Just as consumption patterns were returning to pre-pandemic normalcy, inflation has disrupted them again, according to a recent report by The NPD Group.

The Specialty Food Association reports all food sales, both specialty and non-specialty, grew much faster between 2018 and 2020, a reflection of the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on buying, at-home meal preparation, and consumption.

Numerator has released a consumer sentiment study to understand how people plan to celebrate, shop and spend for Easter 2021.

On average, consumers are expected to spend $179.70 on Easter festivities, a record for the 13 years the federation has conducted the survey. That’s up from $175.85 in 2020.

Despite uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Retail Federation predicts consumers will open their pocketbooks to spread holiday cheer.

Nielsen says celebrations over increases in FMCG sales should be short-lived as consumers continue to shift toward recessionary spending patterns. Unemployment and uncertainty over their current employment will prompt consumers to tighten their belts.

With governments issuing shelter-in-place orders and concerns over the coronavirus spreading in public, it’s not a surprise consumers are turning to the Internet to get what they need.

The NRF noted total spending is up 32 percent from 2019, thanks to strong consumer finances and the ongoing trend of consumers buying more gifts for friends, family, co-workers and pets.

There’s a reason why tension over climate change, plastic use and other environmental concerns have swelled, the Hartman Group says in a new report. These crises are no longer distant concepts — they’re urgent problems, and consumers want solutions.

SNAP is one of those programs that people tend to believe only impacts low-income people — but like everything in government, it creates ripples throughout the economy.