Trends

Snacking is happening more often than true meal occasions and has grown to define much of the way we eat. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) teamed up with The Hartman Group to learn more about the growing snacking trend and confectionery snacking, in particular.

The term “natural” has long been a sticking point for registered dietitians who must explain to consumers that there really is no definition for a term so frequently used. Where do we stand now?

Nearly 1,900 new product Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands were launched in 2011-2012. What set the leaders apart? Innovation that delivers value. And according to Information Resources, Inc. (IRi), 27% of the 2012 Pacesetters touted better-for-you benefits.

While most Americans continue to feel the pinch of a struggling economy, the wealthy don’t appear to be feeling much pain. And for high end retailers, this spells “opportunity.”

Although the food retail environment is constantly changing and shopping behaviors evolving, one thing remains: the importance of customer service.

NCA's exclusive 2013 custom shopper research of more than 1,500 consumers explores shopping attitudes, behaviors, and in-store experience as well as how consumers balance the enjoyment of confections with their pursuit of healthy lifestyles.

We’ve wrapped up our survey and are ready to share what we’ve learned!

Over the past several years, retail dietitians have become experts at communicating solutions for healthy eating on a budget. Will this continue to be an important consumer interest in 2013?

Although seafood consumption is on the decline, there are several factors working in seafood’s favor, positioning this protein for growth in 2013. But in order for retailers to seize the opportunity, they must demonstrate seafood’s value to the customer.

Several recent reports have highlighted a shifting consumer mindset—one that's no longer focused on dieting and what's NOT in food (i.e.,calorie free, low calorie). This represents a distinct change and one that dietitians have been working toward for a long time.