Brain Food

The Most Important Meal

A positive correlation exists between the health of the economy and the prevalence of carried-from-home breakfast occasions, according to The NPD Group. Carried breakfasts were on the rise until 2008, but as the recession hit and unemployment rose, the trend began to decline. As the economy continues to recover, however, carried-from-home breakfast occasions are seeing a slight uptick, and the market research firm predicts continued growth in 2014.

According to Darren Seifer, food and beverage industry analyst at Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD, consumers are “looking for nutritious, easily portable breakfast foods and beverages”; he adds that “marketers need to take a closer look at these consumers and make sure their needs are being met with current offerings.”
–The NPD Group

Balls Food Scores High on Health

A standing “O” for Balls Food Stores – which operates under the Price Chopper and Hen House banners – for being named one of the 20 Healthiest Employers by the Kansas City Business Journal for its “Start Now” wellness program.

Kansas, City, Kan.-based Balls’ Start Now offers management programs for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as lifestyle programs for weight management and smoking cessation. The effort is built on aligned incentives that financially reward teammates who choose to demonstrate good health behaviors. Bravo, Balls!

The Seamless Experience

Despite the continued prevalence of online shopping, more consumers plan to make purchases this year from brick-and-mortar stores, according to a new study by New York-based Accenture, which finds that 21 percent of shoppers plan to increase their in-store purchasing, up from 9 percent last year.

Retailers must improve the in-store shopping experience to best take advantage of this trend, the study finds, citing the integration of online convenience into the in-store experience as a major shopper need. Top suggested improvements include the ability to check in-store product availability online; consistency among products, promotions and pricing across all channels; and better connecting customers’ in-store and mobile accounts.
–Accenture’s “Seamless Retailing” study

39%
The percentage of red-meat eaters who consumed less in 2013 than they did in 2012, due to health-and-wellness concerns
–Mintel