had no incidents, we give them full certification. Then they just have to recertify every two years.Our location hasn't had any notable accidents, but any major incidents in a warehouse are documented and shared with all the warehouses for review and to see <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/forklift-worker-died-lumber-alabama-osha-dol-fine-sunbelt-forest-2022-5">how they could have been prevented</a>.There's a lot of safety information being passed around throughout the company.<h2 id="776006bb-f4d0-4556-85e2-a9335b7a033e">There's always work for a forklift driver</h2>Once you're a forklift driver, there's zero turnover rate. We have a joke among Costco employees that forklift drivers think they're God's gift to the earth because they're always needed everywhere.We're pretty much the only ones who get offered overtime. Even when there's an overtime freeze, they'll still offer us overtime because they need us so badly.Forklift drivers also get a $2 premium on their hourly wage. Nobody ever wants to quit being a forklift driver.Not everybody can be a forklift driver, though. There can be a lot of stress, especially in the morning before the warehouse opens.It's hard to find somebody with the right mindset to be a forklift driver because it's not something that everybody can handle.As a trainer, if I see you freaking out while you're <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costcos-hot-dog-combo-price-safe-cfo-2024-6">making a hot dog</a>, I don't think I want you driving a 5,000-pound machine.<h2 id="71ab337a-e071-4d09-9e3d-cd07a1090a7e">Essential machines — and essential employees</h2>I think there's a reason why <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-costco-ceo-ron-vachris-life-career-2023-10">our new CEO used to be a forklift driver</a> — there's always so much to do, and the work is never done. It's such an essential machine, specifically for Costco.Where are you going to fit 2,000 pallets of merchandise? You can't keep it on the floor, so you're gonna have to rack it on tall steel shelves, and you're gonna eventually have to bring that stuff down.You can fit one pallet of chips on the floor, but <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-fun-facts-2018-11">that pallet of chips is gonna sell within an hour</a>, so you're gonna have to bring out a forklift and bring down another two pallets. Boom, let's go. Oh, and now you're out of Gatorade.Let's say TVs are on sale for $200. Guess what? You're gonna have to drop some more TVs down from the rack in 20 minutes.Whenever we go out on the floor, we have a spotter in front and a spotter in back, and they kind of help keep people away. We also close the aisle that we're working on, as well as the aisle adjacent to us in case anything were to fall on the other side.And we have to work efficiently since those aisles aren't making sales if they're closed.The $2-an-hour incentive helped push people to want to be forklift drivers again. We want to work for Costco, but money talks. Offer us more money, and I'm gonna want to do that job.

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