Five eating behaviors to watch in 2017
How and where Americans source meals and the attributes that will win share of wallet are ever-changing. The NPD Group, a global information company, has predicted five overarching trends to watch in 2017.
How and where Americans source meals and the attributes that will win share of wallet are ever-changing. The NPD Group, a global information company, has predicted five overarching trends to watch in 2017:
- The battle for share of stomach will intensify: Food manufacturers will benefit from a trend toward eating meals at home by capitalizing on consumers’ desires for fresh, authentic foods. Foodservice operators will increasingly leverage technology to conveniently get their food on the in-home table.
- The blended meal: People don’t always source meals entirely at home or away. Look for various components of “homemade” meals to be sourced from items fully or partially prepared. Opportunity exists all along the preparation spectrum, from meal kits to restaurant delivery.
- Companies will win by getting personal: Access to information is empowering people to do things on their terms. Consumers will seek out foods with a variety of value-added attributes (fresh, natural, organic), positive benefits (energy, brain food, etc.), and social value (local, sustainable, transparent).
- The definition of meal occasions will evolve: How meal and between-meal occasions are composed will continue to change. Foods that offer the flexibility to compose an eating occasion to fit specific needs at a given time will grow, whether packaged goods or foodservice offerings.
- Experience will make the difference: To stand out, food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators must go beyond sustenance. People will seek out experiences, whether through exploring street food vendors, emerging ethnic flavors, or hands-on experiences, such as learning new food prep techniques.
“The search for white space, growth occasions, and new product opportunity will be more important than ever for food companies and foodservice operators in 2017,” said David Portalatin, vice president, food industry analyst at NPD Group. “Opportunities to grow and innovate are out there but the key to finding them in the coming year will be staying in touch with the consumer. They’re the ones in charge.”
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