Acosta, an integrated sales and marketing services provider in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, released findings from its most recent COVID-19 shopper insights study. The research found that while the pandemic concern level is finally on the decline, shoppers acknowledge it will be a long time before things return to normal. Shopping and eating behaviors dramatically changed last year, and many shoppers plan to continue those new habits post-COVID-19.

IRI’s latest report, “Anticipated Vaccine Adoption and Impact on CPG Industry,” explores the opportunities that retailers and manufacturers have to promote vaccinations, both as a physical destination where consumers can get a vaccination, and as part of overall wellness campaigns.

Previously, consumer's increasing desire for fresh unprocessed, healthier foods—found in store sections such as produce, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, and deli and bakery—has been the main driver for the center store decline.

The current tracker data shows consumer purchase motivators are shifting to satisfy psychological mood lifters and sensorial cravings as the coronavirus pandemic continues. While functional health and safety were found to be important during early stages of the pandemic, those motivators have decreased in importance as consumers report seeking out experiences to change their mood.

In April, during the height of the shelter-at-home orders, 37% of consumers told NPD they wanted to make sure they had sufficient snack foods on hand. They were well-stocked on salty snacks and frozen sweets more than other items.

Prepared by The Hartman Group, the 2020 report provides a clear picture of grocery shopping habits before the pandemic, attitude shifts that took place during COVID-19 and offers a glimpse of what might come next for the food industry.

The new report, "COVID-19 and Navigating the Path Ahead: Supporting the Natural Products Consumer," highlights natural shoppers’ product and shopping preferences, recommended strategies for manufacturers and retailers to attract and retain consumers, and suggestions to maximize new opportunities in the future.

IRI examined how shopping behaviors and attitudes are affecting private label sales in its Q3 2019 Consumer Connect report, “Beyond Price, Consumers Find Value in Private Brands.”

Shifting household dynamics are changing the way Americans shop for groceries. Most notably is the diversification of the primary store shopper with moms no longer always assuming this role exclusively, according to market research publisher Packaged Facts in the recently released report, Retail Food Marketing Trends in the U.S.: Technology, Mobile, and Social Media.