Beef jerky sales grew by nearly seven% last year, according to Nielsen. Meat snacks are second only to potato chips in the salty snack category, but potato chips posted only 1.7% dollar growth over the same time period. 

According to Packaged Facts, the US meal kit delivery market had sales of $1.5 billion in 2016 and will mature into a multi-billion industry over the next five years. American market leader Blue Apron will undoubtedly play a significant role in the industry’s continued gains.

Consumer trends related to health and sustainability are driving pasta sales along with strong growth in key countries, according to data shared by The Nielsen Company at an international gathering of pasta producers this week in Uzwil, Switzerland. 

According to a just released consumer survey, flavor and texture are the top reasons people enjoy cooking with meat, and the fear of missing that is the reason fewer people follow a plant-based diet.

The eighth edition of this report highlighted the importance of following a healthy eating plan that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods as well as limiting calories from components such as added sugars, saturated fats and reducing sodium intake.

Flavor mash-ups (including sweet heat, inclusions or pairings), snacking options and yogurt drinks are also helping to expand the consumer base.

When separating consumers by socioeconomic status, it becomes clear that the “average Joe” struggles with more than just finances.

The Nielsen Design Impact Awards are US package design awards that leverage retail performance data as part of the winner identification process.

The Cocoa Exchange products are designed to be experienced, which is why the brand brings them to consumers directly through specially curated in-home experiences.