June 2018 With the arrival of warm weather and longer days, consumers are embracing the carefree days of summer the best way they know how, by skipping meal plans and firing up the grill. Do you throw meal planning out the window come summertime? Skip the hot kitchen for the ease of grilling al fresco?…
Case Study: How Low-Cal Cranberry Juices Compare
The low-cal, low-sugar, low-fat food and beverage trends aren’t going anywhere with consumers more concerned than ever about their long-term health and well being. But what’s a juice lover to do? Fruit juices can provide consumers with an easy and convenient way to get a dose of vitamins. The answer is simple – make the…
Case Study: Cheese Please!
The cheese business is booming and customers are faced with dozens of options at grocery and speciality stores. While speciality cheese are the star of gourmet charcuterie plates, a classic medium cheddar is the top choice for many. We recently took a look at the mainstream cheese category to see how six popular brands compare…
Case Study: What Tortilla Chip Has the Most Crunch?
Crunchy, salty and versatile – the tortilla chip has transitioned from a Mexican restaurant treat to a pantry staple for many. And who can blame them? Tortilla chips can be dipped in salsa, crumbled for recipes or enjoyed on their own. We dare you to eat just one! When it comes to buying tortilla chips,…
Where are Consumers Getting their Caffeine Fix?
March 2018 Starting the day with a cup of coffee is standard for most consumers but where does that coffee come from and how much does this daily habit really cost? Are you a home brewer, swear by your pod system or strictly purchase coffee outside of the home? You may dabble in a bit…
Is a Valentine’s Day Dinner Out Overrated or Romantic?
February 2018 Valentine’s Day is known as the international day of love and romance, the day that couples spoil each other with chocolates, flowers and fancy dinners out. A restaurant feast is what many Valentine’s Day traditions are built on and restaurants capitalize on it, creating prix-fixe romantic menus full of oysters, champagne and strawberries.…
Meal Planning and Home Cooked Meals Top 2018 Resolutions
January 2018 With a new year upon us, many North Americans are looking forward to a clean slate and a fresh start. Resolutions are always made with the best intentions; what changes can we make to become our best selves in 2018? While resolutions are very personal, we do know that many people focus on…
Outsourcing the Holiday Feast!
November 2017 Modern life is busy and while many of us have visions of putting together a multi-course holiday feast, made from scratch, it just isn’t realistic due to time, convenience and budget. To overcome these challenges, more and more consumers are turning to prepared or semi-prepared foods for at least a portion of their…