Ready or Not, Here Comes the 2019 Holiday Shopping Season

Changing Consumer Attitudes Could Change the Game for Retail, Reports NPD

Consumers are split in their attitudes about holiday shopping. According to the 2019 Holiday Purchase Intentions Survey from The NPD Group, most consumers in the U.S. are looking forward to this holiday season, and see the holidays as a break from everything happening in the world – half even say going out shopping puts them in the holiday spirit. But almost half of consumers that said they would rather plan an outing with family or friends than exchange gifts – more than last year. More consumers also said they think preparing for the holidays may not be worth all of the work entailed.

“There is more of a divide in consumer sentiment heading into this holiday season than we have seen in years,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor, The NPD Group. “There are fewer consumers planning on doing what they did last year, which means retail needs to be prepared to think differently as well...

Post-Summer Back to the Grind Kept U.S. Restaurant Transactions Flat in September

The post-summer back to business and school as usual kept U.S. restaurant transactions flat in September compared to year ago, reports The NPD Group. The month started out with transactions up but flattened as the month went on, according to NPD’s CREST Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 73 quick service, fast casual, midscale, and casual dining chains.

Transactions at quick service restaurant (QSR) chains, which represent the bulk of industry transactions, were flat in September compared to year ago. While the full service segments of casual dining and...

Online Grocery Shows Global Growth 

According to ResearchandMarkets, the online grocery market is projected to grow by $354.2 billion, with the potential to grow at over 17.4%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over $524.5 billion by the year 2025, online grocery will bring in gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

The United States is expected to maintain an 18.7% growth momentum. In Europe, Germany is projected to add over $13.6 billion to the region's size and clout in the next...

Mintel: Affluent Brits Flock to Chicken Shops and Restaurants as Sales Increase

Well-heeled Brits are joining the nation’s chicken shop obsession, according to latest research from Mintel. Over the last year alone, the number of affluent Brits visiting chicken outlets and restaurants has shot up from 40% in 2018 to 45% in 2019.

Meanwhile, those who have stable household finances are also now more likely to be enjoying the nation’s chicken shops and restaurants. Almost half (47%) of those describing their financial situation as ‘OK’ visited a chicken shop in 2019, compared to 41% a year earlier. This comes as the chicken segment has seen some worse-off consumers exiting the market. The number of Brits with a challenging financial situation visiting chicken shops dropped from...

Mintel: Organic Food and Drink Products Gain Popularity 

According to Mintel Global New Products Database, in the last 10 years, the total number of new food and drink product launches globally with an organic claim has risen from 6% to 10% between August 2009 and July 2019.

Mintel research finds that Europe is leading the way in terms of organic food and drink innovation, with almost a fifth of all food and drink products launched in Europe carrying an organic claim. In the 10 years to July 2019, the number of European food and drink launches with an organic claim has shot up from 9% to 17%, satisfying Europe’s hunger for organics. Current leading innovators include...

Impossible Burger Sales Skyrocket at Retail Debut 

After its highly anticipated retail debut, the Impossible Burger remains the number one item sold at grocery stores on the East and West coasts where the product is offered. The flagship product from Impossible Foods made its worldwide debut in grocery stores on September 20th at all outlets of Gelson's Markets in Southern California. Since its launch, Gelson’s has sold more Impossible Burgers than all types of ground beef, based on both revenue and total number of pounds sold. On September 26th, the Impossible Burger became available in all 100 outlets of Wegmans on the East coast, including seven states and two Fairway locations in New York City. The Impossible Burger became the number one single item sold in the meat department at Fairway's two Manhattan locations.

Also, during the product's first full weekend on stores shelves in Southern California, the Impossible Burger outsold by more than...

McMaster University Study says No Need to Cut Down on Red Meat 

A major study led by researchers at McMaster and Dalhousie universities has found that cutting back on red and processed meat has little impact on health. A panel of international scientists systematically reviewed the evidence and have recommended that most adults should continue to eat their current levels of meat. The researchers performed four systematic reviews focused on randomized controlled trials and observational studies looking at the impact of red meat and processed meat consumption on cardiometabolic and cancer outcomes. In one review of 12 trials with 54,000 people, the researchers did not find a statistically significant correlation between...

MarketsandMarkets: Plant-Based Protein Market Worth $40.6 Billion by 2025

According to MarketsandMarkets, the plant-based protein market is currently estimated at $18.5 billion, and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14% by 2025. This projection totals a value of $40.6 billion by 2025. As demand for plant-based protein products increases, food and beverage manufacturers will be driven to create such products.

During the forecast period, the pea segment is expected to be the fastest growing in the alternative protein market. Pea protein is gaining popularity among plant-based protein manufacturers at a global level due to...

Reports and Data: Soy Protein Ingredients Market to Reach $16.6 Billion by 2026

According to Reports and Data, the global soy protein ingredients market was valued at $9.7 billion in 2018, and is expected to reach $16.6 billion by the year 2026. This increase would be a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. The consumer base of the soy protein ingredient market has increased over the years, with a rise in the number of health-conscious consumers. The soy protein ingredients market is undergoing various technological advancements. Mainly used for the production of nutrition bars, soy proteins are meeting the needs of the bar manufacturing industry through the development of various shapes, sizes, hardness, and isolates. With the changing needs of the manufacturers in the industry, processes are expected to improve.

Available in a wide range of products, soybeans are one of the few alternative proteins containing all essential amino acids. Familiar food preparations include products such as tofu, soymilk, and tempeh. Cereal blends are another product, consisting of...

Mintel: Nearly Three in 10 Americans say Technology is Ruining the Hospitality Industry

Technology plays a prominent role in nearly every aspect of US consumers’ lives and the dining out experience is no exception. But it seems that for some Americans, the spread of mobile, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technology is unwanted as new research from Mintel reveals that 28% of US consumers agree that technology is ruining hospitality.

However, it may be the fear of the unknown that’s influencing these perceptions as a large minority of Americans have not only never used certain types of technology when dining out, but they are not interested in trying them. For example, two in five consumers have not used and are not interested in trying a restaurant mobile app (44%) or kiosk (40%) to pay. Nearly half (48%) of diners have not used and are not interested in trying...

The Consumer Confidence Index Declined in September

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased in September, following a slight decline in August. The Index now stands at 125.1 (1985=100), down from 134.2 in August. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased from 176.0 to 169.0. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – declined from 106.4 last month to 95.8 this month.

“Consumer confidence declined in September, following a moderate decrease in August,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers were less positive in their assessment of current conditions and their expectations regarding the short-term outlook also weakened. The escalation in trade and tariff tensions in late August appears to have rattled consumers. However, this pattern of...

Cultured Meat Market Forecast to Grow by 2032

According to MarketsandMarkets, the cultured meat market size is estimated to be valued at $214 million by 2025, and projected to reach $593 million by 2032. This projection will lead to a compound annual growth rate of 15.7% from 2025 to 2032. The rising consumption of meat along with increasing demand for nutritional meat are a few of the key factors driving the growth of the industry. When considering the categories of poultry, beef, seafood, pork, and duck, the poultry segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast. This is due to the availability of poultry when compared to other meat sources such as beef, and also the consumer preference for poultry and poultry products.

The increasing popularity of poultry products in many quick service restaurants has encouraged manufacturers to develop innovative alternative products to meet consumer demand. Additionally, the rising demand for chicken, due to...

The Golden Growth Opportunity for U.S. Drugstores 

The self-care movement is playing a key role in reshaping health care in a way that drug store retailers and manufacturers can’t afford to ignore. Recent data from The Conference Board Global Consumer Confidence Survey, in collaboration with Nielsen, shows that 18% of Americans reported health as a top concern, next only to the economy (22%) and immigration (19%). With the threat of rising health care costs, consumers are prioritizing wellness and taking a more active role in managing their own health.

Today’s health-minded consumers are looking beyond medicine to manage their health—and opting for healthier food is a big part of this mindset. Increasingly for drugstores, the way to consumer wallets is through their diet. However, Nielsen’s 2019 Health Care study showed that only 24% of consumers are satisfied with the health food selection in drugstores, compared with 75% who expressed satisfaction of...

Shop on Amazon, Pay in Cash

Amazon is making it even easier for customers to pay with cash. Amazon PayCode, already available in 19 countries around the world, launches today in the U.S. and allows customers to choose Amazon PayCode at checkout and then pay for their purchase in cash at one of 15,000 Western Union locations. Items ship once customers pay for their purchase in person at a participating Western Union location. Amazon PayCode will be rolling out to customers over the coming weeks.

Separately, Amazon Cash, which enables customers to load cash into their Amazon Balance for making online Amazon purchases, is now available in over 100,000 cash-loading locations nationwide. Customers in the U.S. who prefer to use cash are now...

Technomic: Operators Must Showcase Value and Innovation to Gain Share of Pasta and Noodle Occasions

Consumption of pasta and noodle dishes in Canada is high but skews significantly toward at-home occasions, according to Technomic’s new 2019 Canadian Pasta Consumer Trend Report. In order to drive sales, operators should offer a unique draw for consumers that they won’t be able to find elsewhere.

“Operators need to convey that their pasta and noodle dishes are worth the price of dining out and offer a meal that simply can’t be replicated at home,” explains Charles Winship, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Authentic preparations, high-quality ingredients and innovative flavour profiles can all help elevate dishes, improving value perceptions.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Fresh and Focused: The U.S. Retailer Path to Winning Brick and Mortar

Despite the explosion in online shopping in the U.S., physical stores haven’t gone by the wayside. Why? In a word: fresh.

Although e-commerce represents just 4% of grocery sales today, it accounts for nearly one-third of total growth. And Americans are increasingly heading online to shop for nonperishables, household items and pet products, making the concept of stock up grocery trips a thing of the past for many shoppers.

Yet the fresh departments (bakery, deli, meat, produce and seafood) still lure people into physical stores; in fact, online grocery shoppers spend 1.5% more in-store on fresh food than the average consumer does. As more category sales continue to...

US Foods Delivers a World of Authentic, Global Flavors with Fall Scoop 2019

US Foods Holding Corp. announced today the launch of Fall Scoop 2019, which focuses on “Global Discovery Made Easy” and showcases products with Latin American, Asian and Middle Eastern influences. With 54 percent of consumers saying they have gone out of their way to try a novel global food, today’s diners are hungry to explore new flavors from all over the world.1

To help restaurant operators stay competitive and meet this growing demand, US Foods collaborated with nationally recognized chefs, Chef Diana Dávila, Chef Thai Dang and Chef Sameh Wadi to advise on many of the...

NPD Group: Consumers Consider the Environment when Making Food and Beverage Decisions

Sustainability, which by definition is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance, is a much talked about topic today and is used in a broader sense to mean environmental consciousness or earth-friendly. In the food and beverage and foodservice sectors, many grocers, food manufacturers, and restaurant operators are initiating sustainability efforts as socially responsible corporate citizens and to support consumer interests. Nine percent of adults consider the environment as a top factor when making food and beverage purchase decisions, and it’s young adults, ages 18-44 years old, who are most likely to feel this way, finds The NPD Group.

When making food and beverage purchase decisions based on the environment, packaging is most visible to consumers. One in ten U.S. adults, or roughly 20 million consumers, said that they have switched to a different food or beverage brand because...

Packaged Facts: Alternative Proteins Budding with Organic and Clean Label Food Shoppers

Though the majority of Americans eat meat, trends throughout 2019—from the launch of Burger King's Impossible Whopper to skyrocketing shares of Beyond Meat's blockbuster IPO—hint at the multi-billion dollar potential impact of plant-based products on the nation's food and beverage market.

According to The Organic and Clean Label Food Shopper, 2nd Edition, a brand new report by market research firm Packaged Facts, consumers are increasingly more adventurous with what they eat and more consider themselves flexitarian than in the past. Packaged Facts reveals that only 6% of Baby Boomers claim to eat flexitarian diets, while 13% of Generation Z considers themselves flexitarian, showing the trend is...

NPD Group: U.S. Restaurant Cash Registers Rang More in August

Amidst a chicken sandwich war, taking advantage of the last remaining days of summer vacation, and the want of having someone else do the cooking, consumers made more purchases at U.S. restaurants in August than they did the year before, reports The NPD Group. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) were the primary beneficiaries of this consumer demand with same-store dollars up by 4.4 percent.

Restaurant transactions were positive for QSR chains throughout the month of August, according to NPD’s CREST Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 73 quick service, fast casual, midscale chains, and casual dining chains. The full service segment of casual and midscale/family chains continued to be soft compared to...

Survey: Quality and Transparent Sourcing Drive Millennial Food Choices

Quality drives millennial food shopping, and they are willing to pay more for it, according to a new Whole Foods Market survey. Eighty percent of millennials value quality when it comes to food shopping, and nearly 70 percent are willing to spend more money on high quality foods.

These findings are part of a new survey released today that examines millennial food, health and grocery shopping preferences, which was conducted independently by YouGov on behalf of the retailer. The national online survey sampled 1,006 adults between the ages of 22 and 37 in the U.S.

Another trend that emerged is more informed purchasing decisions. A majority of millennials want to know where their food comes from and...

Technomic: Small Plates, Starters, and Sides Positioned to Gain Popularity

With consumers’ desire for innovation increasing and snacking becoming more of a habit, mealparts such as starters, small plates and sides are well-positioned to gain share of stomach. Technomic’s 2019 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report explores how these mealparts can help foodservice brands maximize existing opportunities and overcome potential challenges.

“Starters, small plates and sides are flexible menu offerings that provide the innovation consumers seek at a lower risk than larger menu items,” explains Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “While the lower price points and smaller portions mean these mealparts are great platforms for experimentation, rising menu prices increase the risk. As prices rise, brands must work to maintain, if not boost, value perceptions through bolder innovation and...

How the Coffee Category Became a Hot Bed of Innovation for the U.S. Grocery Market 

Beyond the buzz created around the early release of Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte, there is something big brewing in the U.S. coffee market. American’s consumption habits are shifting across the beverage industry, and consumers are increasingly seeking their next caffeine fix from chilled, on-the-go coffee options over energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks.

Nielsen data shows that the ready-to-drink coffee category is hot. In fact, dollar sales within the latest 52 weeks (ending July 27, 2019) netted $3 billion, up 16% versus a year ago. And a steady stream of innovation is fueling...

Packaged Facts: 4 Ways Grocers can Improve Outreach to Affluent Food Shoppers

The food culture and buying habits of affluent food shoppers (the 42 million food shoppers in the U.S. with household incomes of $150,000 or more) cause them to have a disproportionate impact on the bottom line of brick-and-mortar supermarkets and grocery stores. Affluent food shoppers are more prone than other food shoppers to shy away from conventional shelf-stable packaged foods and are more likely to spend their money and time on buying and experiencing higher margin store perimeter products and services.

In the market research report Affluent Food Shoppers, Packaged Fact identifies four key ways that U.S. grocers can better attract and meet the needs of this important consumer segment...

Throughout the World, Convenience Stores Are a Rapidly Growing Venue for U.S. Red Meat

The desire for work-life balance and pre-packaged meals requiring little or no kitchen time is leading consumers around the world to a surprising new destination for breakfast, lunch and dinner: the neighborhood convenience store.

And we’re not just talking about beef jerky and pepperoni sticks.

Convenience stores are offering a wide selection of entrée and full meal options that are winning over customers and creating more demand for U.S. red meat. For every gourmet hot dog sold in a South Korean GS25 store, every bowl of beef noodle soup ladled from a 7-Eleven hot food counter in Taiwan and every pork sausage sandwich pulled from a shelf in a Mexican Oxxo outlet comes another trade opportunity for...

The Consumer Confidence Index Declined Marginally in August

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® declined marginally in August, following July’s rebound. The Index now stands at 135.1 (1985=100), down from 135.8 in July. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 170.9 to 177.2. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – declined from 112.4 last month to 107.0 this month.

“Consumer confidence was relatively unchanged in August, following July’s increase,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved further, and the Present Situation Index is now at its highest level in nearly 19 years (Nov. 2000, 179.7). Expectations cooled moderately, but overall remain strong. While other parts of the economy may show some weakening, consumers have remained confident and willing to spend. However, if the recent escalation in trade and tariff tensions persists, it could potentially dampen...

Aramark Gears Up for 2019 Back-to-School Season on College Campuses Across the Nation

As millions of college students prepare to return to campus to start the new school year, they’ll be looking for fresh, nutritious, on-trend food when they hit the books. Aramark, the award-winning food and facilities partner of more than 400 colleges and universities across the U.S., is ready to welcome back three million higher education students to campus, by introducing a new wave of offerings customized to the ever-changing needs of Gen Zers.

“Every year, our higher education team members elevate the student experience with custom campus solutions tailored for them,” said Jeff Gilliam, president of Aramark’s Higher Education business. “Our culinary team puts innovation first, to create healthy, fresh recipes that students love, and we’re excited for students to see...

Applegate Battles Lunchtime Boredom with Its “Lunching Awesome” Campaign

Sandwiches. Nearly half of us eat one every day. And no wonder. They’re fast, versatile–travel well and are a go-to Back to School lunch option for parents. With countless sandwich ingredient combinations to explore, no one should have to suffer from a blah lunch. No matter a person’s taste preferences or dietary restrictions, there’s an ultimate sandwich for everyone.

This back-to-school season, Applegate is battling lunch-making boredom with its “Lunching Awesome” campaign, sharing crave-able sandwich recipes and offering a simple sandwich guide that identifies the key components of a great sandwich.

Despite an endless amount of sandwich possibilities, many people make the same sandwich over and over again. And then, there are those who still haven’t found their ultimate sandwich. According to a recent survey conducted by Applegate...

Total U.S. Restaurant Visits in July Held Steady While Consumer Spending Increases

U.S. consumers visited restaurants this July at the same pace they did last July and consumer spending was up three percent compared to year ago, reports The NPD Group. Total U.S. traffic volume for commercial restaurants in the year ending June was 61 billion visits.

Industry bright spots this summer include quick service restaurant traffic gains and continued visit growth to fast casual restaurants, although increases are not as strong as in previous years, according to NPD’s ongoing foodservice market research. Digital orders, which include internet/mobile app and text message orders for carry out and delivery, are growing rapidly but still represent a small amount of traffic share. On premise dining is also realizing visit gains this summer.

NPD’s SalesTrack® Weekly, which is a national weekly same-store sales pulse of 60 participating brands representing over 113,000 QSR and full service locations, showed...

July Retail Sales Show Strong Gains

Retail sales were up 0.9 percent in July seasonally adjusted from June and up 5.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said today. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.

“July’s strong results are consistent with a confident consumer,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Households are in good shape with spending and that should continue as long as the labor market remains healthy. But it’s important to remember that today’s data is looking backward at what was happening a month ago. The impact of volatile financial markets and increased trade tensions in recent weeks may put a wind of caution in consumer spending as...

Fast Food Ranked in Top 40% of All Industries in MBLM's Brand Intimacy Study

The fast food industry ranked sixth out of the 15 industries studied in MBLM's Brand Intimacy 2019 Study, which is the largest study of brands based on emotion. Brand Intimacy is defined as the emotional science that measures the bonds we form with the brands we use and love. Chick-fil-A rose to the #1 spot in fast food followed by Dunkin'. Starbucks dropped to third after ranking first for the previous two years. The top 10 for the industry was rounded out by: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Subway, Wendy's, Burger King, Chipotle and KFC.

Chick-Fil-A also ranked 10th in the overall industry. In addition to performing well in MBLM's study, the brand increased its revenue at a 15% annual rate from 2010 to 2018, while the industry as a whole only grew by 3.4%.1 In 2018, Chick-fil-A also reported more than $10 billion in revenue, its 51st consecutive year of sales growth.2 This correlates to the study findings, which revealed that...

Food And Beverage Industry Seen As Growth Market in U.S. Retail Real Estate Sector

A healthy appetite for food and beverage businesses continues to fuel significant growth in one of the hottest areas in the U.S. retail real estate sector, according to BBG, a leading due diligence commercial real estate firm.

In U.S. cities across the country, more restaurants, bars and grocery stores are opening or expanding operations to meet growing demand for these services, as a result of an ongoing demographic shift in how and where people live, work and play.

That has led to these businesses growing their share of total retail spending, from 24.3 percent during the past decade, compared with 22.7 percent prior to the 2007-2008 recession, according to one recent industry report. F&B sales now account for nearly...

U.S. Consumers’ Desire to Use Food as Medicine is Evidenced by Emerging Superfoods

While it is commonly understood that good nutrition promotes general health, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their food and beverage choices can help them manage and, in some cases, reverse certain medical conditions, according to health and wellness research by The NPD Group. NPD finds that about a quarter of U.S. adults are trying to manage a health or medical condition by making healthy food and beverage choices.

Younger adults, ages 18-24, are particularly interested in using foods to improve their health. Last year young adults chose foods and beverages with healthy profiles for 19 percent of their meals and in-between snacks. For example, nine percent of adults say a top nutrition goal is protecting brain health and when asked about foods that promote brain health, young adults were 45 percent more likely to...

Technomic: Beverage Category Ripe with Opportunity 

Beverages have always played a significant role in foodservice and the category is continuously evolving. Technomic’s recently released Away-from-Home Beverage Study covers how consumer demands and business conditions have shifted within the past few years.

“Beverage growth has outpaced that of foodservice within the past few years thanks to innovative options such as nitro coffee, plant-based milks and other alternative beverages entering this space,” explains David Henkes, principal at Technomic. “Although challenges like third-party delivery are encroaching on beverage occasions, the category has a lot of opportunities available through offering a wide variety of innovative beverage options to their guests.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Nielsen: Meet the New "Meat" Eater

Meat alternatives have made a big splash in consumer packaged goods (CPG), and sales are on the rise. But are manufacturers and retailers doing enough to educate consumers in this space? Getting consumers to try trendy plant-based foods is one thing, but encouraging long-term adoption and lifestyle change is another.

Today’s shoppers are, in many cases, omnivores, but they’re playing the field when it comes to exploring meat alternatives in their search for dietary protein. In fact, protein-seeking consumers are more likely than ever to consider all the options available to them. Nielsen Homescan consumer purchase metrics indicate that 98% of meat alternative buyers in America also purchase meat products. Conversely, 21% of U.S. meat buyers, also purchase...

Innovation is Bringing New Excitement to the Burger Category in Canada

More Canadians today than a year ago say they’re ordering burgers from foodservice at least once a month, and the growth of the LSR burger category is outpacing the industry. In the 2019 Canadian Burger Consumer Trend Report, Technomic dives into the factors at play, including innovations such as plant-based burgers and unique flavour profiles.

“The bigger the burger category gets, the more important it is that operators maintain points of differentiation,” explains Charles Winship, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Responding to demands for plant-based options as well as spicier, bolder flavours will be critical as brands look to offer burgers that truly stand out.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Demand Rises for Groceries Online 

Today, there is hardly any field or area where technological advancements have not been made. In the retail sector, grocery shopping is expanding technologically. In the past, consumers generally grocery shopped at nearby supermarkets or convenience stores. However, with the increasing development of the internet and smartphones, online grocery shopping has gained popularity in recent years.

According to Research and Markets, grocery stores can be broadly categorized into three formats: small format, large format, and electronic/online. Online grocery shopping is a recent trend that has developed as a form of e-commerce. These stores can be in the form of brick-and-mortar supermarkets or...

U.S. Consumers Buy Chicken for Versatility, Value, Variety

Chicken purchasers cite more positive attributes than purchasers of beef, pork, fish and plant-based meat proteins, according to new research presented today at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit.

The National Chicken Council (NCC) and WATT Global Media presented the results of a study that explored the drivers for grocery purchases of chicken compared to other meat and plant-based proteins. IRI provided supporting data from its retail databases. The study was commissioned by the NCC and conducted online by IRI July 1-10, 2019, among 780 adults. Funding was provided by Elanco, WATT Global Media, NCC and Meyn.

Chicken Checks More Boxes

Buyers were asked about attributes in eight categories: taste, health, versatility, family appeal, value for...

Packaged Facts: Retail Breakfast Trends Focus on Health-Related Product Claims and Positioning

Health and wellness trends have significant impact on consumer attitudes and behaviors when shopping for food and beverages, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Breakfast: Retail Product Trends and Opportunities in the U.S., 2nd Edition. The dilemma is that health is a subjective term. This means there is a range of desired product attributes that consumers seek out to fit within their perspective of what's healthy.

While low calorie and low carb were at one time benchmarks for health food, attention has shifted to a greater focus on low/no sugar or low/no added sugars. Sugar is an ingredient in many packaged breakfast foods, especially cereal and breakfast pastries.

Health trends are moving away from being diet-focused in favor of adopting a healthy lifestyle. With increased knowledge of food sourcing and...

Technomic: Shifting Definitions of Value Increasingly Include Food Quality and Service

Value remains a vital component in the path to purchase, with 76% of consumers saying it’s a very important factor when deciding where to dine. Technomic’s 2019 Value & Pricing Consumer Trend Report also reveals that roughly one-quarter of consumers say their definition of value has changed over the past two years, with food quality and service, in particular, playing an increasing role in the value proposition.

“As definitions of value continue to evolve, operators will need to renew their focus on meeting, if not exceeding, expectations across all aspects of the value equation—food quality, price, service and atmosphere,” explains Bret Yonke, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Moving forward, look for high-traffic, high-volume segments like fast food to further experiment with subscription models, such as...

Mobile Payment Trends Create Growth in Global Food E-Commerce

A country’s mobile payment usage will be an increasingly strong indicator for its food e-commerce market going forward, as consumer familiarity with making mobile payments is key for boosting online shopping, reports Packaged Facts in the recent market research study Global Food E-Commerce (published May 2019).

Research in the report reveals that:

• The rapidly growing penetration of smartphones means that an increasing share of total e-commerce transactions will be performed via mobile devices, rather than computers.
• Mobile devices are essential to omnichannel sales strategies that integrate online and offline shopping experiences.
• Mobile apps are the payment platforms used in cashierless grocery stores.

Mobile payments are central to online-to-offline grocery experiences such as Alibaba’s Hema Fresh and JD.com’s 7Fresh in China. U.S.-based Kroger and Walmart also offer...

Quick Service Burger Buyers Mix it Up Between Plant-Based and Beef

Plant-based burgers are increasingly finding their way on to quick service restaurants (QSRs) menu boards and customers are responding. There were 228 million servings of plant-based burgers ordered at QSRs in the year ending May, up 10 percent from a year ago, reports The NPD Group. With all of the buzz surrounding the popularity of plant-based burgers some are wondering if veggie burgers are closing in on beef burgers or if the growth of plant-based burgers corresponds to an increase in vegetarianism or veganism. Here are some answers.

Beef burgers are still by far the most popular burger ordered at QSRs. There were 6.4 billion beef burgers ordered at QSRs in the year ending May 2019, and although growth is flat compared to year ago, beef burgers are still...

Alexa, How Was Prime Day? Prime Day 2019 Surpassed Black Friday and Cyber Monday Combined

This year, Prime Day was once again the largest shopping event in Amazon history with more than one million deals exclusively for Prime members. Over the two days of Prime Day, on July 15 and 16, sales surpassed the previous Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. Prime members purchased more than 175 million items throughout the event. Prime Day was also the biggest event ever for Amazon devices, when comparing two-day periods – top-selling deals worldwide were...

Amazon Continues to Change the Face of Retail with Prime Day 

According to the NPD Group, more than half of Amazon Prime members plan to purchase products from Amazon during the Prime Day shopping event on July 15th and 16th. While retailers including Target and Walmart are following Amazon's lead with deals of their own during these dates, only 15 percent of these consumers intend to shop at both Amazon and other retailers.

When surveyed, 70 percent of Amazon Prime members reported to look for deals in advance of Prime Day, and nearly two-thirds are doing so to get an idea of what they wish to buy ahead of time. This planning includes comparing prices with other retailers, with nearly a quarter of consumers purchasing items elsewhere if a lower price is found prior to Prime Day. However, those that do not shop on Prime Day, 69 percent, claim...

The New Black Friday? Prime Day's Halo Effect Spans Beyond Gadgets (And Amazon Itself)

Remember when shopping was primarily a chore? If you’re a Millennial, you might never have thought this way, but it really wasn’t that long ago that shopping was more of a task than an experience—let alone something to look forward to.

Historically, Black Friday was the year’s sole shopping experience. Today, however, the abundance of choice, access and creative marketing give brands and retailers all the ammunition they need to inspire consumers to shop at any time they choose...

Packaged Facts: Retail Market for Meat Substitutes Now a Billion Dollar Industry

Major opportunities remain in meat and poultry, though not in the usual ways or for the usual players, according to U.S. Food Market Outlook 2019, a report by market research firm Packaged Facts.

Leading players have done much to innovate in meat and poultry with new and acquired products that offer premium farm-to-table experiences with authentic stories; organic ingredients; or grass-fed, free-range, and locally raised animals. Most importantly, they will continue to do so. Nevertheless, meat substitutes and alternatives have...

Technomic: Burgers Risk Losing Affordable Reputation

Burgers are often thought of as being more affordable than other menu items, but as prices continue to rise at a faster rate than the average entree, this view may start shifting. Notably, these price increases are true across a variety of burger types, including bacon cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and specialty burgers. Technomic’s 2019 Burger Consumer Trend Report examines the factors at play.

“Price increases are offering operators a form of relief as they struggle with rising labor and delivery costs, as well as limited growth through traffic,” explains Charles Winship, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “But continued price increases for burgers could ultimately cut into perceptions around their affordability and push consumers toward other options.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Affluent Food Shoppers: Money Isn’t Everything

With their laser-like focus on healthy eating, sophisticated tastes, and ample financial resources, the 42 million food shoppers with a household income of $150,000 or more exercise an outsize influence on the food industry. The sheer volume of spending on food at home by affluent households—which is in excess of $100 billion—makes them an essential consumer segment for food manufacturers, marketers, distributors, and grocers.

But it’s not money alone that sets affluent food shoppers apart. Besides spending a lot more money every year buying food to eat at home (74% more than their less affluent counterparts, according to the U.S. Government’s Consumer Expenditure Survey), the way affluent food shoppers spend money at the grocery store is...

REPORTER: Getting By Without Getting High 

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has a medicinal history that dates back thousands of years. Used medicinally, CBD can help with issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression, autoimmune disease, and neurological conditions, to name a few. What makes this market unique is that these products can be used topically or can be consumed orally.

When CBD first took off, it was mostly edible products, such as gummies or oils. However, with the popularity of these items continuing to grow, new edible products began to pop up in the market. From sodas to ice cream, CBD users have a variety of options to explore—and some restaurants are even jumping in on the fun. Fresh&Co, a fast-casual chain in New York, debuted...

Grubhub's 'State of the Plate' Highlights Top Dining Trends of 2019

Grubhub released its “State of the Plate” report which breaks down America’s dining trends throughout 2019. Grubhub takes data from the 500,000-plus orders placed every day on its platform, and organizes them into different categories to help spot trends for 2019.

With winter and spring already wrapped up, Grubhub found some interesting findings, while their outlook for summer and fall provide some potential trends that could burst onto the scene when as the year moves forward.

Grubhub’s top takeaway involved...

Employed Americans Desire to Eat More Healthy Lunches 

More than half (56%) of employed Americans who typically eat lunch during work hours struggle to eat a healthy lunch at work, and more than three quarters (77%) say they're more likely to make healthier decisions at other times of the day if they eat healthy at lunch, according to a new survey from the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, and Aramark, the largest U.S. based food service company.

The survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association and Aramark as part of their joint initiative, Healthy for Life® 20 By 20, among 907 employed U.S. adults aged 18 or older who say they typically eat lunch during work hours.

"Understanding what employees are eating for lunch on a typical workday and what factors influence their choices helps us develop strategies to improve dietary intake with multi-level approaches through...

Acosta Finds Grocery Delivery and Non-Traditional Grocery Channels are Gaining Popularity

With residents of the top 50 most populous cities comprising nearly 16 percent of the total U.S. population and city growth rates consistently topping those of suburban and rural areas, urban grocery shoppers are becoming an increasingly influential demographic.

Research released today in The Urban Grocery Shopper, the latest Hot Topic report from Acosta — a leading full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry — provides insights into the grocery shopping world of city dwellers, which varies significantly from that of suburbanites and those living in rural areas.

"For urban grocery shoppers, crowded stores are the norm so convenience is a major priority," said Colin Stewart, Senior Vice President, Business Intelligence at Acosta. "City dwellers are more likely than...

Research and Markets: The Plant-Based Meat Market Poised to Grow 

The "Global Plant-Based Meat Market Analysis & Trends - Industry Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Plant-Based Meat Market is poised to grow strong during the forecast period 2017 to 2027.

Some of the prominent trends that the market is witnessing include creation of flavour components, alternative proteins and flexitarian diets and likemeat project serves as the base.

Based on product, the market is categorized into burger patties, meatballs, natto, sausages, strips & nuggets and other products. Depending on type, the market is segregated into...

Competition Heats Up in Canada as Emerging Channels Enter the Playing Field

Emerging channels in Canada are delivering a new wave of competition for traditional foodservice operators. Technomic’s 2019 Canadian Emerging Channels Consumer Trend Report explores these new players, covering everything from food halls to meal kits. While usage of these channels is currently low overall, there is strong appeal among younger consumers. This, along with future expansion plans, means that emerging channels are poised to steal share from restaurants moving forward.

“For younger consumers, a wider variety of need states compared to older consumers and a greater willingness to experiment and try new things leads to greater usage of emerging channels,” explains Bret Yonke, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Moving forward, the broad nature of these channels means competition on multiple fronts. Food halls and food trucks will be the greatest threat for lunch occasions, while eatertainment and meal kits will...

Monetizing the Munchies: How Legal Marijuana Use is Affecting the U.S. Snacking Industry 

In the U.S., interest in cannabis is growing—and laws are shifting to meet consumer demands. Most recently, the Illinois legislature approved recreational marijuana use for adults, with sales of cannabis products containing the psychoactive element, THC, anticipated to start in January 2020. With Illinois soon entering the mix, marijuana will be legal in 11 states and Washington DC, despite still being federally illegal.

The increased legalization of cannabis in the U.S. presents big opportunities for the American food and beverage market—particularly for the snack and confectionery category...

Affluent Food Shoppers More Likely to Purchase Natural and Organic Products

The belief that natural and organic practices produce foods that are tastier, more nutritious, and healthier continues to germinate in the minds of key consumer demographics. The result has created a pervasive and enduring trend that spreads to virtually every corner of the food and beverage industry.

Wealthy Americans are among the most influential and active participants in the natural and organic food market, according to Affluent Food Shoppers, a new report by market research firm Packaged Facts.

Packaged Facts’ consumer survey data found that affluent food shoppers are increasingly moving in the direction of eating more organic and natural foods. They are more likely than non-affluent food shoppers to respond that they are eating more natural foods or organic certified foods compared to...

While Restaurant Delivery gets All the Buzz, Digital Orders Overall Grow by Double-Digits

The growing access to foodservice delivery has garnered lots of attention from the marketplace and media, but while delivery grabs the spotlight, digital restaurant orders overall steadily grow by double-digits, reports The NPD Group. Restaurant digital orders, which are defined by meals or snacks ordered via mobile app, internet, or text message, have grown by 23 percent over the past four years and now represent 3.1 billion visits and $26.8 billion dollars. NPD forecasts digital orders to continue to grow by double-digits through 2020 with growth across all service modes including delivery, on premises, and carryout, according to NPD’s Delivering Digital Convenience report.

Although convenience is understandably the top reason consumers choose digital ordering, other top reasons include: no waiting; the ability to order, pay, and have it ready; ordering at my “own” pace; and earning rewards/feeling valued. In addition to these reasons...

Consumer Disloyalty is the New Normal

Assume the people you consider to be the most loyal customers on the planet are, in fact, disloyal. Because 92% of the time, you’ll be right. New Nielsen findings demonstrate that just 8% of consumers consider themselves to be firmly committed loyalists.

Yet the marketing tactics and investments rarely reflect these realities. A whopping 46% of consumers tell us they are more likely to try new brands than they were five years ago; a clear signal to a trend we should expect to intensify. Yet we see few signs that adjustments have been made to marketing initiatives or innovation pipelines to match these numbers.

The implications of not dramatically rethinking campaigns that focus on winning or retaining loyal customers are meaningful. The drag effect of consumer demand for choice and...

Technomic: Students’ Foodservice Demands Grow Both On and Off Campus

Delivery, technology and health trends are changing the foodservice landscape and younger generations are leading this charge. Technomic’s 2019 College & University Consumer Trend Report explores this segment in depth, providing actionable recommendations for operators and suppliers to get ahead of the challenges and competition.

“Students have high expectations from their foodservice experiences both on and off campus. Delivery, convenience and menu innovation are all top priorities for college and university students,” explains Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “On top of this, they will choose companies that support causes they care about such as...

Good Eggs Releases Results of Family Food Fix Survey 

Good Eggs, the online market that delivers absurdly fresh groceries, today announced the results of its Family Food Fix Survey, which takes a pulse on the perspectives and behaviors of today's consumers when it comes to the necessary task of grocery shopping. Additionally, the findings reveal insights into meal kit usage, the reality of preparing multiple dinners every night, and what families across America want most for dinner.

"From grocery shopping to getting dinner on the table, feeding a family has become a time-consuming struggle for today's busy parents," said Jaime Nessel, Vice President of Assortment of Good Eggs. "Online grocery delivery services can provide significant time savings to families. At Good Eggs, we provide a complete, yet curated assortment of local products, absurdly fresh local produce and meat...

Mintel Announces Five U.S. Flavor and Ingredient Trends 

Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, announced from IFT19 the flavor and ingredient trends that are influencing the foodservice and packaged food and drink categories in 2019 and beyond. The five new trends link the relationship between consumer behavior and food and drink to dishes on restaurant menus and products on store shelves, and explain the significant momentum that has led to this moment.

Seeking out ingredients that provide sustenance for healthy eating is top of mind for Americans. However, consumers today are also looking beyond the balanced diet. Flavors that tap into relaxation and support a healthy gut are satisfying consumers that are looking for ingredients that will feed the mind, body, and soul...

Indulgent Snack Food is Making a Comeback by Walking the Line Between Health and Enjoyment

U.S. consumers are giving themselves permission to enjoy indulgent snacks, reports The NPD Group. Their permission to enjoy savory and sweet snacks is the result of the wellness-driven acknowledgement that balance is the key. Brands are supporting their consumers’ quest for balance by offering snacks that walk the line between health and indulgence, like portion-control packs, thinner versions, or nutrient-enhanced savory and sweet snacks, finds NPD’s recently released Future of Snacking report.

“The role of snack food is changing in different ways in reaction to Americans’ desire for balance, portable snack foods, and holistic wellness,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor and author of Eating Patterns in America. “It’s no longer about depriving yourself of...

Technomic: Canadians’ Routines and Habits Present Challenges for Emerging Bakery and Coffee Cafes

In the 2019 Canadian Bakery & Coffee Cafe Consumer Trend Report, Technomic found that many coffee cafe customers stick to the same restaurant brand and, oftentimes, the same cafe location, due to their coffee preferences and demands for convenience. On the other hand, bakery-cafe customers are open to mixing up the brands they visit, challenging these operators to build up loyal customer bases.

“For emerging coffee cafes, the challenge is in getting consumers to break from their routines and try something new,” explains Charles Winship, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “While specials and limited-time offers can help draw in new visitors, whether these guests habitually return will ultimately come down to value, convenience and, in many cases, coffee.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Consumer Pent-Up Demand for Restaurants Remains Elevated

The trend line of restaurant sales was positive during the first four months of 2019, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Eating and drinking place sales totaled $61.5 billion on a seasonally-adjusted basis in April, which represented the fourth consecutive monthly gain after a sluggish second half of 2018.

To be sure, there appears to be more room for growth in the months ahead, according to a national survey conducted May 9-12 by ORC International for the National Restaurant Association. When asked about their current restaurant usage, a significant proportion of the American public say they would like to be patronizing restaurants more often. Forty-two percent of all adults say they are not eating on the premises of restaurants as frequently as they would like, while 48 percent say...

Which Rules the Roost When it Comes to Restaurant Orders: Burgers or Chicken Sandwiches?

Burgers have been a top item ordered at U.S. restaurants for decades but chicken sandwiches have come on strong over the last several years. There are more chicken sandwich restaurant concepts and chicken sandwiches are appearing on more menus. So have burgers been knocked off their perch by chicken sandwiches? “No,” says The NPD Group, which daily tracks U.S. consumers use of restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Burgers still rule the roost and are the top sandwich ordered overall.

By the numbers, the average number of times a customer purchased a burger at a restaurant over the 12-month period ending February 2019 was 14.7 times and the customer purchase frequency of chicken sandwiches was 8.7, according to NPD’s receipt harvesting service, Checkout, which tracks...

Meal Kits: Why Older Adults Offer the Ideal Target Market

Think meal kits are a Millennial or Gen Z trend best suited to the novice cooking skills of adults under age 40? Packaged Facts encourages you to reconsider. The market research firm reveals in the report, Meal Kits: Trends and Opportunities in the U.S., 3rd Edition, that older adults provide a wealth of growth opportunities.

Many older consumers are experienced cooks who enjoy a homemade meal. However, as people age, their ability to use their hands and their ability to leave their home to shop for groceries may be diminished.

Older consumers are more likely to have developed conditions such as arthritis and tremors that make it difficult to engage in food preparation tasks, especially chopping and peeling vegetables. Meal kit delivery services can...

Canadians Choose Restaurants Based Upon the Best Online Reviews According to New Survey

A new Google survey of 1000 Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65+ explores the things that lead to restaurant selection with some interesting results. Canada is enjoying a culinary renaissance, and has become world-renowned for being the epicenter of a food revolution.

There has never been a more exciting time than now, to get out and experience the cornucopia of restaurants in any given urban area. As a result, restaurant owners find themselves in a highly competitive market, vying for customers' patronage.

There are several contributing factors that lead Canadians to choose one restaurant over another. However, regardless of demographics, the most important factor seems to be based upon the best online reviews...

Frozen Ready Meals Rising in Popularity and Demand

The global frozen ready meals market is expected to post a CAGR close to 5% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio.

Owing to rapid industrialization worldwide the working population has increased at a significant rate. Hectic work schedules have increased the demand for readymade food as well. Besides convenience, consumers look for quality and taste before purchasing frozen ready meals. For example, frozen pizza is one of the most preferred variants of frozen ready meals as they are convenient and are available in a variety of toppings.

Furthermore, consumers that prefer frozen ready meals are the older millennials or the parents of children aged between 7 to 12 years. These consumers are mostly working professionals who prefer...

Eating with a Conscience: Ethical Food and Drink Sales Hit £8.2 Billion in 2018 

British consumers are increasingly eating with a conscience as latest research from Mintel reveals that last year the nation spent £8.2 billion on ethical food and drink, including organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified products. Over the past five years, sales of ethical food and drink have shot up by 43% from £5.7 billion in 2013. This year, sales are forecast to increase a further 4% to reach £8.6 billion. The sector’s ongoing popularity is set to continue, as sales of ethically certified food and drink are projected to rise by 17% to reach £9.6 billion between 2019-23.

This popularity is widespread, as today, a caring 83% of UK adults say they have bought food/drink with some sort of ethical certification. Proving a hit with more mature Brits, those most likely to...

The State of Millennial Dining

If you are wondering what attracts millennial customers to your restaurants, perhaps the No. 1 answer is the ability to provide an experience, new National Restaurant Association research finds.

According to the Association’s 2019 State of the Restaurant Industry report, millennial customers, aged 21 to 38 years old, said they would like restaurants to serve technology that improves the dining experience, offer more environmentally sustainable items, and create easier opportunities to order takeout and delivery.

Regarding the general dining experience, the report found millennials were willing to pay more to get more. Here are a few of the topline findings...

U.S. Consumers Return to the Convenience of Frozen Foods

After years of being in the shadows of the health-focused “fresh” movement that kept more consumers in the perimeter of the store where fresh produce is merchandized, consumers are returning to the frozen foods aisle, reports The NPD Group. Last year frozen foods were included in 9.8 billion eating occasions in home, up 2 percent from a decade ago, an increase that represents billions of meals, according to NPD’s daily tracking of U.S. consumers’ eating behaviors.

“Demographic shifts, like Millennials moving into the busiest times of their lives juggling spouses, kids, and a career, are fueling a greater need for the convenience that frozen foods offer,” says David Portalatin, NPD Food Industry Advisor and author of Eating Patterns in America. “Manufacturers are also doing their part in...

TripAdvisor: Where Mom Really Wants to Dine on Mother's Day 

TripAdvisor®, one of the world's largest restaurant sites, today announced how mom really wants to dine on Mother's Day. A survey of over 7,900 U.S. participants1 revealed telling results: Her idea of a great Mother's Day dining experience may not be what you think.

Mother Knows Best:

• 70% of family members believe they anticipate their mom's Mother's Day dining preferences "extremely" or "very" well, while only 46% of moms...

U.S. Consumers' Awareness of Buying Local Increases 

While we used to associate reading with the library and famous novelists, it’s quickly become a big part of the shopping experience. That’s because as consumers seek out products that align with their personal beliefs, inspecting labels and assessing product attributes is on the rise. And as a result, manufacturers and retailers are amplifying the attributes of their offerings by touting their key attributes.

As a result, tags boasting “locally made,” images of farmers in their orchards from “upstate,” and QR codes inviting consumers to learn more about the farm their chosen steak is from are just a few ways manufacturers and retailers are appealing to budding consumer interests. And in a recent Nielsen study, buying local had the highest awareness among U.S. consumers, topping the charts at...

Foodservice Operators Seek Ways to Compete in 2019 Business Environment

According to the National Restaurant Association’s new State of the Industry report, operators, though generally optimistic about business conditions, say they must increase foot traffic, while keeping loyal customers content and attracting new customers at the same time.

The research indicates this year’s business environment is increasingly competitive, thus operators are seeking solutions to ensure success.

The good news, the report states, is that the majority of consumers eating out at restaurants are satisfied with their dining experiences. More than eight in 10 adult customers, or 85 percent, say they are satisfied with the service, food quality and...

Technomic: Restaurants Brace for Increased Competition as Emerging Channels Continue to Expand

While usage of emerging channels is still low overall compared to traditional foodservice segments, strong appeal among younger consumers and continued nationwide expansion by these channels means increased competition for restaurants moving forward. Technomic's 2019 Emerging Channels Consumer Trend Report explores primary and secondary emerging channels, and covers the unique challenges and opportunities that each channel faces.

"Restaurant operators will have to pick and choose how to compete as variety and uniqueness are currently competitive advantages for emerging channels...

U.S. Fast Casual Restaurant Chains Still Growing in Units and Customer Visits

Fast casual restaurant chains have been growing both in units and customer visits for the last decade, finds The NPD Group. The number of fast casual chain restaurants rose by 1 percent to 25,312 total units, based on NPD’s Fall 2018 ReCount® restaurant census, which includes restaurants open as of September 30, 2018. In the year ending February 2019 compared to year ago, fast casual customers increased their visits by 3 percent while the total quick service restaurant category, under which the fast casual category falls, were up 1 percent and total U.S. foodservice traffic remained flat, according to NPD’s ongoing foodservice market research.

The top five city metro areas with the most fast casual chain units based on the Fall 2018 ReCount are in rank order ...

Consumers Expect to Keep Protein on their Shopping Lists as Part of a Healthy and Sustainable Diet

Meat, fish and eggs can be an important part of a healthy and environmentally responsible diet, say consumers in new global research from Cargill. And they plan to keep eating them too—along with plant-based dietary protein. More than two-thirds of respondents say they intend to maintain or increase their consumption of animal protein in the next year. Four-fifths of participants express interest in plant-based or alternative sources of protein.

“We’re pleased consumers see animal protein as an important part of a healthy diet,” said Chuck Warta, president of Cargill’s premix and nutrition business. “Dietary guidance consistently emphasizes the benefits of adequate protein intake from ...

Global Poultry Eggs Market Shows Growing Prominence of Private Label Brands 

The global poultry eggs market is expected to post a CAGR of over 4% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio.

Eggs are a popular choice of protein for a majority of the global population, as they are affordable and healthy. Moreover, egg yolks are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and fat. They contain fat-soluble vitamin D and are naturally high in choline. Choline promotes normal cell activity, liver function, and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. It also contributes to ...

Survey Finds Nearly Half of U.S. Diners have Tried a New Restaurant Because of Social Media Posts

MGH, a full-service restaurant marketing agency, today announced the results of a study that examined how influential a brand's social media marketing can be when it comes to driving restaurant trial and customer loyalty.

The survey determined that nearly half (45%) of U.S. diners said they've tried a restaurant for the first time because of a social media post made by the establishment itself, while 21% claimed posts could be a deterrent. Further, 22% said a restaurant's social post enticed them to return.

Results from the study demonstrated that positive restaurant-to-consumer social media engagement often leads to ...

Technomic: Shifting Consumption Impacts Menu Offerings in Canada

While red meat continues to maintain strong interest among consumers, growing concerns for health and sustainability are having an increasing impact on these staples in Canada, Technomic reveals in the 2019 Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report. The growing popularity of alternative proteins will increasingly encroach on beef and pork’s share of the plate.

“We are seeing a rise in vegetarian or vegan dishes which have primarily impacted beef and pork consumption. But the impact will broaden going forward as plant-based substitutes emerge for other categories,” explains Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Consumers are far more likely to ...

NRA Examines State of the Restaurant Industry

Restaurant businesses are growing despite some operational challenges, such as workforce development issues, demand for increased technology, and serving Millennials, according to new National Restaurant Association research.

The 2019 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, a comprehensive look at trends and sales projections for the industry, culled and analyzed economic data, along with responses to surveys sent to restaurant operators and consumers.

Hudson Riehle, Association Senior Vice President of Research & Knowledge, shared takeaways from the report, discussed how he expects business to perform throughout 2019 ...

Tech Trends Driving Changes in Restaurants, Report Says

Gen Z and millennial expert Jason Dorsey says people refer to Gen Z and millennials as “tech savvy.” But that’s not necessarily true, says Dorsey. He says they’re actually “tech dependent” -- and that’s a different thing altogether.

That may be how they engage with restaurants too. From baby boomers to Gen Xers, generational attitudes toward restaurant technology notably differ, according to National Restaurant Association research delivered in a recent webinar.

• When asked if restaurant technology -- which can include everything from smartphone apps to tableside tablets and order kiosks -- increases convenience, 60 percent of all ...

Acosta Report Finds Multicultural Americans are Reshaping US Grocery

With the U.S. multicultural population projected to grow by 98 million people in the coming decades, Acosta expects multicultural shoppers will continue to have significant influence on the grocery shopping experience. Research released today in the first-ever Multicultural The Why? The Behind The Buy™ from Acosta — a leading full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry — provides insight into the preferences of U.S. Hispanic, African American and Asian American shoppers.

"The growing multicultural population will drastically impact the grocery industry, and we have already noticed key differences between ...

Affluence in America: Baby Boomers Control Nation’s Wealth, but Shifts are Underway

By a wide margin, Baby Boomer households control more wealth than any other generation, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the brand new report The Financial Services Market: Affluent and High Net Worth Consumers, 8th Edition.

Packaged Facts estimates that in 2019 Baby Boomer households garner 54% of total U.S. household net worth, followed by Generation X and Silent Generation/Senior households. Well behind, Millennial households contribute only 4% of total U.S. household net worth.

Despite current trends, Packaged Facts’ research reveals that major generational shifts are underway ...

Worldwide Market Insights Study: Online Food Delivery Services Sees Rapid Growth 

The "Global Online Food Delivery Services Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2018 To 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Online food delivery services market was valued at US$ 81.56 Bn in 2017 and will be growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period from 2018 to 2026.

In recent years, online food delivery has witnessed rapid growth. The rise of the digital technology has reshaped the food delivery services market and consumers expect ...

Expect more Veggie-Forward Menus in 2019 as Plant-Based Cuisine Moves to Center of the Plate

Vegetables and plant-based cuisine take center stage in this year’s “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast,” after years of being relegated as side dishes or vegetarian entrees. Veggie-centric/vegetable-forward cuisine ranked No. 8 of 140 trends, showing that vegetables can play a starring role. Plant-based sausage/burgers ranked second in the protein category, behind new cuts of meat.

Why have carrots, rutabagas and radishes suddenly become sexy? Partly because chefs have found techniques that draw out their rich and nuanced flavors. Take “Rutabaga Fondue,” a signature menu item at Philadelphia’s Vedge and Washington DC’s Fancy Radish, both owned by Chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. The chefs coax out an unexpected cheesy flavor by using nutritional yeast. “You can take the humblest of vegetables, like the rutabaga, and turn it into something ...

Chomping at the Bit for Food trends? Feast on This!

If you’re wondering what consumers will eat when they dine out next year, think alternative proteins, ethnic-inspired breakfasts or veggie-carb substitutes, and you’ll be on the right track, according to our new research on food trends for 2019.

The National Restaurant Association’s 2019 What’s Hot Culinary survey found that guests are looking for great tasting foods that also are healthful and sustainable at the same time. The survey, produced annually in partnership with the American Culinary Federation, is a barometer of food and beverage trends around the country. This year, we looked at the responses of approximately 650 professional chefs – all ACF members.

“These foods, already popular in consumers’ own homes, are now poised to ignite sales at restaurants and foodservice operations,” said Hudson Riehle, the Association’s senior vice president of research. “It’s no secret restaurant customers seek new food experiences when dining out. Chefs are listening to that request and offering them the foods they want. That’s good for guests and business.”

Here are a few of the food trends chefs say customers will be asking for ...

Virtual Reality Offers a Far-Out Future for Restaurants

What if you could create a restaurant experience in virtual reality and then apply what you learn to a real-life restaurant? Jinsoo An is trying to do just that.

An, the founder and CEO of startup company Project Nourished, is experimenting with using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to try to alter a consumer’s eating and drinking experience.

He explained his theory in detail at our recent Restaurant Innovation Summit, held Nov. 7-8 in Dallas.

An has had a fascination with the restaurant experience from the time he first learned about American food by...