“Consumers are looking for wellness across every aspect of their lives, and food and beverages are playing a critical role in this transformation,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor at Circana. 

More than half of all participants in a recent survey report actively reducing their sugar consumption. US consumers also try to limit or reduce purchases of high sugar ingredients. Interestingly, consumers are unwilling to give up indulgences and they also look for healthier versions of indulgent foods.

The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home. While retail volumes show modest growth, foodservice traffic remains under pressure. However, significant opportunities remain in both sectors, with American consumers spending nearly $1.7 trillion annually on food and beverages. 

Gen Z consumers are just starting to learn their way around a kitchen and will want to advance their cooking skills but also balance quick dinner meals. 

Despite economic constraints, consumers remain loyal to familiar products, emphasizing the need for incentivizing purchases and leveraging integrated marketing strategies to drive engagement.

The top snacking drivers are to “prevent feeling hungry” followed by “rewarding oneself” according to Innova Market Insights’ 2023 Snacking & Healthy Snacking survey.

North American consumers need protein solutions that are right-sized, simple, globally inspired and affordable. That’s according to the newly published “Protein Profile,” an annual report produced by Cargill’s North American Protein business. 

Just in time for Thanksgiving and the holidays—came news for which food and beverage processors could be thankful. Circana (formerly IRI) and The NPD Group released a 2024 food and beverage outlook with a projection of modest volume growth this year after three consecutive years of volume declines.

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) released its final 2023 estimates and its latest 2024 Food Away-From-Home (FAFH) Industry and Segment Projections.

The research, Finding Growth for Food & Beverage at Retail: Winning Eating Occasions throughout the Day, supports go-to-market strategies and ways in which grocers can attract more shopper relevance regarding needs, experiences, tastes, rewards, health – and especially convenience.