3 Plant-Based Consumer Insights for Veganuary from Packaged Facts 

Plant-based eating and sustainability are some of the top food trends affecting consumer preferences and food product launches in recent years, causing more general consumers to think about these issues, not just those following veganism or vegetarianism. We are especially reminded of this during Veganuary, the world’s largest vegan movement.

There was a notable uptick in consumer usage of plant-based foods and beverages in 2020 compared to 2019, as reported by Packaged Facts. The market research publisher reports that...

Mintel: Temporary Slowdown in Meat Reduction Trend as Processed Meat Sales Boom 

The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a temporary setback for the flexitarian movement, with the proportion of adults limiting and not eating meat dropping back significantly in 2020 according to new research from Mintel. But as the food and drink industry recovers from the pandemic, Mintel expects that momentum will return to the plant-based industry.

Veganuary may be in full swing, but according to Mintel, the number of Brits actively limiting/reducing and not eating meat in their diet has reduced from half (51%) of all consumers in 2019 down to four in ten (41%) during 2020. Meanwhile, in search of familiar foods, sales of processed meat products, including...

Fueled By the Pandemic, Consumer Packaged Goods Purchases Grew 19% in 2020 Compared to 2019

As consumers hunkered down at home during most of last year, their spending on consumer packaged goods (CPG) grew an average of 19% in 2020 compared to 2019 according to the latest data from NCSolutions, a leader in advertising effectiveness for the CPG industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in CPG purchasing habits in 2020 — not just in how much consumers spent, but on what. According to a new NCS consumer survey of more than 2,000 adults, nearly half (47%) of Americans indicated they tried...

NRF Says 2020 Holiday Sales Grew 8.3 Percent Despite Pandemic

Retail sales during 2020’s November-December holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 8.3 percent over the same period in 2019 to $789.4 billion, exceeding the National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast despite the economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, NRF said. The numbers include online and other non-stores sales, which were up 23.9 percent at $209 billion.

“Despite unprecedented challenges, consumers and retailers demonstrated incredible resilience this holiday season,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Faced with rising transmission of the virus, state restrictions on retailers and...

Identity of Primary Plant-Based Food Consumers May Surprise, Reports Packaged Facts

Despite use of plant-based meat or dairy products being highest among those following vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diets, it's omnivores and flexitarians who make up the lion's share of consumers who eat these products due to their sheer numbers, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers. This reveals that both the current and addressable market for plant-based products depends on omnivores and flexitarians using more of these products, especially beyond this month's Veganuary campaign encouraging people to try a plant-based diet.

"Although plant-based meat and dairy alternatives do appeal to some vegans and vegetarians, they are more targeted toward the preferences of omnivores and...

Mintel Announces Global Food and Drinks Trends for 2021 

Mintel has announced three key trends for the global food, drink, and foodservice industries, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centred around the ‘now’ (next 12 months), the ‘next’ (18 months+), and the ‘future’ (five+ years) of consumer behavior:

• Feed The Mind: Innovative food and drink formulations will offer solutions for mental and emotional wellbeing that will create a new foundation for healthy eating.
• Quality Redefined: Brands will be challenged to respond to...

Over the Past Five Years, U.S. Consumers Added 25 Between-Meal Snacking Occasions Per Capita

Whether it’s for a nutritious treat, comfort from stress, or a quick meal, U.S. consumers increasingly turn to fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat snack foods throughout the day, reports The NPD Group. Over the past five years, Americans added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita, from 505 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in 2015 to 530 in 2020, and consumption of snack foods at meals increased from 21% of eatings in 2010 to 26% in 2020, according to NPD’s Eating Patterns in America, an annual compilation of the company’s daily tracking of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of U.S. consumers’ eating behaviors.

Snacking and snack food consumption follow a daily rhythm in most U.S. households with better-for-you snack foods, like fruit or yogurt, being eaten in the morning; more savory snacks, like...

FreshDirect Reveals Top Food Trends for 2021; Online Grocery and Home Cooking Boom to Continue

FreshDirect, a leading pure-play online fresh food grocer serving the Northeast, announced its top food trends for 2021. This year’s predictions were curated by FreshDirect’s in-house team of food experts. As food retailers at the forefront of the industry, FreshDirect has a unique and early view of cutting-edge grocery, ecommerce, and customer trends.

“As a leading online grocer, we have a unique and unmatched ability to understand the ever-changing buying habits of our customers. Our view on past orders, as well as those placed in the future, allows us to spot changes in trends quickly and react to them in real-time. The rapid increase in demand for online grocery and the boom in...

Global Consumer Confidence Improved in Q4

Global consumer confidence increased in the fourth quarter of 2020, driven largely by an improved outlook for personal finances—which, in many regions, reflect unprecedented fiscal measures in response to COVID-19. Prospects for jobs and spending intentions saw smaller improvements in Q4, according to The Conference Board® Global Consumer Confidence Survey.

Conducted in collaboration with Nielsen, the survey found that overall global consumer confidence climbed to 98 in Q4 2020, up six points from 92 in Q2 2020. A reading below 100 is considered...

U.S. Restaurant Industry Ends 2020 Making Its Way Out of the Steep Declines Caused by Pandemic

The U.S. restaurant industry closed one of the most unpopular years in history moving its way out of the steepest declines the industry has experienced since the Great Recession, reports The NPD Group. Customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains in December were down -10% compared to same period year ago, a 27-point improvement from April, the height of the shelter-at-home and restaurant dine-in closure mandates, when transactions declined by -37% from a year ago, according to NPD’s CREST® Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 75 quick service, fast casual, midscale, and casual dining chains representing...

Survey: Meat Will Be a Key Ingredient for Americans Resolving to Eat Better in 2021

As many Americans are into week one of a new eating regimen, Applegate found that 72% of those surveyed believe meat should be part of a healthy diet and that 55% are resolving to cut back on sugar.

Despite the rising popularity of plant-based trends and lab-created “meat” substitutes, the survey found 58% of adults have no plans to consume less meat in 2021 and illustrated how consumers are seeking natural and organic meat products with...

NRF Chief Economist says Latest Stimulus will Help Continue Recovery from Pandemic

Economic challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic will continue in 2021, but stimulus legislation signed into law just after Christmas will help maintain and accelerate the nation’s ongoing recovery, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“As we closed out 2020, it was an end to a whirlwind year whose challenging economic environment will almost certainly continue in 2021,” Kleinhenz said. “The coming year might be just as eventful as the economic recovery faces many uncertainties...

Britain’s Drive Thru Spend Up 45% September to November 2020

The trend for ordering food and drinks from our cars at Britain’s growing number of drive-thru restaurants soared from September to November 2020 according to global information company The NPD Group. There were 121 million visits to Britain’s 2,000 quick service restaurants (QSR) that offer drive-thru in those three months in 2020, a 14% increase on the same period last year. Spend was up 45% to £723m over this time frame, with consumers tending to place larger-than-average orders at the drive-thru window.

According to footfall analysis from NPD’s SnapMyEats data, the growth in drive-thru in these three months was a result of consumers switching from eating in and takeaway options during lockdowns and tiering, rather than...

McDonald's to Launch Three New Chicken Sandwiches Next Month

McDonald's is launching three chicken sandwiches beginning February 24, joining long-time sandwich favorites like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Egg McMuffin, and Filet-O-Fish. The new options include a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, and the Deluxe Chicken Sandwich.

McDonald's began testing the Crispy Chicken Sandwich in Houston and Knoxville, Tennessee, last year. The sandwich is made of a fried chicken filet served on a potato roll, topped with butter and pickles. The spicy option comes with a spicy pepper sauce, and the deluxe sandwich comes with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

In November, Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's USA, said a new crispy chicken sandwich would...

Hot Dogs and Sausages Market Expected to Reach $96.4 Billion by 2025 

According to Research and Markets, the hot dogs and sausages market are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.08% over the forecast period to reach a market size of US$96.405 billion in 2025 from US$75.839 billion in 2019.

The rate at which urbanization is taking place which in turn is buttressed by globalization and rural to urban migration is facilitating the adoption of new consumption trends which have accommodated the inclusion of sausages and hotdogs among others. As of 2018, North America was the most urbanized region of the world, wherein the urban areas constituted...

Hormel Foods and Acclaimed Chefs Reveal Top Food Trends for 2021

Goodbye, 2020, and hello 2021! Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, is helping culinary enthusiasts around the world welcome 2021 with an exciting round-up of food trends to expect in the new year.

"It's no surprise that comfort food, sourdough bread and whipped coffee had big moments this past year, as people hunkered down and spent more time at home than ever before," said Heather Vossler, director of innovation and insights at Hormel Foods. "What's interesting is that as we all eagerly look ahead to the fresh start of a new year, we're seeing...

The Consumer Confidence Index Declined in December

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined in December, after decreasing in November. The Index now stands at 88.6 (1985=100), down from 92.9 in November. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased sharply from 105.9 to 90.3. However, the Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – increased from 84.3 in November to 87.5 this month.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around...

The Catering Sector in France Adapts and Absorbs the Shock from COVID-19 Lockdowns

According to the latest data from The NPD Group, the share of “take-out” visits in France has doubled in catering, comprising 35% of total visits between March and October 2020, versus 17% over the same time period last year.

Restaurant owners have been able to adapt in order to develop their offerings toward take-out. They have reviewed the composition of the menus, developed the product mix, worked on the packaging and found new ways of communicating with...

COVID-19 Fuels a 50% Increase in Omnichannel Shopping Across the U.S. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has democratized e-commerce for all types of consumers, and over 18 million CPG buyers (and counting) in the U.S. have flooded the online space since March. Online shoppers have been mirroring their purchasing within the channel to their constantly shifting, pandemic-related needs and are becoming further entrenched in their shopping behaviors.

But not all online engagement leads to an online purchase. For many, online channels are a key means to compare prices, research new products and find physical stores, giving way to...

China’s Shifting Retail Landscape Signals the Permanence of Change Post-COVID-19

China’s rebound from COVID-19 has been unique. It came faster and with more demonstrable economic tailwinds for the economy than other markets. But it has also been a bellwether that has helped point to consumer behaviors elsewhere that have inevitably followed China’s lead. An example is the rebalancing of retail playing out around the world.

Pandemic-led shifts to further online adoption and an increased focus on neighborhood and small-format stores have become an ongoing normal. Though different to other markets, China helps us understand...

Kroger Shares Top 10 Trending Foods of 2020 

The Kroger Co. announced the top 10 trending foods of 2020, as well as its food trend predictions for 2021.

Based on year-over-year sales growth across Kroger's business, including nearly 2,800 retail stores and pickup, delivery and ship, the trending foods and beverages of 2020 included:

1. Zero-Calorie Soft Drinks
2. Four-Cheese Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
3. Flavored...

Restaurants and Third-Party Delivery Companies Agree to Public Policy Principles

The National Restaurant Association released Public Policy Principles for Third-Party Delivery (Principles) that define best practices for third-party delivery to guide lawmakers in developing public policy. The release of the Principles culminates a year-long effort by the Association to develop national guidelines based on the experiences of restaurant operators of all sizes. The Principles represent the first time the restaurant industry and third-party delivery companies have come together and agreed on a framework for their relationship.

Delivery represents one of the most important segments of growth for the restaurant industry. In a National Restaurant Association online survey of 1,000 adults conducted Dec. 7-9, 2020, 70% of adults say...

Plant-Based Dairy and Egg Product Sales Reach $4 Billion in 2020

Market research firm Packaged Facts projects retail sales of plant-based dairy and egg products will rise at an average annual rate of 6.0%, reaching $5.2 billion by 2024. This is up from $4.3 billion in estimated sales in 2020, which itself is up from $3.9 billion in sales during 2019.

These findings were published in the brand new Packaged Facts report Dairy & Egg Alternatives: Outlook for Plant-Based & Cell-Cultured Consumer Products.

Despite potential industry disruptors such as the lingering economic impact of...

Food Discounter Sales Set to Grow Over 10% in 2020 

While COVID-19 has proved catastrophic for many of Britain’s retailers, new research from Mintel reveals that this year has been a success story for food discounters, such as Aldi and Lidl, as sales grew 11% in 2020.

By the end of the year, Britain’s savvy shoppers will have spent an estimated £24 billion at food discounters. And, according to Mintel research, the nation’s love of discounters is set to continue as by 2025 Mintel estimates that food discount sales will top...

Panasonic Explores How the Pandemic has Transformed Food Services and Food Retail Industries

Panasonic Corporation of North America, a leading technology company, released its industry survey as to how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed Food Services and Food Retail businesses. The new study reveals that one in four Food Services and Food Retailers now view their companies as tech-forward early adopters, up from one in eight prior to the pandemic.

The research is a follow up to a previous study conducted by Panasonic shortly before the coronavirus outbreak. In late 2019, Panasonic conducted a food industry pulse survey in association with...

Technomic's Take: 2021 Global Trends Outlook

We can only guess what’s in store for 2021 in the global restaurant space. 2020 showed us—among so many things—that what’s expected and what happens don’t always align, to say the least. That said, we think our 2020 restaurant trend forecast holds up fairly well given the reality of the marketplace affected so drastically by the pandemic. Ghost kitchens certainly moved mainstream. Vegan fare got more space to stretch and grow. Plant-based meats continued to inform product development, especially across Asia. Beverage chains certainly broke out from the crowd—again, especially in Asia. And halloumi, pinsa pizzas and sliders had strong showings on chain menus across the world. So, what’s in store for the coming year...

National Pork Board Study Outlines Opportunities to Diversify Pork Exports

As U.S. pork exports continue to break records in 2020, new reports from the National Pork Board demonstrate opportunities that may diversify U.S. pork exports in Vietnam and the Philippines. The reports also show how African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Asia have impacted both countries’ pork industries and related supply chains.

The two new pork market assessments were prepared by Gira, a global research firm, with funding from the Pork Checkoff and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Emerging Markets Program. They share critical insights on...

Protein Market Buying Opportunities 

As COVID-19 continues to impact consumer habits across the globe, many protein markets are experiencing unusual or contra-seasonal trends through the holiday season. Highlighted are just a few items that might be catching the eye of wholesale and distribution buyers in early December...

Millennials and Gen Z are Prime Consumers of Plant-Based Foods

Food and beverage companies nationwide are increasingly investing in plant-based meat alternatives to satiate growing consumer demand for protein not sourced from animals. But who exactly are the primary consumers of such products? According to Packaged Facts, it’s younger American consumers, particularly those who are between the ages of 18 and 44, who are the most likely to eat plant-based meat and who account for the majority of plant-based meat consumers.

Upon closer examination, data published by Packaged Facts reveals that the 18-24 age group comprised of members of...

Grubhub Releases Annual "Year in Food" Report Detailing the Top Trends of 2020

As the nation looks forward to 2021, Grubhub is taking time to look back at how Americans ate their way through a turbulent year. Grubhub, a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, released findings from its annual "Year in Food" report, analyzing orders from over 30 million diners to see what rose in popularity throughout an unpredictable year. In addition, diners will receive their personalized "Taste of 2020" recap to get a glimpse of their favorite cuisines, menu items, and order habits throughout the year.

While past years have seen a growth in vegan and vegetarian options, 2020 was a year where...

NRF Chief Economist Says Pandemic Made this Year's Holiday Forecast the Most Challenging Ever

With the coronavirus pandemic presenting unique circumstances for the nation’s economy, forecasting retail holiday sales this year was more challenging than ever before, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“There is no doubt this is the most unusual economic environment in our lifetimes,” Kleinhenz said. “I cannot think of a period with so many simultaneous factors hitting the economy at once when formulating this forecast.”

NRF usually releases its annual holiday forecast in early October but...

Changed Beef Consumption Habits Following COVID-19 Create Opportunities

The global Covid-19 pandemic and African swine fever (ASF) have changed beef consumption patterns through 2020. While total beef consumption has not seen too much change, we have seen distribution channels change, benefiting some at the expense of others. As the impacts of ASF are overcome and disruptions from Covid-19 subside, old distribution channels will recover.

“It is likely that many consumers will revert to their previous habits, but we do see opportunities for...

Holiday Shoppers Take Advantage of Early, Thanksgiving Weekend Deals

An estimated 186.4 million consumers took advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and shopped in-store and online this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“As expected, consumers have embraced an earlier start to the holiday shopping season, but many were also prepared to embrace a long-standing tradition of turning out online and in stores over Thanksgiving weekend to make...

COVID-19 Impacts the Turkey Market this Thanksgiving 

As coronavirus restrictions continue to impact our daily lives, it seems the holidays will be no exception. Retail and foodservice attempted to adapt to these unprecedented changes this Thanksgiving, by promoting deals with smaller birds or meals that feature turkey items instead of a whole bird.

Restaurants like Denny’s brought back its family-style Turkey and Dressing Dinner Pack, which included a carved turkey breast and sides portioned for four people. Cracker Barrel added multiple holiday meal options to the menu, with Thanksgiving meal offerings that serve...

The Consumer Confidence Index Decreased in November

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined in November, after remaining relatively flat in October. The Index now stands at 96.1 (1985=100), down from 101.4 (an upward revision) in October. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased slightly from 106.2 to 105.9. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – declined from 98.2 in October to 89.5 this month.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and...

UK Restaurants Look Set to Recover as Consumers Still Prefer to Dine Out

The NPD Group says amid the severe and unprecedented COVID-19 business pressures affecting Britain’s out-of-home (OOH) foodservice industry, the delivery channel has been a welcome success story. Comparing the January-to-October period this year with the same period in 2019, delivery is up 14% in visit terms to 804 million and has seen a 40% increase in spend to £5.7 billion. However, although delivery has met a need during this unprecedented period of enforced home living, working and entertaining, NPD’s research shows... 

UK Consumer Spending to Fall by Nearly 14.9% in 2020

Total UK consumer spending is expected to fall by a staggering £183.6 billion (14.9%) this year due to the COVID-19-induced lockdowns, according to new research from Mintel’s flagship British Lifestyles report. This equates to a drop in spending of around £6,600 per household – with the biggest decreases occurring in the transport, foodservice, and holiday industries. Consumer spending in these three categories will fall by an astonishing £140.1 billion in total, or just over £5,000 per household – representing around 77% of the overall decline in consumer spending this year.

But it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel for these three categories as they are expected to bounce back the strongest in 2021: spending on transport will increase by...

NRF Expects Holiday Sales will Grow Between 3.6 and 5.2 Percent

With retail sales rebounding strongly due to continued consumer resilience, the National Retail Federation today forecast that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6 percent and 5.2 percent over 2019 to a total between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion.

“We know this holiday season will be unlike any other, and retailers have planned ahead by investing billions of dollars to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Consumers have shown they are excited about the holidays and are willing to...

Nielsen Analyzes U.S. Store Locations Benefiting the Most During COVID-19 

In cities across America, the face of grocery and household shopping has changed dramatically this year. Months of working from home, reduced levels of commuting and high unemployment numbers are all adding up to a very different outlook for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

Many of the top-performing stores across the nation have emerged in areas that haven’t historically shared the spotlight of strategic focus for companies. With signs of growing staying power, these changes are...

Billions in Consumer Spending Are Shifting as COVID-19 Forces Widespread Retail Disruption

Some of the highest revenue-generating grocery stores in the world are facing sweeping changes to their customer bases and their ability to deliver value to brands as people change where they shop—a change that, for some, may be permanent. The shifts come as COVID-19 forces millions of people to spend more time at home and less time commuting, a key driver of the shift.

The changes are effectively shifting the balance of power in the grocery segment. Some stores that were once the biggest sales contributors are now seeing sales declines while those that may have been...

The NPD Group Reveals Consumers' Top Plant-Based Product Choices 

When it comes to eating plant-based foods, consumers are definite in which types of these foods they want to eat at home and which they want to eat from a restaurant or foodservice outlet, finds The NPD Group. About 93% of meals or snacks that include milk alternatives are consumed at home and 7% are at/from a restaurant or foodservice outlet.

When it comes to meat analogues, restaurants and other foodservice outlets have the largest share of eating occasions at 78% while at home represents...

Nielsen: Thanksgiving Highlights COVID-19 Divide 

In a year unlike any other, even Thanksgiving is not immune to polarization in the U.S.

As we confront ever-rising COVID-19 cases and physical and financial restraints, this year’s Thanksgiving festivities will look and feel drastically different, depending on location, generation and the financial impact of the pandemic. Yet from online shopping to price hikes, consumers share commonalities in confronting a Thanksgiving unlike any other.

Americans are almost perfectly split on whether they’re planning to...

Postmates Reveals Unprecedented Ordering Trends of 2020

Postmates revealed the unprecedented ordering trends of 2020 and it's clear 2020 was a year like no other.

The year started on a predictable note, with popular New Year's Eve hydration hangover remedies like Gatorade spiking 197% (WoW) on New Year's Day. Customers fell in love with heart-shaped pizzas this year (+1,800% YoY) on Valentine's Day where there was also a 4,462% (WoW) increase in orders for flowers - not too surprising. But in early March, as the global pandemic was declared and shelter-in-place orders began...

Americans Flock to Chicken, the Nation’s #1 Quarantine Protein

Throughout the last year, as home kitchens took center stage, Americans have been relying on chicken as a healthy and convenient protein that can be enjoyed by everyone. In fact, three-quarters (75%) of Americans who eat any chicken say they prepare chicken at home at least once a week. During the past 9 months of COVID-19, retail chicken sales have increased $1.3B, up 19.5% from the same period last year, according to IRI and 210 Analytics.

Today the National Chicken Council (NCC) unveiled the findings of a new survey fielded with the goal of better understanding chicken consumption trends and...

October Retail Sales Grew as Consumers Started Holiday Shopping Early

Retail sales grew for the sixth month in a row in October, with sales significantly better than the same time a year ago as the economy continued to recover and consumers began their holiday shopping early, the National Retail Federation said today.

“We are encouraged by another positive retail sales number for October — the sixth consecutive positive monthly gain — as early holiday shopping provided a strong boost to the data,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Overall, retail sales were up 10.6 percent in October 2020 versus October 2019, and for the first 10 months of this year, retail sales were up...

Technomic's Take: What to Expect in Canada in 2021

As we head into 2021, the world of foodservice remains in unprecedented territory as we collectively deal with the immediate and long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many unknowns linger as the world anxiously awaits an end to the virus, we do know that those who demonstrate the most versatility in response to industry, consumer and cultural shifts are best set to succeed in the coming year. Read ahead for Technomic’s expert predictions to better equip yourself for what’s to come and how to prepare for a post-pandemic world.

1. The Road to Recovery Steadies

Foodservice will experience the start of a financial recovery in 2021, but sales results across segments will be a mixed bag. Limited-service restaurants will turn...

Acosta Explores the "Mobile-ization" of Grocery Shopping and Acceleration Caused by COVID-19

With more than 260 million people now using smartphones in the U.S., it's no surprise that grocery shopping is becoming an increasingly mobile experience, which has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research released in The Mobile-ization of Grocery Shopping report from Acosta — a leading full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry — provides insight into how and why consumers are "mobile-izing" when it comes to grocery shopping.

"Smartphones have grown to become a huge part of daily life, so it's only natural that retailers and shoppers are connecting this technology with the grocery buying experience," said Colin Stewart, Executive Vice President, Business Intelligence at Acosta. "We saw...

Packaged Facts: Plant-Based Meat Consumption Moving from Niche to Norm

Nearly one-fourth of U.S. consumers report eating plant-based meat, poultry, or seafood products, revealing that plant-based products are going mainstream and are no longer niche, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.

"Packaged Facts' August 2020 National Online Consumer Survey found that 23% of consumers claim to eat any variety of plant-based meat products," says Jennifer Mapes-Christ, Packaged Facts' food and beverage publisher. "There are opportunities to target this burgeoning minority of consumers, who may be persuaded to use larger volumes of plant-based meat in their diets...

Packaged Facts: Plant-Based Prepared Meals are Ripe with Opportunity 

According to Packaged Facts, marketers of plant-based meat products should focus on convenience when marketing to consumers, as regular consumers of plant-based meat and people who have not really eaten these products are more likely to look for prepared meal options when strapped for time.

"A top reason that consumers cite for buying any type of prepared meals is time savings. Incorporating plant-based meat into prepared foods is the ultimate convenience since consumers can have a complete meal at home or at a workplace with little effort," says Jennifer Mapes-Christ, Packaged Facts' food and beverage publisher.

Some small companies that make plant-based meat are focusing on prepared meals in addition to plant-based meat analogues that have to be cooked by the end user and added to...

Consumers Likely to Continue Increased Usage of Takeout and Delivery

With indoor dining restaurant traffic significantly curtailed due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, the availability of takeout and delivery options became more important for consumers and restaurants. Many foodservice operators began offering these options recently, and consumers have increased their usage of takeout and delivery.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the uptick in takeout and delivery frequency was visible across each of the three major dayparts in recent months. The Association reported that 66% of consumers said they ordered takeout or delivery for dinner last week. That is up from 58% during the last week of February.

The trend was similar for lunch. About 47% of consumers ordered takeout or delivery for lunch last week, a level that has...

NRF Chief Economist Says Strong Retail Sales Growth 'Points to The Resiliency of Consumers'

Retail sales have largely recovered from the pandemic heading into the holiday season but the growing number of coronavirus cases remains a threat and additional federal stimulus could help keep the economy on track, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“Strong growth in retail sales during the last few months points to the resiliency of consumers even in this disruptive pandemic environment,” Kleinhenz said. “Taking in all the evidence available, the U.S. economic recovery has progressed more quickly than generally expected.”

Kleinhenz agreed with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s recent call for additional...

Rabobank: The Rise of Food Delivery Platforms 

The fast rise of food delivery has created a new powerful middle man in the form of delivery platforms, which are increasingly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Even though the sector has expanded very quickly, most platforms have been losing money for years.

“The business model of delivery platforms has sparked discussion and criticism. Many delivery aggregators are struggling to make profits, with most of them losing money every year,” according to Marjolein Hanssen, Analyst – Consumer Foods.

“On the one hand, investors push them to start making these profits, while on the other hand, food delivery platforms are pressured to...

Getting Granular with Plant-Based Meat Substitutes: Opportunities for Grains, Oilseeds, and Pulses

Plant-based meat substitutes are a rapidly growing segment in an established and large consumer food market, attracting significant investments and consumer acceptance in recent years. Rabobank assesses the potential implications for the grains, oilseeds, and pulses sectors in different regions.

The focus of plant-based meat substitute producers to date has largely been on developing new products using existing ingredient bases and making use of established supply chains. “As consumer preferences start...

Technomic's Take: What’s to Come in 2021

It’s not easy to forecast the future when the ground keeps shifting underneath. The foodservice industry has had to be more nimble than ever this past year, and everyone is eager to bounce back and embrace a clear sense of normalcy. Yet several big questions loom large: Is a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon soon? Which areas of the country will recover quickest? And when will consumers feel comfortable about dining indoors again?

Despite the many ambiguities that exist, Technomic's outlook for the industry remains optimistic. Up-to-the-minute strategies are positioning foodservice segments to kick off a wider resurgence through 2021. Optimizing the menu, directly...

The COVID-19 Pandemic Causes Eating Patterns in America to Take a Sharp Turn

Annually, The NPD Group collects a year’s worth of data from its daily tracking of how U.S. consumers eat away from and in home and compiles the topline trend into a report that’s been called "Eating Patterns in America" for the last 35 years. This year’s recently released Eating Patterns in America captures how in mid-March, the daily rhythms of consumers’ lives, including their eating patterns, were suddenly disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“With mandated shelter-at-home and restaurant dine-in restrictions across most of the country during the pandemic, we have had few options other than to prepare most of our meals at home,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor and author of Eating Patterns in America. “Working from home, schooling at home, and preparing...

US Foods Releases Holiday Scoop 2020 

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the launch of Holiday Scoop 2020, “Wow Your Diners On- and Off-Premise.” With this special edition of Scoop, operators can design family-style take-out meals to meet increased demand during the busy holiday season, and develop a new rotation of on-trend menu items to help fight menu fatigue whether diners are ordering to-go or dining in. Holiday Scoop features 14 items to help restaurant owners create standout menu items that not only meet diner demand but increase revenue opportunities this season.

“Dining trends have evolved rapidly since the pandemic hit, and this holiday season is certainly no exception,” said Stacey Kinkaid, vice president, product development and innovation, US Foods. “In fact, according to a recent US Foods survey, one in three consumers report that they plan to order more from restaurants for the upcoming holidays. Families are faced with...

The Consumer Confidence Index Decreased Slightly in October

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined slightly in October, after increasing sharply in September. The Index now stands at 100.9 (1985=100), down from 101.3 in September. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 98.9 to 104.6. However, the Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – decreased from 102.9 in September to 98.4 this month.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers...

Consumers Begin to Venture Back Out to Eat with Cost in Mind 

As we enter the eighth month of the coronavirus pandemic, there is some good news for the foodservice industry. According to Datassential, consumers have begun to venture back out to eat a little more. In a recent report, Datassential found that only 26% of consumers said they were using restaurants less to save money, down from 38% when asked the same question in April. However, Americans remain value conscious as ever, and find ways to keep their average spend in line with tighter budgets, which means paying close attention to prices.

To help consumers pressured to maintain a budget, Datassential suggests the food industry must make the value proposition transparent and compelling. Consumers will accept...

Whole Foods Market Forecasts Top 10 Food Trends for 2021

Whole Foods Market global buyers and experts unveiled their top 10 anticipated food trends for 2021 in the retailer’s sixth annual trends predictions. Hard kombucha, upcycled foods, leveled-up breakfasts and jerky made from produce are among the food influences expected to take off in the next year.

Each year, a Trends Council of more than 50 Whole Foods Market team members, including local foragers, regional and global buyers and culinary experts, compile trend predictions based on decades of experience and expertise in product sourcing, studying consumer preferences and being on the frontlines with...

Coronavirus Changing Eating Habits of Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian U.S. Consumers

The majority of U.S. consumers report eating more comfort foods, snacks, and treats because of the coronavirus, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in a new study. Some consumers are eating more healthily and more locally produced foods, while a smaller portion are eating less healthily, less fresh produce, and more processed foods.

"The coronavirus has had an impact on consumer eating habits, with some tending toward less healthy foods, while others are experiencing the opposite and hunkering down with healthier foods," says Jennifer Mapes-Christ, food and beverage publisher for Packaged Facts.

Vegans, who already tend to think they eat a healthy diet, are most likely to report eating...

Cargill Study Shows Consumer Support of Farmers Grows As a Result of COVID-19 Challenges

A recent Cargill study found a majority of consumers stand ready to rally around farmers in support of their efforts to put food on tables around the globe. Consumer recognition for the challenges and expectations farmers face grew amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as processing and transportation bottlenecks, especially in the protein industry, stretched the global food supply. In the latest Feed4Thought survey, Cargill found nearly one-third of consumers in the U.S., Brazil, Vietnam and Norway have a renewed appreciation for animal agriculture.

“Farmers and ranchers have faced tremendous pressures caused by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. And those pressures came on top of the multitude of challenges farmers already faced as they worked to feed the world in...

COVID-19 has Flipped the Value Proposition of Omnichannel Shopping for Constrained Consumers 

With few alternatives available during the widespread lockdowns earlier this year, e-commerce quickly became a go-to means-to-an-end for shop-needy consumers around the globe. Six months later, that early reliance on e-commerce has expanded into a fundamental dependence on still-evolving omnichannel shopping experiences.

The premise of omnichannel shopping certainly wasn’t borne out of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the global health crisis has dramatically elevated consumers’ use of both on- and offline channels in tandem, whether for click-and-collect, contactless delivery or an array of other fulfillment options. And across consumer groups, online channels have become the most critical shopping resources for...

Demand for Grass-Fed Beef Products to Boost Market Growth 

The grass beef market size is poised to grow by $14.50 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 6% throughout the forecast period, according to the latest report by Technavio.

Report Highlights

The major grass beef market growth came from the fresh grass-fed beef products segment. The awareness of the health benefits of grass-fed beef such as higher content of omega-3 fatty acids linoleic acid and antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E fuel its demand in the US, Australia, and other markets. This consequently adds to the revenue, thus boosting...

Burger King CMO, Fernando Machado, Talks Plant-Based Burgers at the 2020 Urner Barry ECGPS

During our second day of packed content and industry leading insights at Urner Barry’s Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit, participants were fortunate to hear from Chief Marketing Officer, Fernando Machado of Restaurant Brands International, which operates popular quick service restaurant (QSR) brands like Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. Leading with a presentation on how QSRs have navigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, Machado was asked to comment on how consumer demand behavior has shifted between the Impossible Whopper, traditional beef Whopper, and chicken sandwiches.

Reinforcing Burger King’s commitment to monitoring how consumers preferences evolve and shift, Machado affirmed, “Our demand for beef burgers is there and continues to grow. The traditional Whopper is still, by far...

More Than 60% of Americans Have Dined In a Restaurant in the Past Month, Despite COVID-19 Concerns

A survey of 501 people in the U.S. found that 63% of Americans ate at a restaurant at least once in July, with 22% dining in a restaurant five or more times. At the same time, 58% of Americans said they would feel uncomfortable or very uncomfortable eating in a restaurant because of the coronavirus. The study was conducted by B2B research firm The Manifest.

The contradiction between people's discomfort about in-restaurant dining and their actions is likely a result of access to outside dining options during the summer months.

With as many as 75% of restaurants at risk of going out of business, local restaurants and small business restaurant owners must prepare for...

Research and Markets: Consumer Spending in QSRs and Growing Online Food Delivery

According to Research and Markets, the U.S. foodservice market is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period, 2020-2025.

Increased digitalization of food service is among the primary factors driving the market, as consumers find it comfortable to book prior and make payments online.

Fast food restaurants focusing on organic produce and healthy food are expected to be the focus of the market in the future. In the United States, the demand for organic food is rapidly rising. However, factors, like...

A Deep Dive into Pea Proteins

Finish your peas! A common childhood recollection for many adults who dreaded the round, green veggies untouched on the edge of their dinner plate. Those small, high-in-protein morsels have appeared to...

A Snapshot of Plant-Based Protein Growth Amid the Pandemic 

Alternative protein markets, and those specifically utilized in the production of plant-based meat analogues, continue to boon as a result of COVID-19 economic implications. Primarily used to produce beef-like substitutes, products from companies like...

U.S. Shoppers Shift Shopping Strategies to Brace for Recessionary Effects

A much more discerning grocery shopper is emerging in the wake of initial widespread panic-buying sparked by COVID-19 this past spring that led consumers to disregard prices and stock up on products and ingredients required to prepare the entirety of their family meals at home. Retailers and their trading partners responded as rapidly as possible to the sudden spikes in demand by pulling back on promotional efforts and focusing on their supply chains to keep up, which led to higher prices on 64% of more than 500 grocery store categories.

The short-term result? FMCG sales shot up $77.9 billion across all U.S. channels for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 12, 2020, translating to year-over-year growth of 9.3%. While this lift was astounding for the retail industry, it’s time for stakeholders to...

The Consumer Confidence Index Increased in September 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased in September, after declining in August. The Index now stands at 101.8 (1985=100), up from 86.3 in August. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 85.8 to 98.5. The Expectations Index – based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – increased from 86.6 in August to 104.0 this month.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was...

The Hartman Group's Shelley Balanko on Consumer Buying Trends in a Pandemic

During extraordinary times, insights into consumer behaviors become more vital than ever to businesses. The Hartman Group, a food culture consultancy, provides such trends, insights, and strategic counsels to professionals in the food and beverage industry. The company conducts its own primary research with expertise in areas including sustainability and the health and wellness consumer.

In 2012, the Hartman Group developed the Eating Occasions Compass, a database that documents the who, what, when, where, and why of eating occasions in the United States...

U.S. Restaurant Dollar and Traffic Declines Ease in August as Consumers Gain Comfort in Dining Out

While August restaurant trends reflect an environment in which slightly less than 25% of restaurant units were under restrictions for on-premises dining during the course of the month, similar to June and July, the rate of traffic and dollar declines for the month eased slightly to  -10% and  -9%, respectively, compared to same period year ago, reports The NPD Group.

“As the summer progressed and mandated restrictions were lifted, an increasing number of consumers became more comfortable dining out based on the safety protocols restaurants put in place,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor and author of Eating Patterns in America...

Agricultural Consultant Michelle Klieger Breaks Down the Needs and Wants of Today's Consumer

For decades, agriculture’s mantra has been to provide safe and affordable food. This dual-mandate resulted in a highly concentrated and specialized agricultural system that constantly improves efficiency and increases output throughout the supply chain. With this yardstick, agriculture has achieved its goal. In developed countries, food is widely available and takes up a smaller percentage of the average household budget than ever before. Yet, it’s too soon for agriculture to declare victory.

To maximize the food production system, resiliency and optimization were sacrificed...

Tofu Sales Skyrocket During the Pandemic, as Consumers Search for Affordable Meat Alternatives

American grocery store shoppers became accustomed to limits on certain household staples during the first half of 2020. The quest for toilet paper, ground beef and hand sanitizer sparked panic buying and supermarket aisle scuffles, while overzealous bread bakers desperately searched for flour and a drop in carbon dioxide supply threatened the soda industry.

But the biggest surprise of this year's COVID-19 public health crisis may be a sudden outpouring of love for tofu.

Since U.S. coronavirus shutdowns began in mid-March, tofu shortages have been reported from Seattle...

Study Sheds Light on U.S. Consumer Preferences on Conventional and Alternative Protein Products 

In the past six months, players within the plant-based protein industry have been dazzled by the performance of their alternative burgers, patties, nuggets, and sausages. As reported by the Good Food Institute (GFI) overall plant-based product sales increased to a peak of... 

US Foods Fall Scoop Helps Restaurant Operators Stay On Point With Evolving Off-Premise Trends

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the launch of Fall Scoop 2020, titled “On Point With Off-Premise – Designed To Make It.” This special edition of Scoop features 14 products designed to address trends within off-premise dining such as labor-saving products perfect for DIY meal kits and products that will help ease diner safety and hygiene worries, including tamper-evident packaging and sanitation items.

“The restaurant environment has changed immensely with the surge in off-premise dining, and the ability for restaurant operators to adapt with creativity, labor savings and safety in mind is...

National Pork Board Launches Pork as a Passport Campaign 

To celebrate pork’s position as a global, culturally relevant protein and offer weary home cooks in the U.S. a variety of authentic meal options, the National Pork Board has launched Pork as a Passport.

This new consumer marketing campaign elevates the at-home cooking experience by highlighting the common love for pork across a number of global cuisines. The Pork Board, and the 60,000 U.S. farmers it represents, introduced Pork as a Passport in an effort to encourage quarantine cooks to...

The Impact Virtual School Will Have on Daytime Meals  

With the pandemic still uncontrolled, “back to school” is a lot more complex for parents these days. On top of the usual routine, many parents are now faced with figuring out childcare, financial burdens, and how to balance this with a full-time job. With kids at home, meal preparation will continue to be among their many demands, and parents will need help with finding convenient options.

The coronavirus pandemic also has many still working from home. Daytime meals and snacks that were often purchased at restaurants and convenience stores during the workday have now moved into the home. Going out to get food is now viewed as less convenient and too expensive since the refrigerator is so close. However, restaurants can be...

Technomic Analyzes Wendy's Breakfast Performance 

In a recent analysis, Technomic used its Ignite Consumer tool to look at how Wendy's breakfast performed amid several challenges. Wendy's has had a long experience with testing breakfast menu items, dating back to the 1980s. From adding and removing breakfast items at different locations and trying out omelets on the menu, this daypart has represented an ongoing battle for the quick service chain.

In March 2020, Wendy's launched a new campaign focused on breakfast and started to spread the word with a Twitter war. The breakfast battle started with a tweet calling out McDonald's, who did not respond. Wendy's then followed up...

U.S. Restaurant Drive-Thrus are Proving Their Value During the Pandemic and Beyond 

Drive-thru restaurants have always been the ultimate in convenience and speed but during the pandemic, especially during the mandated dine-in closures, they were also a lifeline for the restaurants that had them, reports The NPD Group. Drive-thru restaurant visits increased by 26% in the April, May, and June quarter and represented 42% of all restaurant visits.

In July when more restaurants were reopened, drive-thru visits still increased by 13%, the highest visit increase among the service modes of on-premises, carry-out, and delivery, according to NPD’s daily tracking of U.S. consumers’ use of restaurants and...

New Study Finds Many Americans Going Plant-Based for Breakfast 

Over half of Americans are eating fewer animal products since the COVID-19 pandemic began and nearly six in 10 find themselves transitioning to a more flexitarian, or semi-vegetarian diet, citing health as their top reason for making the change, according to a new survey conducted by market research firm OnePoll. The poll of 2,000 adults was commissioned by Eat Just, Inc., a company that applies cutting-edge science and technology to create sustainable foods, ahead of Better Breakfast Month, observed annually in September.

Nearly 60% of respondents in the national general population survey said they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” when asked whether their eating habits were increasingly shifting to plant-based, with 39% of participants 18-25 years old and 23% of participants 26-41 years old stating that...

National Restaurant Association Launches Restaurant Revival Campaign 

The National Restaurant Association is highlighting its new multimedia Restaurant Revival Campaign. The national ad taps into the sights and sounds associated with dining out and asks diners, "Doesn't dining out sound good?"

"This campaign is about reigniting the memories we cherish about dining out. While diners have been able to enjoy some restaurant meals through take-out and delivery, we all have missed hearing the words, 'Your table is ready,' and the unique experiences that dining out provides," said Tom Bené, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "We know safety is top of mind for returning diners...

U.S. Restaurant Chain Transaction Declines Improve Into Single-Digits for the First Time Since March

In the week ending August 16, customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains improved into the single-digits after 21 weeks of double-digit declines, reports The NPD Group.

Customer transactions were down 9% in week ending August 16 compared to year ago, a 35-point gain from the steepest decline of 44% in week ending April 12, according to NPD’s CREST Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for...

The Consumer Confidence Index Decreased in August 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased in August, after declining in July. The Index now stands at 84.8 (1985=100), down from 91.7 in July.

The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased sharply from 95.9 to 84.2.

The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – declined from 88.9 in July to 85.2 this month...

Convenience Store Sales Growth Doubles Between 2019 and 2020 

The pandemic has given an impressive boost to convenience store sales this year helping the market grow by more than double the rate achieved in 2019. According to the latest Mintel research, convenience sales will grow by almost 8% in 2020 - compared to the 3% achieved last year.

The significant increase in in-home food and drink experienced as a result of COVID-19 will see the convenience store market increase from £44.1 billion in 2019 to an estimated...

Over a Fifth of Canadians Have Bought More Groceries Online Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Canadian usage of e-commerce with online grocery being one of the main benefactors. The latest research from Mintel reveals that by mid-April, almost four in 10 (37%) Canadians were shopping more online, with 22% of Canadians specifically noting they were buying more groceries online due to COVID-19, including 10% of seniors (those aged 65+).

Physical grocery stores have a big challenge to encourage consumers to come back into stores and spend time inside. Mintel's research shows that as of mid-April, 70% of Canadian shoppers were...

COVID-19 Forces Technomic to Revise Foodservice Industry Forecasts

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to leave its mark on the foodservice industry, research firm Technomic announced revisions to its foodservice forecasts for 2020 and 2021.

The data Technomic shared is presented through three scenarios: Best Case, Middle Case and Worst Case. In the “Middle Case” scenario, Technomic predicts foodservice industry will grow by 21% in 2021 following the massive drop-off in sales during 20201, but sales are expected to remain 11% lower from 2019...

Seven Lessons Foodservice Can Learn from a Pandemic 

As states begin to reopen, restaurants are adapting to a new normal to welcome diners back. These adaptions include providing outdoor seating, incorporating stricter sanitary procedures, and paperless menus. According to a recent report by Datassential, there are seven lessons foodservice operators can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic that will benefit their business going forward. 

The first lesson is goodbye fear, hello caution. As more places begin to ease coronavirus restrictions, consumers are feeling more comfortable returning to public spaces if certain safety measures are met. After restrictions are lifted, about 63% of those surveyed feel safe eating at a restaurant with outdoor dining. Around 54% feel safe returning to a convenience store, and the same percentage feel comfortable with...