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| Food Technology Magazine Cover April 2011 |
- Demographically Directed
- "Dramatic differences in food preferences, eating styles, and attitudes/behaviors between the nation’s 100 million adults over age 50 and the 74 million Gen Yers ages 16–33 will force food companies to more directly target flavors, foods, and food messages to different generations."
- Still Cooking
- "In 2010, more than half (55%) of grocery shoppers prepared more meals at home than in 2009, approaching a 20-year high (FMI, 2010). Just about half (53%) of meal preparers now make dinner, including an entrée, four or more nights a week; 90% do so at least once a week. In addition, 61% prepare a frozen entrée, and 36% pick up a prepared entree at least once a week..."
- The Appeal of Americana
- "Americana, characterized by a diversity of factors ranging from local and farm-raised foods to American regional cuisines, will be among the most promising food industry trends over the next decade."
- Foodie Focused
- "America’s 31 million foodies are blurring the aisles between specialty and everyday foods. Two-thirds (67%) of consumers consider themselves knowledgeable and interested in food. Young adults ages 25–34 are by far the most likely to be foodies/foodie cooks; those ages 18–24 are the most likely to be true gourmets"
- Get Real
- "In 2010, 39% of consumers, up 9% in one year, cited chemicals in foods as the most important food safety issue today vs 44% who cited concerns about bacteria, down 8%. Consumers believe limiting processed foods is among the most important components of healthy eating, right behind consuming vegetables"
- The New Nutrients
- "Dramatic changes are afoot in the healthy food sector. Recent focus on natural functionality and inherent nutrition are beginning to shift interest away from traditionally fortified foods."
- Specialty Treats
- "Despite U.S. consumers’ ongoing interest in healthful foods, meal preparers still serve dessert twice weekly on average. Chocolate candy, creamers, cookies, and wine were among the fastest-growing categories in food, drug, and mass merchandisers excluding Wal-mart in 2010."
- Three Squares
- "Over the past two years, the number of adults eating three meals a day—with or without snacks—has increased to 44%, up 6% while those consuming only one to two meals a day plus snacks has decreased 36%, down 5%. In addition, 12% of consumers eat three meals a day and rarely/never snack, up 5%; 7% eat one meal a day plus snacks, down 5%; and 2% graze throughout the day, rarely eating a sit-down meal."
- Prescriptive Eating
- "Despite the prevalence of health problems, many people are not that eager to seek out medical attention. One-third (33%) of consumers plan on self-treating more and going to the doctor less in 2011. One-third (35%) of the 60% who bought functional foods did so to treat a specific health condition."
- Home Rituals
- "Seventy-eight percent of all snacking now takes place in the home; 22% is away from home. Retail sales account for just over half (55%) of the $93.5 billion snack food market."
- For details, check out the article and citations here
