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Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Grocers need to do a better job of explaining prices, shoppers say
Grocery shoppers have only a lukewarm impression of the steps supermarket operators have taken to communicate about factors that could or already do affect what they pay for food, according to survey results released Thursday by research firm The Feedback Group. Respondents to the poll of about 1,100 shoppers, conducted this spring, gave an average score of about 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 when asked if their primary grocery store has "communicated in some way" about how tariffs might impact prices. People were only slightly more pleased with the way stores have explained why groceries have become more expensive over the past few years, giving an average grade of just under 3. While people who participated in the survey placed the highest level of blame for increases in supermarket prices over the past few years on government policies and actions, they also indicated that they think grocers are benefiting from price increases. Respondents said they believe grocers have a profit margin of 30%, a figure that was down slightly from a similar poll The Feedback Group conducted last year. Grocery chains recorded a net profit margin after taxes of 1.6% in 2023, according to figures from FMI - The Food Industry Association. The majority (87%) of participants said they expect the tariffs the Trump administration has announced - but not fully implemented - would cause their grocery bills to increase, with only about half saying they thought their costs would increase significantly. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they are "stressed about rising grocery prices," although the figure varied significantly by generation. Seven in 10 participants who belong to Generation X reported that grocery inflation is stressful for them, compared with 65% for Generation Z and 36% for the Silent Generation. Asked which types of groceries they expect to become more expensive because of tariffs, almost 90% of poll participants said they think the prices of imported foods would increase. Two-thirds believe household goods will become pricier because of tariffs, while 63% of respondents said they think meat and poultry costs would go up. More than 60% of participants said they are buying more items on sale because of grocery inflation, which has recently eased. Half said they eat at home more frequently, while about 40% have bought more private label products. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Food Recall System Is Broken, and Experts Say We're All at Risk
Recall alerts are often delayed, with serious cases taking three to five weeks — or even longer — to be officially classified by the FDA. Most consumers never see recall notices, with only 13% visiting recall websites and just 3% subscribed to alerts, according to behavioral research. Experts say the system fails to reach at-risk communities, citing vague language, legal limitations, lack of direct consumer contact, and poor communication tools as major you hear about a food recall — whether through the news, social media, or a grocery store sign — it's often already been days or even weeks since the issue was first identified. In many cases, the most serious recalls aren't even officially classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until three to five weeks after the problem is discovered. At this year's Food Safety Summit, a panel of public health and industry experts convened to examine this exact breakdown. Their focus wasn't solely on how recalls are issued — but on why so many still fail to reach the individuals they're meant to protect. Despite better tools, more data, and increased urgency, experts say the way we communicate recalls continues to fall short. Although high-profile recalls often grab headlines, the actual number of U.S. food recalls has remained fairly consistent in recent years. 'It feels like there are more recalls,' said Hilary Thesmar, chief science officer at The Food Industry Association (FMI). 'But when you look at the numbers, we're seeing a pretty steady baseline.' Related: Recalls Are Rising: This Is How Food Safety Experts Decide What's Safe to Eat The FDA typically posts more than 175 public recall alerts each year, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) manages fewer, generally between 30 and 60 annually. However, classification can be slow, even for the most serious cases. 'It takes about three to five weeks to classify a Class I recall,' Thesmar said. 'In one case, it took almost three years.' Dr. Donald Prater, principal deputy director for Human Foods at the FDA, echoed the concern: 'Getting products off the shelves rapidly — that's what the whole process is about.' Technically, recalls happen. Products are flagged. Notices are posted. However, the way that information travels — or fails to — still leaves too many consumers in the dark. Dr. William Hallman, a behavioral scientist and professor at Rutgers University, shared years of research on how people actually respond to recall messaging. His findings point to a system that assumes far too much from the public. 'Only 13% of Americans have ever visited a government website for food recall information,' Hallman said. 'And just 3% are subscribed to emails or text alerts.' Even when notices are received, many consumers don't take action. Some don't believe the product is genuinely dangerous. Others simply don't know how to identify what they bought. And far too often, communication is vague — relying on phrases like 'out of an abundance of caution' or 'no illnesses reported to date,' which can unintentionally downplay urgency. 'We're great at selling food to specific people,' Hallman said. 'We're terrible at getting it back.' Despite the hundreds of food recalls issued each year, many Americans either never learn about them or don't realize that the products in their own kitchens are affected. Hallman pointed to a key flaw: Even when recall notices go out, they often aren't designed to be useful. Identifying affected products is often challenging. Lot codes can be confusing, expiration dates are printed in illegible fonts, and many items — such as fresh produce — lack any identifying labels. In some instances, the individuals most impacted never see the notice at all. 'Recall notifications are typically written — and only in English,' Hallman noted, pointing to immigrant and food-insecure communities as especially vulnerable. 'If we want people to act, we have to be clearer.' Dr. Prater acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that 'we have more tools now to reach consumers — and we need to use them better.' He said improving the effectiveness of communication, not just volume, is one of the agency's top priorities. 'Speed and communication are essential,' he said. 'But we also know we can't do this alone.' Related: Hospitalizations and Deaths From Contaminated Food Doubled in 2024 — Here's Everything You Need to Know Panelist Amy Philpott, a crisis communications expert and founder of Philpott PR Solutions, highlighted a significant gap: many manufacturers lack a direct line to consumers. 'The first notice often comes from the wrong messenger,' she said. 'Firms often don't know exactly where their product was sold, especially if it moved through multiple distributors.' Even when they do, legal limitations can stall or strip recall notices of essential context. 'A public notice is a legal document first — which means it often doesn't say what people need to hear,' Philpott added. She also noted that many companies actively avoid using social media during recalls for fear of consumer backlash. 'That silence can backfire,' she warned, especially when other tools for reaching consumers are already underperforming. The recall panel didn't conclude with a single solution, but it did provide a rare kind of clarity. As Dr. Darin Detwiler, food safety advocate and author of Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions, put it: 'Recall readiness cannot be built on best-case scenarios. It must be grounded in true likelihood — not what's convenient or comfortable.'Delays, confusing language, legal hedging, and poor visibility not only render the system inefficient but also diminish its trustworthiness. 'Every time we hesitate or delay, there's not just the opportunity — but the reality — that someone pays the price,' Detwiler said. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
How Gen Z's power over the grocery industry is growing
It's time for grocers to pay more attention to Generation Z. That generation, which includes consumers as young as 13 and as old as 28, is projected to be the most connected, influential and populous generation to date, with an estimated buying power of $12 trillion by 2030, per a recent report by FMI - The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ. Catering to Gen Z allows grocers to keep up with ever-changing food trends as well as create impactful and memorable omnichannel shopping experiences. Look for grocers to continue building out e-commerce offerings while simultaneously updating in-store experiences. With Gen Z's influence rising, it would serve grocers well to download TikTok and get to know these teens and twenty-somethings. To that end, here's a collection of our recent coverage on this rising generation of shoppers. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FMI Unveils Key Trends Shaping the Future of Food Shopping: Consumer Tradeoffs, Grocery Sentiment and the Future of SNAP
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American consumers continue to enjoy grocery shopping and have kept their shopping habits remarkably consistent despite persistent economic challenges, according to the latest annual survey by FMI – The Food Industry Association, conducted by The Hartman Group. The analysis, which kicks off FMI's 2025 series, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: The Logic of Food Shopping, offers timely insights into consumer grocery shopping behaviors and shoppers' logic behind food budgets and shopping decisions. Our U.S. Grocery Shopper Sentiment Index is currently holding steady at 72 out of 100. FMI found that despite several years of economic uncertainty, shoppers' attitudes and habits around grocery shopping have remained stable. To better understand this dynamic, FMI explored shopper aspirations to 'eat well,' an outlook that forms the foundation for how shoppers think about value and shapes their choices about what food to buy, how to cook and where to shop. 'Despite the economic pressures they face, consumers overwhelmingly tell us they enjoy grocery shopping and that they are willing and able to budget in order to 'eat well' based on their specific values and needs,' said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. 'In fact, our U.S. Grocery Shopper Sentiment Index is currently holding steady at 72 out of 100. While individual needs vary, by and large, most shoppers prioritize four things when shopping for food: health, entertainment, exploration and convenience. Satisfying these key needs are important to shoppers, and they tailor their overall budgets and food spending behaviors to ensure they 'eat well'.' Still, several factors are weighing on consumers. Most Americans (70%) say they are extremely or very worried about rising grocery prices, and 78% said they are at least somewhat concerned about the impact of tariffs on the cost of imported food and ingredients. The analysis revealed a silver lining: most consumers (75%) report feeling in control over their grocery spending. However, that confidence has declined in recent months; 85% of consumers expressed confidence in control over food spending in September 2024. In response, shoppers report using various strategies to stretch their food budget further. Traditional methods like list-making (83%), taking household inventory (79%), meal planning (69%), and seeking out coupons or discounts (60%) remain the most common. Sarasin emphasized, 'Our latest grocery shopper research underscores a critical opportunity for the industry to meet their customers where they are—navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty—while reinforcing the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, a vital anti-hunger program that provides just $6 a day to those most in need.' 'The American public is clear on this: 70% support SNAP, and a majority oppose any effort to reduce its funding, according to an FMI national survey by leading pollster, Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. The future strength of this program isn't just a policy issue—it's a moral imperative and an economic necessity.' For Media: Members of the media may contact FMI for a gratis copy of the U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2025: The Logic of Food Shopping report. Learn more and find related resources at Access the Fabrizio, Lee & Associates survey commissioned by FMI via Methodologies: FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2025 study consists of qualitative and quantitative research among a representative mix of 2,019 shoppers across the country. The research is designed to provide insights into the who, what, where, how, and most importantly, the why of grocery shopper behavior. With a representative sample of shoppers, we are able to look at these behaviors and attitudes by a range of demographics, household structures, income levels, orientations to food and cooking, shopping habits, and geographic areas across the U.S. The findings further FMI's 51 years of year-over-year shopper research. On behalf of FMI, Fabrizio, Lee & Associates conducted a national survey of 1,000 registered voters from April 21-23, 2025. The interviews were split 35% live-operator cell phone/25% live-operator landline/40% SMS to web. Gender, age, race/ethnicity, party registration/affiliation, and education were matched to demographic profiles of registered voters based on voter file data and census data on registered voters. Respondents were randomly selected from lists of registered voters. The margin of sampling error at the 95% confidence interval is ±3.1%. About FMI As The Food Industry Association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers to producers to companies supplying critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Frozen Bakery Products Market Size to Hit US$ 16.53 Billion by 2031, Driven by Growing Sales of Frozen Food Via E-Commerce Platforms
Frozen bakery products market share is expected to register a CAGR of 5.1% during 2023-2031. The rising consumer preference for gluten-free products is likely to introduce new trends in the market during the forecast period. NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global frozen bakery products market is growing due to the increasing demand for frozen and convenience baked goods through e-commerce platforms. The report carries out an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. The multicultural composition of many societies highlights various cultural preferences. As individuals from different cultural backgrounds share culinary experiences, there is an increased desire for products that align with specific cultural tastes, contributing to the demand for frozen bakery products. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Frozen Bakery Products Market, Download The Sample Pages: Overview of Report Findings Market Growth: The frozen bakery products market is expected to reach US$ 16.53 billion by 2031 from US$ 11.10 billion in 2023; it is anticipated to record a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2031. Hectic work schedules are changing the lifestyle and eating habits of consumers, thereby increasing their dependency on convenience food products, such as frozen bakery products. These products allow consumers to save time and effort associated with ingredient shopping and baking preparation. The food industry is witnessing a surge in the consumption of high-quality convenience food. According to the '2023 Power of Frozen in Retail' by The Food Industry Association and the American Frozen Food Institute, frozen food sales in the US increased by 7.9%, reaching US$ 74.2 billion in July 2023. The Millennial and Gen X populations are the major consumers of these products, shopping mostly in supermarkets and through online channels. As per the Government of Canada, the retail sales of frozen bakery products in the country were reported to be US$ 280.8 million in 2022. The sales of frozen foods in Germany increased by 3.6% in volume, reaching 3.91 million metric tons in 2022, compared to 3.77 million metric tons in 2021, as per the International Institute of Refrigeration. Prominent market players offer frozen bakery products, including bread and rolls, biscuits and cookies, donuts, and muffins. These products have extended product shelf-life due to the blast-freezing process. According to the '2023 Food and Health Survey' conducted by the International Food Information Council, out of 1,022 Americans (aged between 18 and 80 years), 61% of participants chose convenience as a major factor impacting food buying decisions in 2023, which was 56% in 2022. Preprocessed food allows consumers to save time and effort associated with food preparation and reduces baking time. Thus, the rising demand for frozen and convenience food drives the frozen bakery products market. Expansion of E-Commerce: The emergence of e-commerce has transformed the way people purchase food products. Increasing penetration of the internet and smartphones, growing purchasing power of consumers, rising convenience provided by online retail shopping platforms, and rapid access to emerging technologies are the key factors bolstering e-commerce. According to the US Department of Commerce Retail Indicator Division, e-commerce sales in the US reached US$ 870 billion in 2021, which is 14.2% more than 2020. Furthermore, online grocery sales increased by 170% in 2021 than 2020, accounting for 9.6% of total grocery sales in the US. The online sales of food and beverages increased during the COVID-19 outbreak due to the shutdown of brick-and-mortar stores and the imposition of social restrictions by governments of various countries across the globe. Consumers continue to prefer buying frozen food via online retail channels. According to the '2023 Power of Frozen in Retail' by The Food Industry Association and the American Frozen Food Institute, the number of online grocery shoppers who purchase frozen food through e-commerce channels is rising. The research also revealed that 86% of shoppers in the US who bought groceries online purchased frozen products in 2023, indicating a rise of 82% from 2020. Increasing Product Innovations and Launches by Key Market Players: Consumers seek convenience, nutrition, and artisanal quality while preparing or purchasing baked goods, prompting manufacturers to enhance product quality and develop innovative products to cater to evolving consumer demands. Manufacturers are investing significantly in strategic development initiatives, such as product innovation, research and development, mergers and acquisitions, and business expansion, to attract a broad customer base and enhance their market position. In August 2024, T. Marzetti Co. (a subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corp) launched New York Bakery gluten-free frozen bread that includes Garlic Texas Toast and Five Cheese Texas Toast. Innovative ingredient sourcing and processing have allowed manufacturers to offer high-quality, allergen-free, and gluten-free baked goods that align with these dietary restrictions. For instance, in October 2022, Cappello's introduced the Low Carb Lifestyle Uncured Pepperoni Pizza. This frozen pizza is gluten-free and keto-friendly, containing high-fiber and a crust crafted with turnips, flaxseed, and almond flour for diet-conscious consumers. Thus, increasing product innovations and launches by key players drive the frozen bakery products market. Geographical Insights: Europe led the market in 2023 with a substantial revenue share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. Further, Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Need A Diverse Region or Sector? Customize Research to Suit Your Requirement: Market Segmentation Based on type, the frozen bakery products market is segmented into breads and rolls, cakes and pastries, biscuits and cookies, and others. The breads and rolls segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. By category, the frozen bakery products market is bifurcated into gluten-free and conventional. In 2023, the conventional segment accounted for a larger share of the market. In terms of distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounted for the largest share of the market. The frozen bakery products market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Rhodes International Inc, General Mills Inc, Pepperidge Farm Inc, Bridgford Foods Corp, Conagra Brands Inc, Cole's Quality Foods Inc., Sara Lee Frozen Bakery LLC, T. Marzetti Company, and The Edwards Baking Company are among the major companies operating in the frozen bakery products market. Trending Topics: Bakery ingredients, bakery products, flatbread, decoration and inclusions, and fruit filling, among others. Global Headlines on Frozen Bakery Products Sara Lee Frozen Bakery LLC Announced New Superior On Main Peanut and Tree Nut Free Desserts General Mills Expanded Frozen Dough Plant in Joplin, Missouri Purchase Premium Copy of Global Frozen Bakery Products Market Size and Growth Report (2023-2031) at: Conclusion The frozen bakery products market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for convenience foods and the rise of busy lifestyles favoring ready-to-eat bakery products. Frozen bakery products offer consumers a wide range of food choices that can be easily stored and prepared with minimal effort. The demand for frozen bakery products is strong in urban areas, where consumers seek quick meal solutions without compromising taste or quality. In addition, health-conscious consumers seek frozen bakery products with specific dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, organic, or low-calorie. The transition in dietary patterns has driven various manufacturers to expand their product range, thereby fueling the market growth. The growing demand for frozen bakery products can be attributed to busy lifestyles, high consumption of baked goods, and an emphasis on convenience. In addition, emerging economies are witnessing a growing interest in frozen bakery products due to urbanization and an expanding middle-class population. Furthermore, the expansion of e-commerce has facilitated the accessibility and availability of frozen bakery products. Consumers can now conveniently order their favorite frozen bakery products from their homes and have them delivered directly to their doorstep. The competition has intensified with the growing number of frozen bakery product manufacturers entering the market, leading to an expanded product portfolio and improved marketing strategies. The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders—including raw material suppliers, frozen bakery products manufacturers, distributors/suppliers, and others—with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Related Report Titles: Frozen Food Market Forecast and Growth 2031 Frozen Dessert Market Outlook, Segments, Geography, Dynamics, Recent Developments, and Strategic Insights by 2031 Frozen Yogurt Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast by 2031 Frozen Potato Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players Analysis and Forecast till 2031 Frozen Vegetables Market Strategies, Top Players, Growth Opportunities, Analysis and Forecast by 2031 For More related Food and Beverages Industry Reports - About Us: The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials. Contact Us:If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Ankit MathurE-mail: +1-646-491-9876Press Release: Logo: View original content: SOURCE The Insight Partners
