Consumer trends

Three food trends to be on the lookout for in 2013

Published by the Lempert Report and Consumer Insight Inc., the monthly e-publication Facts, Figures & the Future, named the top 10 food trends for 2013 in its December 2012 e-newsletter.

Here are three of those trends that may be of interest to the produce industry.

Snacking and mini-meals
The publication cites a study that found total fruit, whole fruit, whole grains, oils, sodium and milk scores were positively associated with snacking frequency. It showed snacking contributed to a slightly more nutrient-dense diet. Because of this, The Lempert Report and Consumer Insights Inc. predict that 2013 will bring smaller bites/more frequent eating pattern.

Baby Boomers: Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease
With studies showing just how prevalent diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are, the Boomer population is looking for healthier options. According to the NDP Group of both U.S. and Canada, studies show Baby Boomers are more concerned than any other age group about nutrition when planning a meal. Facts, Figures & the Future expects heart-healthy, antioxidant rich foods to take over supermarket shelves. This includes tomatoes, dark leafy greens, berries, apples, sweet potatoes and more.

Transparency: Who’s making the food?
“Food transparency is here to stay,” Phil Lempert writes. He says more shoppers not only want to know where their food is coming from, but they want to know about the people making the food and learn their stories. Shoppers are spending more time reading packages as they shop, and desire to trace recipes and foods back to their heritage. Due to this, Facts, Figures & the Future says that supermarkets will “take up the role of gatekeeper” and require proof of claims before they allow them to be sold in their stores.

Fresh facts
According to United Fresh Foundation’s latest edition of “FreshFacts on Retail,” fresh produce maintained sales figures from the previous year in the third quarter of 2012. It was driven by fruits and other produce, a category defined by foods such as grains, dried fruit, beverages, nuts, etc. Here are a few key points from the report:

• Decreases in average retail price boosted volume sales, especially for fruits
• Organic and value-added fruits and vegetables had a strong sales performance
• Vegetables declined in overall dollar and volume sales
• Total produce sales and volume grew

Source: United Fresh Foundation

Did you know?
In keeping with the snacking trend, major restaurant chains have re-imagined menus with snack items, such as olives and pickles, according to the Culinary Visions Panel’s October 2012 Trends report.

Fun fact
Keeping in trend with the rise in hispanic foods, avocado consumption in the U.S. is expected to grow by 78 percent over the next 10 years.

Source: Hispanic Retail 360

Ethnic influence
According to the Lempert Report and Packaged Facts, Hispanics are a key driving force when it comes to fresh produce. The research backs it up. Below are some stats from the most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was published in September 2012.

Trends above the border
In an article published by Food Manufacturing last year (bit.ly/food-manufacturing), it cites a BMO study that suggests that most Canadians try to buy local produce when they shop for groceries. It found that:

• Canadians are willing to pay 16 percent more for domestic fruits and vegetables
• Canadians are 91 percent more likely to buy Canadian vegetables
• Canadians are 85 percent more likely to buy Canadian fruits
• No. 1 benefit for buying Canadian food when grocery shopping is to support Canadian producers, followed by freshness.