IRI consumer survey finds 2017 off to slow start, but finds positive projections
In the wake of a mixed economy, the unknown of a new kind of presidency and a complex retail marketplace, U.S. consumers began 2017 with a lot of change and uncertainty. According to the latest IRI Consumer Connect survey released, these factors contributed to 2017 getting off to a shaky start with consumers, but projections for the remainder of the year are positive. IRI also released “Early View 2017” for a closer look at food and beverage trends.
“January and February are generally softer months for the consumer packaged goods industry, but showed sharper-than-normal declines this year,” said Susan Viamari, vice president of Thought Leadership for IRI. “Forty-five percent of consumers say their household finances are strained, with lower-income and younger shoppers being hit the hardest. Consumers across the board have been avidly seeking deals and, while deal-seeking will remain pervasive, the good news is that economic expectations for the remainder of the year are positive. With products that offer in-demand bells and whistles and marketing stories that really connect with their target markets, CPG marketers will entice shoppers to spend and win a fair share of that spending.”