FACTS, FIGURES & THE FUTURE: Today's Abstract March 2012

Facts, Figures, & the Future (F3) e-Newsletter provides the latest consumer data, facts, figures, and trend information. Today's issue features: Meat: price takes the biggest slice, Dollar stores open wide for food sales, Top promoted brands show value and more.

Facts, Figures, & the Future (F3) e-Newsletter provides the latest consumer data, facts, figures, and trend information. Today's issue features: Meat:  price takes the biggest slice, Dollar stores open wide for food sales, Top promoted brands show value and more.

America's future with meat may look nothing like its past, if current trends continue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts we will eat 12.2% less meat and poultry in 2012 than in 2007. Beef consumption has declined for the past two decades, and chicken and pork for the past five years - even though high chicken supplies have led to lower prices than a year ago.

In a second story, supermarkets that don't yet focus on dollar stores and the trip threats they pose, absolutely should. They've proliferated in the down economy. As their convenience grows, they'll likely capture more fill-in food and beverage sales.

And in a third story, retailers and CPG brands need to show value despite rising food prices today. Shoppers decide where to shop each week largely by the trade promotion events they review when planning their trips.  In store, even upscale operators such as Fairway Market aim to build baskets by displaying large triangular "Shock Price" floor signs near fresh sushi and limited other items to draw interest from 100 or more feet away.
 
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