6/21/13
U.S. consumers’ anxiety about their personal finances is starting to wane, and that is starting to affect their shopping behavior, according to Acosta. Spending on groceries grew 1.7% in the first quarter of 2013, according to Nielsen data cited. More than one in 10 Gen Y consumers ages 18-29 (12%) and 11% of Gen X consumers ages 30-44 are making more routine shopping trips than they were in spring 2012, according to Acosta. Use of online and mobile coupons is growing, although consumers are still more likely to print online coupons at home than to use them on their mobile devices.
Half of consumers say they usually (42%) or always (8%) eat healthier foods, but, at the same time, 86% say they indulge in foods they know aren’t good for them. Half of shoppers cite cost as the primary barrier to eating more healthfully. Hispanics are significantly more likely than consumers overall to say they always eat healthy foods (20% vs. 8%).
Americans define health and wellness primarily in terms of physical fitness, although positive self-image and work-life balance are also significant elements.
Hispanics are more likely than Americans overall to consider cooking at home with family (46% vs. 36%) and eating meals with family (36% vs. 25%) key aspects of health and wellness. The health-related food claims consumers consider most important are whole grain (31% consider it important), no preservatives/additives (29%), no high-fructose corn syrup (28%), low/no fat (23%), and all-natural (22%). Fewer than one in 10 are concerned with products being gluten-free, kosher, or having environmentally friendly packaging.
Source: “The Why Behind the Buy: Turning the Corner,” Spring 2013, Acosta, Colin Stewart, SVP, AMG Strategic Advisors, 6600 Corporate Center Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32216; 904-470-4213; cstewart@acosta.com; www.acosta.com. Price: Available online at no charge.
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