Consumer Trends
Consumer trends, insights and preferences
Consumer Trends
Consumers “go gourmet” in spite of recession
Purchasers of gourmet food products may make some concessions to stay within budget, but they are not wiling to compromise on sophisticated taste—they are merely finding more wallet-friendly ways to indulge. That was the major finding reported in Packaged Facts’ Gourmet, Specialty and Premium Foods, Beverages and Consumer Trends in the U.S., 8th Edition.
Consumer Trends
Customers will pay more for better atmosphere
Patrons may grumble when restaurants raise food prices, but they seem willing to spend more for better service. According to a survey of 500 consumers from American Express MarketBriefing, diners would spend more money for pleasant atmosphere, cleanliness and friendly staff than they would for healthier menu items or freshly baked bread.
Restaurant chains that serve more lower-calorie foods and beverages have better business performance, according to a new study by Hudson Institute. Over five years, chains that increased the amount of lower-calorie options they served had better sales growth, larger increases in customer traffic and stronger gains in total food and beverage servings than chains whose servings of lower-calorie options declined.
Researchers for Nutritional Journal recently conducted a study examining caloric intake by food purchase location—store, quickservice restaurant, full-service restaurant, school, etc.—and food source. The first-of-its-kind study brought forward data that suggests that restaurants, schools and stores each have a role to play in curbing the current obesity epidemic, allowing for more effective targeting of policy interventions aimed at calorie reduction.