Snacking is bigger than ever, accounting for nearly half (48%) of all eating occasions in the U.S., according to the Hartman Group. “Snacking has become as culturally relevant to consumers as mealtime,” says Harvey Hartman, founder and CEO of the Bellevue, Wash., research firm in a session at FMI2012. “In many cases, snacking is a meal.”

Hartman says that it's a new world order, with an economy that is changing the very essence of American culture. Consumers are learning to do more with less, immediate consumption is on the rise, more people are eating alone and snacking now represents more eating occasions than meals do. In the midst of all this change, companies can leverage their private brands to drive value and gain consumer acceptance and preference.

He explained how to get a share of consumer loyalty, share of mind and share of the wallet by knowing your customer. More details are available online at www.fmi2012.com.

Source: The Hartman Group