What's Happening?
A report by FMI - The Food Association reveals that US consumers are increasingly prioritizing eating well, with 44% following special routines around mealtimes. These routines focus on entertainment, health, exploration, and convenience. The report highlights that entertainment is a priority at dinner for 81% of consumers, while health is emphasized at breakfast and lunch. Additionally, 36% of consumers share meals at dinner seven days a week, with the most popular dinner time being 6:00 pm. The trend of shared meals is gaining popularity, especially in the autumn season, with consumers expressing a desire to share more meals together.
Why It's Important?
The emphasis on eating well and shared meals reflects broader societal trends towards health-conscious living and community building. This shift has implications for the food industry, as companies may need to adapt their offerings to meet consumer demands for healthier and more convenient meal options. Retailers and food service providers could benefit from promoting products that facilitate shared meals and align with consumer values. The trend also underscores the importance of family meals in fostering connections and improving communication skills, which can have positive effects on societal well-being.
What's Next?
Retailers like Hy-Vee are planning initiatives to promote shared meals, such as designing theme-night ingredient endcaps and collaborating with dietitians to create low-preparation healthy meal options. As the trend continues, more companies may develop strategies to encourage shared meals and cater to consumer preferences for healthful and convenient food choices. The food industry will likely see increased innovation in product offerings and marketing strategies to align with these evolving consumer habits.
