State of the Industry

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Potato chips are a staple in most Americans' pantries. While classic chips still command the bulk of U.S. market share, salty snack companies have begun to offer more better-for-you options, in addition to new and exciting flavor combinations.

In early 2020, as the COVID-19 crisis began to ripple through our global society, we largely retreated to our homes, and began snacking.

Cinco de Mayo fell on a Taco Tuesday this year. And while the coronavirus nixed any plans for celebrating the holiday en masse, it's a safe bet that families across the country did a fine job cooking up their own festivities at home, or ordering curbside takeout.

Sweet goods are having a moment. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, people want comfort food, and that includes bakery products like pastries, doughnuts, muffins, and more.

Even though consumers have largely been staying home of late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are still seeking out desserts and treats like snack cakes.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., shoppers began to frantically stock up on select food products. Due to its convenience and comfort-food appeal, frozen pizza was a top choice, and retailers soon found themselves with dwindling supplies as American society braced for the worst.

Who doesn't enjoy a sweet treat from time to time? In fact, when surveyed by Datassential last year, 93 percent of consumers had eaten dessert in the past week, and 55 percent had enjoyed dessert within the past day (Datassential, "Dessert's Sweet Spot," Keynote Report, 2019).

Cookies have long been an easy treat. Consumers regularly search for comfort foods, and few edible pleasures can compare to sweet taste of a perfectly baked cookie.

The buns and rolls category has enjoyed a prosperous past 12 months, sparked in particular by the popularity of products like Hawaiian rolls.