2012 Food Trends to Watch

2012 Food Trends to Watch

 Food Prices. There is little doubt that food prices will continue to climb. The cost of fuel, feed, packaging, food safety along with a higher demand for exports will factor into the retail price on the shelf.

Baby Boomers Are Significant Consumers. The generation of 76 million who started turning 65 last year will control 52 percent of the total $706 billion spent on groceries by 2015 - making them the largest food influencers and purchasers. The Baby Boom generation which encompasses people aged 48 to 65 is expected to have a longer average life span – 74.1 years for men and 79.5 years for women and as a result are becoming more interested in those foods and beverages that offer them health and wellness benefits.

Interest In Where Food Comes From.  Shoppers are becoming increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from. Last year sales flourished among grocery retailers who jumped on the movement among consumers to “buy local.” A growing number of farmers are leading the conversation by using blogs and social media sites to bring the story of the American farmer to consumers.

Self-Checkouts.  More stores are offering self-checkouts – the ability to compare prices at nearby retailers, cell phone scanners, in-store interactive media devices, QR codes, RFID and mobile coupons. For many shoppers, high-tech adds to personalization with suggested purchases and targeted offers based on their histories with the store, which is typically delivered in a functional way.

Eating at Home.  With the economy slow to recovery, people are choosing to eat at home to save money.

Concerns About Added Sugars.  The American Heart Association reports that adult consumption of added sugars has been on the rise since the 1980’s, up 51 percent in both men and women. Look for reduced-sugar products to be the biggest health claim in the coming year.

Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service