Technomic’s 2012 Sandwich Consumer Trend Report found that more than half (55%) of Americans are now purchasing grab-and-go sandwiches. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Just two years ago, the top-selling sandwiches at Famima convenience stores were tuna salad, turkey and cheese and egg salad, all on white bread. Today, the same proteins lead the pack,…
BeerTAB Study Shows Trends, Consumer Preferences
Taste preferences are evolving, especially among younger consumers, as beer drinkers seek different beer styles and more complex or varied flavor profiles. Beer remained the largest segment of the U.S. adult beverage industry, accounting for more than four-fifths of total alcohol volume, but was challenged by both economic and consumer trends that resulted in a…
Beverages Booming
“Innovative operators are creating value by crafting new and unique beverages,” says Technomic spokesperson. Technomic’s Beverage Consumer Trend Report found seven out of 10 consumers (71%) now purchase beverages away from home twice a week or more often, up from 66% in 2010. As the economy stabilizes from the recession, restaurants and retail foodservice locations…
The Importance of Making a Great First Impression
Something as simple a smile and a “thank you” goes a long way in elevating the customer service experience. By Jim Callahan. The saying goes, and I so agree, that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.In the business world, when you are expected to be a leader, this is something…
Seizing Control of Smokeless Tobacco
With new flavors, brand extensions and increased promotional activity, MST sales continue to post strong gains at convenience stores. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. The smokeless tobacco category remains strong, and not just because legislators have chased consumers away from cigarettes. New products and flavors combined with competitive pricing, increased promotional activity and effective merchandising…
Millennial Consumers More Likely To Make Foodservice Purchases
“Millennials are a critical consumer group to the foodservice industry, and finding ways to market to them can be difficult because they have high and varied expectations,” says Sara Monnette, director of consumer research for Technomic. Consumers’ positive outlook of the future indicates that they may increase spending on foodservice within the next year, according…
Retail Study Finds Store Brands Thrive In U.S. Market
Store-brands still prove to be highly popular with U.S. consumers when compared with brand-name products. A study released by Accenture finds that two-thirds of U.S. shoppers surveyed admitted that their grocery carts were half full of store-brand products. Some admitted to Accenture that they even increased their purchase of store-brand products in recent years as…
Study Shows Traditional Grocery Changing
A Jefferies-AlixPartners study shows food-at-home spending to jump by $50 billion a year for Millennials and decrease by up to $15 billion annually for Baby Boomers by 2020. Jefferies, a global investment bank, and AlixPartners, a global business advisory firm, have announced the findings of their new joint study, Trouble in Aisle 5, which finds…
Preparing Sandwiches The Ways Consumers Want Them
Technomic Inc. reports that sandwiches prove to be more successful items on lunch and dinner menus for the past two years. Sandwiches are a staple food item for both lunch and dinner menus at limited- and full-service restaurants, and more consumers report purchasing sandwiches away from home today compared to two years ago. “Today’s consumer…
Small Shopper Concentrations Drive Product Launch Success
Findings from a new Catalina report underscore the importance of reaching and motivating the right customers when introducing new products. A new report published by Catalina, a provider of precise consumer-driven marketing, finds that only a tiny fraction of shoppers determine the success of new Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) product launches. The report explores the…