Top food executives see the rise of value-seeking consumers

Yahoo Finance Video and Julie Hyman

Sat, February 14, 2026 at 12:33 AM GMT+9

In this video:

PEP

-0.41%

CMG

+1.70%

EAT

-1.34%

MCD

+0.18%

Consumer prices rose less than expected in January, according to last month’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, signaling a potential slowing in broader inflation trends.

Market Catalysts Host Julie Hyman takes a look back at what CEOs and other top executives from PepsiCo (PEP), Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), Brinker International (EAT), and McDonald’s (MCD) have to say about the state of the US consumer.

To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Catalysts.

Video Transcript

00:00 Speaker A

the latest data showing inflation rising less than expected in January. We’ve talked to a number of executives about how the consumer is shaping up in 2026. The biggest theme we’ve been hearing is in one word, value.

00:10 Speaker B

The middle, lower income consumer, quite stable, same as last quarter, but still very stretched in their budgets, trying to be uh choiceful and and uh cautious on how they spend their money, especially discretionary categories.

00:27 Speaker C

And the reality is different guests have different needs. So that guest that only wants that hot price point, there are things for them. So, no matter where you shop the menu, you’re getting get great value.

00:36 Speaker D

And they’re still spending in this uh in this tough economy. So we’re going to lean into those consumers with brand innovation, menu innovation, and really give them more compelling reasons to come in.

00:46 Speaker E

And we talk about the fact that we’ve made I think significant progress on our value and affordability platforms and how those are resonating with consumers.

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