Consumer confidence was relatively flat in Q2 2014 after dramatically increasing in Q1 2014, according to Information Resources Inc.’s latest MarketPulse™ survey

The consumer opinions have also impacted the beverage category; spending on out-of-home alcohol is estimated to have increased by 5.4% from 2012-13 (the strongest year-over-year growth of any other sector evaluated) to have reached an estimated $92.7 billion in 2013.

More than two thirds (68%) of consumers say that over the past five years they have been more likely to pay attention to product prices

Away-from-home food spending is projected to rise approximately $2.40 each week.