Research Topic

A new market research report from MarketsandMarkets, “Global Baby Food Market (2009-2014),” has found that the worldwide baby food market is expected to be worth $37.6 billion by 2014, with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0 percent from 2009 to 2014.

According to Los Angeles-based industry research firm IBISWorld, which investigated grocery costs in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago to gauge consumer spending across the United States, Chicago’s prices were the cheapest on average for all food-brand categories (store, commercial and organic) of the three analyzed regions, coming in at $115.73. Los Angeles was the most expensive, at $124.43, while New York was a bit cheaper, at $122.66.

Consumers’ hopes for an end to the global economic crisis have been bolstered in the second quarter of 2009, according to a recent Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey. The Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index, conducted in 28 markets in June 2009, rose to 82 -- an increase of five points (from 77) from March 2009 -- spurred by renewed consumer optimism and stock market gains in BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and key Asian countries.

A new study released this week from Wetpaint and the Altimeter Group reveals that deep engagement with consumers through social media channels correlates to better financial performance.

Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery, maker of Sara Lee Soft & Smooth bread and bun line, recently brought together 13 mom bloggers for the first-ever Sara Lee® Soft & Smooth™ Back-to-School Nutrition Summit at the Kitchens of Sara Lee in Downers Grove, Ill.

The middle of summer marks the beginning of the back-to-school (BTS) season, as parents and kids across the country start to prepare to return to classrooms in late August and early September. The excitement of school starting isn’t just felt by the kids -- retailers also look forward to the season, as it’s an incredibly important time for the $2.5 billion office/school supplies category. Additionally, with the economy mired in a steep recession this season, the BTS season will be closely watched for signs of a recovery in spending. Half of annual unit sales of some related products occur during the BTS period, accounting for 36 percent to 38 percent of annual revenue.

The acting Surgeon General, Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., held up Hannaford Supermarkets’ well-publicized “Guiding Stars” nutrition-rating system as an effective way to change consumer behavior, and as the gold standard example of how to get Americans back to healthy eating, in his opening remarks this morning at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Weight of the Nation conference taking place through July 29 in Washington.

Beleaguered retailers looking for encouraging signs can take comfort in new Deloitte research showing that fewer consumers expect to reduce their spending on back-to-school items compared with last year. Still, amid continuing concerns about the economy and job security, shoppers are demanding value when they open their wallets.