We are poised at a significant point in time in the American snack industry. Over the past few years, at various points and to different degrees of intensity, we fortified ourselves with the necessities: sanitizer, toilet paper, and—yes—snacks. We are a nation of snackers, and we continually demonstrate our brand loyalty at the checkout counter—or internet shopping cart.
If there is one clear takeaway message from the time spanning from December 2019 until today, it’s that there isn’t a clear replacement for in-person connections. While we have proven that we’re adept at adapting when necessary, a Zoom call lacks the nuances and potential insights we can get from in-person meetings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has multiple lessons for the snack industry. Overall, the snack industry has had a strong, up year. But the degree of a "COVID bump" varied from category to category. As we emerge and plan for the future, recent, and current, product purchase behaviors can help provide a roadmap for what's to come.
One clear message from shopper behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic era is the "essential" nature of baked goods. In a crisis, the industry provides sustenance, nutrition, and yes, comfort.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit U.S. shores in early 2020, it caused major disruption across the snack and baking industry, and the country as a whole. Many industries have endured significant economic fallout from the pandemic.
As we approach the beginning of summer, we stand at the threshold of a new era of American life. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our society's long-established rhythms.
Establishing the right relationships between product developers and suppliers can make all the difference when it comes to setting yourself up for success in the snack and bakery industry.
Category and product line growth comes in many forms in this industry. And not everything is about clean label and better-for-you. A foundational rubric of snack product success is pure enjoyment.
Change is constant in almost any industry. But a key variable is the pace of that change. And across the baking industry, we are seeing strong catalysts of change driving growth.