In the brand new report US Beverage Market Outlook 2020: Grocery Shopping & Personal Consumption in the Coronavirus Era, market research firm Packaged Facts forecasts that sales of major beverage categories will increase from $150 billion in 2019 to more than $160 billion by the end of 2020 and will eventually exceed $170 billion in sales in 2024.

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.

Looking ahead to the years after the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers are expected to show higher levels of interest in their immune health. This could open doors for more products with a specific focus on immune health rather than those with multiple health messages of which immunity is simply one of many.

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association released its latest COVID-19 Impact report. The report reflects how the current pandemic is impacting the bakery, dairy, deli meat, deli, cheese, and deli prepared sectors.

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.

Based on sales data from the past three calendar years, the new Specialty Food Association's (SFA) annual State of the Specialty Food Industry Report  reveals a robust specialty food industry hitting $158.4 billion in sales, a 10.7% increase since 2017. The full report includes commentary throughout that reflects the impact and ramifications of COVID-19.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has had big impacts on how you’re eating, shopping for food and thinking about food you’re far from alone. According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2020 Food & Health Survey, 85% of Americans have made at least some change in the food they eat or how they prepare it because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Americans desire food indulgence, and despite health concerns, some consumers don't mind if sugar is a part of indulgent consumption. Due to the impact of COVID-19, consumers stockpiled food, and many turned to familiar, comforting (and sugary) foods.

Jones Soda Co., a premium craft soda maker known for its unconventional flavors and user-submitted label artwork, is turning its bottles into messages of optimism during the COVID-19 pandemic with limited-edition “Messages of Hope” cream soda labels featuring inspirational images created by consumers.  

Although consumers have moved on from the panic grocery shopping they did in the early stage of COVID-19, they still maintain the same level of foods and beverages inventory. Across all categories, there has been only a 3% drop in the estimated number of food and beverage packages on hand in homes compared to early April, reports NPD.