Conversing on Consumer Behavior with EVP of IRI, Chris Dubois

Chris DuBois is the EVP and Practice Leader for IRI’s Protein practice and leads IRI service, sales, and delivery for IRI’s large protein-focused clients.  In addition to leading IRI’s teams, he also works extensively with industry associations and media outlets to share research-based expertise and insights and is a frequent speaker and contributor. Chris Dubois is one of the esteemed presenters at this year’s Global Protein Summit in Chicago. Ahead of his presentation on consumer demand, Chris joined us to talk about the trends of the past year and what to expect in the future.

Restaurant365 Data Reveals Increase in 2022 Mid-Year Sales

Restaurant365, the leading all-in-one restaurant enterprise management software, reported that demand remained strong for restaurants in the second quarter of 2022, citing a 12% increase in its customers' sales from Q1 to Q2, despite the challenges of inflation and rising food costs.

"As economists discuss a potential economic slowdown, restaurants may not yet feel impacted because their sales continue to grow," stated Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365. "A decline is still a very real possibility, so now is the best time for restaurants to take action..." 

Import Slowdown Continues as Fed Tries to Rein in Consumer Demand

With inflation continuing and the Federal Reserve hoping to cool demand through higher interest rates, imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to fall below last year’s levels for the remainder of 2022, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Consumers are still buying, but the cargo surge we saw during the past two years appears to be slowing down,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Cargo volumes are solidly..."

UNFI Offers New Meal Solutions to Help Retailers Meet Consumer Demand for At Home Food Options

United Natural Foods, Inc. today announced it has added two new meal solutions to its offering to better allow retailers to meet the growing demand for quick, restaurant quality meals, while reducing in-store labor and the time required to create similar products on their own. The meal solutions are available nationwide to the more than 30,000 customer locations UNFI services.

The new on-trend meal solutions, a fresh meal kit from Cook•Able and flash-frozen meals from Cadence Kitchen, allow UNFI to...

Mintel Announces 2022 Global Food and Drink Trends

In Southeast Asia, more than 50% percent of consumers* in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore worry that life will not be the same as it was before the pandemic, according to Mintel Global Consumer research on the holistic consumer.

A period of time that saw lockdowns, food panic buying and homes becoming offices impacted consumer behavior in a multitude of ways, including food becoming more than a source of sustenance, but also a source of reassurance. Mintel’s 2022 Global Consumer Trends explores these behavioral changes, with insight and recommendations for food, drink and...

Evo Foods and Ginkgo Bioworks Announce Partnership to Develop Animal-Free Egg Products

Evo Foods, a consumer packaged goods company creating the next generation of plant-based substitutes for animal products, and Ginkgo Bioworks, the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, today announced a partnership to develop a method for producing animal-free egg proteins for use in Evo's products.

Facing increasing consumer demand for animal-free food alternatives, companies throughout the food industry are searching for optimal animal protein replacements that can seamlessly supplement consumer tastes. Current egg substitutes have limitations in their ability to replicate...

Sales of Food Preservation and Storage Products Grow by Double-Digits As Consumer Demand Increases

With 86% of meals sourced from home, food inflation at a 40-year high, the average U.S. household wasting $1,866 of food each year*, U.S. consumers are storing food and leftovers to stretch their food dollars and meals while reducing food waste. The return to worksites and schools and more extracurricular and outside activities has increased the need to pack food for away-from-home meals and snacks. These needs drive the demand for food storage products, reports The NPD Group. Consumers spent...

U.S. General Merchandise Unit Sales Fell 7% in April, as Retail Revenue Declined 1%, Reports NPD

As demand softens, the retail product mix needs to attract both value seekers and premium buyers

The consumer’s willingness to spend has been crucial to maintaining a healthy level of retail performance throughout the pandemic, but demand has been softening for several months. April 2022 U.S. general merchandise unit sales were 7% lower than a year ago, creating a 1% decline in sales revenue, according to The NPD Group.

“Higher retail prices have buffered demand declines but their escalation, combined with rising gas prices..."

U.S. Ports Set New Record for Imports

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports set a new record this spring and are expected to see near-record volume this month as retailers bring in merchandise ahead of rising costs and further supply chain issues, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are importing record amounts of merchandise to meet consumer demand, but they also have an incentive to stock up before inflation can drive costs higher,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold...

USDA Data Reveal: Cattle Sale Revenues Grew 16% in 2021

Following two Congressional hearings on the beef and cattle markets largely focused on prices producers receive for their cattle, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the latest USDA annual report on livestock income clears up misconceptions about the state of cattle markets and shows cash receipts for the sale of cattle and calves increased 16 percent, from $63.1 billion in 2020 to $72.9 billion in 2021.

“As our members said in their testimony, prices are improving for cattle producers due to supply and demand reflecting..."

Rising Retail Prices Will Increasingly Test Consumers’ Appetite for Meat

Full effects of producer price inflation will become apparent in grocery meat cases

U.S. consumer demand for retail meat remains exceptionally strong despite higher prices stemming from increased production costs and supply chain limitations. However, once the full effects of producer price inflation finally hit retail meat cases, consumer demand for meat will be tested again, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

“Retail meat prices will remain elevated throughout 2022,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The sharply higher costs for feed..."

NAMI to Senate Ag: Cattle Prices at Seven Year Highs; Reject Costly Grassley-Fischer Bill

With cattle prices at seven-year highs following record beef production in February and March as the packing sector recovers from COVID-related labor shortages and supply chain issues, the North American Meat Institute today urged members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to reject the Grassley-Fischer bill’s mandates and federal intrusion in the beef and cattle markets.

“Leading agricultural economists have determined Grassley-Fischer bill’s latest draft remains costly to producers, especially producers in Texas..."

Previewing the Executive Conference with ButcherBox Founder and CEO Mike Salguero

When Mike Salguero struggled to find clean-labeled, 100% grass-beef for his family, he took the initiative and founded ButcherBox in 2015. Six years later, the company has grown to be more than just a convenient way of obtaining meat. Through ButcherBox, Salguero is transforming the meat industry from the inside out. By taking care of animals, treating farmers with respect, and making investments in environment forward practices, ButcherBox is focused not only on doing the right thing for the folks in the supply...

Amazon Creates $1 Billion Fund for Supply Chain Innovation

Amazon will invest $1 billion into supply chain technology.

Amazon is launching a $1 billion venture investment program for logistics and fulfillment technology.

The e-tail giant’s new funding initiative, called the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund (AIIF), is meant to advance and support innovation in customer fulfillment, logistics, and the supply chain. According to Amazon, increasing customer demand for online shopping and fast delivery led it to create the fund.

Amazon says the new fund will invest in companies that develop and provide solutions that “incrementally increase delivery...

European Commission Approves JUST Egg's Key Ingredient as Brand Plans Fourth Quarter Launch

Eat Just, Inc., a company that applies cutting-edge science and technology on a mission to create healthier, more sustainable foods, announced today that the key ingredient in its popular plant-based JUST Egg products has received approval from the European Commission. The landmark approval for mung bean protein paves the way for the launch of JUST Egg in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year.

This decision means America’s fastest-growing egg brand can enter the market in countries belonging to the European Union and...

NRF Chief Economist Says Economy Has ‘Strong Momentum’ Despite Challenges From Inflation and Ukraine

Top challenges have shifted from COVID-19 to inflation and the war in Ukraine, but the U.S. economy will continue to face uncertainties in the year ahead, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“While the public health situation has greatly improved, the impact of the pandemic continues to spread,” Kleinhenz said. “That ripple has extended into 2022 and includes a disproportionate impact from inflation reaching a 40-year high brought about by strong consumer demand interacting with restricted supply...”

CEOs Get Personal on Industry Challenges of Past 2 Years

Over the past two years, there have been a lot of essential discussions about the shopper journey and the important ways that grocery workers’ lives were impacted by pandemic-fueled changes and challenges at work. Industry leaders have also been in the fray to steer their companies ahead in a challenging era with hits from all sides.

“It was like getting a curveball every single day.” That was one remark from an executive who took part in the 56th Annual Food Marketing Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., presented...

American Dairy Queen Unveils New Line of Signature Stackburgers

American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), a leader in iconic treats and food, today announced the new Signature Stackburgers™ menu. Centered on cheeseburgers that deliver on consumer demand for big flavor and variety, this new menu is the most significant product rollout for ADQ in the past 20 years.

“Our hot food menu, served at our DQ® Grill & Chill® restaurants, is key to our business goal to become a balanced leader in both food and treat items. We know that means innovating and expanding our everyday food offerings, and..."

Blue Apron Adds Breakfast to Its Menu

Blue Apron adds quick and delicious breakfast recipes to its menu as the company continues to expand offerings to meet customer demand. Available to order starting today, the options are part of Blue Apron’s Add-ons offerings, expanding the product line beyond appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

“In a recent survey, over 35% of customers who participated told us that they wanted to see breakfast recipes on our menu. They asked and we delivered,” said John Adler, Blue Apron’s Vice President of Culinary.

Designed to be ready in 15 minutes or less, the...

Near-Record Import Levels Expected at U.S. Ports as Congestion Continues

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to be at near-record levels this spring and summer as consumer demand and supply chain challenges continue to result in congestion, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Consumers are still spending and the supply chain is still working to keep up,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Growth rates have slowed down from the off-the-charts numbers we saw..."

Grubhub Launches Grubhub Goods Brand Nationwide

Grubhub, a leading U.S. food-ordering and delivery marketplace, announced today national availability of its branded convenience concept, Grubhub Goods. Grubhub now offers on-demand convenience delivery to diners from more than 3,000 Grubhub Goods locations across the country.

This nationwide expansion is in collaboration with 7-Eleven and follows a successful pilot in New York of more than a dozen Grubhub Goods locations offered with 7-Eleven in Manhattan. The Grubhub Goods locations with 7-Eleven reach the vast majority of Grubhub's diners nationwide and feature a selection of 7-Eleven's most...

Proposed Changes to Packers & Stockyards Act Could Harm Industry Sustainability Efforts

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the Biden Administration’s proposed rules for the Packers and Stockyards Act could limit the abilities of the meat and poultry industry to respond to consumer demand regarding sustainability.

“In the case of beef, farmers and ranchers produce cattle using 33percent less land, 12 percent less water, and with a 16 percent smaller carbon footprint in 2007 compared to 1977. That is an astounding sustainability success story,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute...

NRF Statement on Senate Introduction of Ocean Shipping Reform Act

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French after the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2021 was introduced in the Senate. The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) and would modernize the international maritime transportation system.

“The sustained supply chain challenges, exacerbated by increased consumer demand during the coronavirus pandemic, have continued to impact the daily operations of retailers and the greater business community. For nearly two decades the..."

Tyson Foods Invests in Bowling Green, Kentucky with State-of-the-Art Facility

Tyson Foods leadership, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and city officials from Bowling Green broke ground today on the site of Tyson’s new $355 million bacon production facility. Once operational in late 2023, the 400,000 square foot facility will employ 450 people and help meet growing demand for the company’s iconic Wright® and Jimmy Dean® brands.

“Tyson Foods announced this tremendous investment in Warren County just over three months ago, and I am thrilled to join the company’s leaders for today’s..."

Americans Projected to Eat 1.42 Billion Chicken Wings for Super Bowl LVI

Football fans might be surprised at the matchup, but one thing is not surprising: America’s love for chicken wings. This is never more apparent than on Super Bowl weekend, when wings are at their hottest. Americans are anticipated to devour 1.42 billion wings while watching the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams battle for the Lombardi Trophy, according the National Chicken Council’s (NCC) 2022 Wing Report.

“There will be no wing shortage,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “Like almost anything else you buy right now, wings might be..."

Fourth Quarter 2021 Revenue Grew 9% Over Last Year, While Overall Consumer Spending Grew 15%

U.S. consumer spending on general merchandise ended the year up 15% compared to 2020, with a 6% increase in unit sales. While the holiday shopping brought positive retail results, the early part of the year delivered more significant year-over-year gains. The fourth quarter of 2021 contributed 9% revenue growth and 1% unit growth over the prior year, according The NPD Group.

“Consumers’ grab-it-when-you-see-it mentality, especially related to pandemic-driven needs has not gone away..."

New Year, New Subs: Subway® Starting Fresh with More Menu Updates

Subway is ringing in the new year with another menu update for sandwich lovers to sink their teeth into in 2022. Starting today, the world's largest sandwich brand is debuting two brand new subs alongside the return of five fan-favorite menu items, back by popular demand.

Brand New Sandwiches
Subway hasn't slowed down since the launch of its Eat Fresh Refresh in July 2021, steadily adding new crave-worthy subs and signature exclusives to its U.S. menu. The newest additions include:

Baja Turkey Avocado...

Little Caesars® Hot-N-Ready® Classic Now Has 33% More Pepperoni

Little Caesars, the brand known for value, quality, and convenience, revealed a new and improved HOT-N-READY Classic Pepperoni pizza today. The new version of the brand's most popular pizza adds 33% more pepperoni and has the same high-quality ingredients. Beginning today, consumers nationwide can get the new and improved HOT-N-READY Classic Pepperoni pizza for the price of $5.55* for a limited time, at participating locations, plus tax.

"Change is good when it comes to giving our customers more of what they..."

Pure Prairie Farms Breathes New Life Into Midwestern Chicken Plant

New premium chicken integrator, Pure Prairie Farms Inc., completed its long-anticipated purchase of a former Simply Essentials chicken processing plant last week. The former plant, which previously closed in August of 2019, is a state-of-the-art retail tray-packaging facility and features air-chill technology, an under-represented and underserved attribute in the market. In addition to organic offerings, additional product features include all natural, highly trimmed products, made from chicken flocks in which antibiotics have never, ever been used, and that have been fed a...

Poultry Markets Bullish on Demand Recovery and Challenging Supply

Global poultry markets are expected to be strong in 2022, on the back of reopening economies, increasing vaccination levels, and stronger economic conditions. This improving global market context will be a bumpy road, though, with ups and downs following Covid-19 developments. The industry will need to be ready to adjust sales channels in response to government measures. The operational side will also see challenges, as feed and other input costs, like freight and energy, are expected to stay high. The availability and cost of labor has become a big issue...

Analysts say McDonald's, Beyond Meat Plan Big U.S. 2022 McPlant Expansion

McDonald's Corp is planning a major expansion of its plant-based burger with Beyond Meat Inc in the United States in 2022, according to two Wall Street analysts.

The companies began testing the "McPlant" patty in eight McDonald's U.S. locations in November. Those restaurants have been selling enough of the sandwiches - as many as 70 per day - to warrant an expansion of the trial, the analysts said.

McDonald's said when it announced the tests that customers would have to wait for more updates. The company declined to provide new...

Chicken Council Responds to Politicized Criticisms of Food Inflation

The most recent drumbeat from the White House National Economic Council (NEC) blaming the meat and poultry industry for their failed policies and rising meat prices came yesterday in a blog post. Let’s look at the facts according to the federal government’s own data.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.8 percent in November on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.9 percent in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 6.8 percent...

U.S. Inflation's Persistent Rise Hits Fastest Pace in 39 Years

U.S. inflation reached a nearly four-decade high in November, as strong consumer demand collided with pandemic-related supply constraints.

The Labor Department said the consumer-price index -- which measures what consumers pay for goods and services -- rose 6.8% in November from the same month a year ago. That was the fastest pace since 1982 and the sixth straight month in which inflation topped 5%.

The so-called core price index, which excludes the often-volatile categories of food and energy, climbed 4.9% in November from a year earlier...

NRF Issues Statement on House Passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) of 2021. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), would provide critical updates to the international maritime transportation system, which has been severely impacted by COVID-19.

“The Shipping Act has remained unchanged for nearly 20 years, as the global supply chain has continued to grow and evolve..."

2021 Retail Imports to Show Record Growth Despite Pandemic

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to end 2021 with both the largest volume and fastest growth on record despite supply chain disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This has been an unprecedented year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “We’ve seen more disruption than ever before because of issues along every step of the supply chain and continued strong consumer..."

Egg Processing Market to grow US$ 40.2 Bn by end of 2027, Says Coherent Market Insights

According to latest report, the global egg processing market is estimated to account for 40.2 Bn in terms of value, witnessing a CAGR of 4.3% by the end of 2027.

Egg processing is usually performed by the hens and is carried out in large numbers. Some of them include shell manipulation, cracking of shells, removal of scrapings, removal of tail feathers, removal of extra skins, etc. This process is very important to make healthy and hygienic egg products. Different steps are...

NPPC Applauds USDA Decision To Allow Faster Line Speeds

The National Pork Producers Council today commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture for allowing some pork packing plants to run faster line speeds, a move that could increase packing capacity and alleviate supply issues in the face of strong demand.

“We’re very pleased with USDA’s proposal to let certain plants run at higher line speeds, which will allow more hogs to be harvested and more pork to get to consumers,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson. “This is particularly important now given the strong demand for pork, supply chain problems and our...”

Red Meat Exports Remain on Record Pace Through Third Quarter

Both U.S. beef and U.S. pork exports are on a record pace through September, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports posted one of the best months on record in September, with value climbing nearly 60% above last year. Pork export volume was slightly below last September, but value still increased 8%.

Beef exports continued to soar in September at 123,628 metric tons (mt), up 20% from a year ago and the fourth largest volume of the post-BSE era...

North American Meat Institute: Labor Shortage Driving Inflation

In Testimony submitted to the House Agriculture Committee, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the labor shortage continues to challenge the nation’s food supply chain raising the cost of all food for consumers.

“Just six weeks ago, the Biden Administration tried to blame the meat and poultry industry for the rising cost of food,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “Today, the Congress will hear from other food manufacturers, shippers, input suppliers, growers and retailers enduring the same labor shortages up and...

Retail Sales Rise, Showing Strong Consumer Demand and Higher Inflation

Americans stepped up their spending in September, a sign of resilient demand and rising inflation as consumers head into the holiday shopping season.

Sales at retail stores, restaurants and online sellers rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in September from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday. The rise in sales reflects persistently strong demand and higher consumer prices.

Consumers, armed with stimulus payments and rising wages, have stepped up spending this year, shrugging off the Delta variant of Covid-19, the end of enhanced unemployment benefits and... 

Gen Zs and Millennials Will Drive Growth of Plant-based Foods in the U.S. Over Next Few Years

The consumer demand for plant-based beverages and foods for in-home meal prep has continued throughout the pandemic. Both dairy and meat plant-based alternatives are forecast to grow through 2024, driven almost entirely by Millennials and Gen Zs, who choose these products for better health and because of their interest in sustainability, reports The NPD Group.

The deep-rooted values of Gen Zs and Millennials behind their choice of plant-based foods enabled the category to continue...

How Walmart is Navigating the Supply Chain To Deliver This Holiday Season

We have all seen and heard a lot in recent months about supply chain issues across the retail industry. With so many news stories about port delays, increased consumer demand and holiday season forecasting, it’s natural to wonder whether items will make it to store shelves and how this might affect holiday preparations.

But increased demand for the products customers want is nothing new for this time of year, and it’s certainly nothing new for Walmart. We’ve been delivering the holidays for over 50 years. This year, we’re...