Consumer Plans for the Holidays – FMI and Hartman Group Discuss Report Highlights

In this podcast, Hartman Group CEO Laurie Demeritt and Steve Markenson, FMI's Research Director, discuss highlights from FMI's recently released Holiday Shopping report (research conducted by The Hartman Group).  The report is Part VI of FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 series, an expansive survey of food shoppers’ journeys. Holiday Shopping explores the sentiment and behaviors of consumers as they head into the holiday season. 

The report finds that as they contemplate the holidays ahead, 45% of consumers report being most concerned about rising meal prices as compared to other holiday expenses. Fortunately, most shoppers indicate they are in control of their grocery budgets, with 71% of consumers making some adjustment to their holiday meal shopping to adapt to the changing economic landscape. 

Listen in as Laurie and Steve analyze other notable findings from the report, which include: Widespread declines in consumer concerns over COVID-19 and how that's influencing grocery shopping and plans for the holidays. Efforts and behaviors made by consumers at a range of income levels to adjust to inflation and rising prices especially in terms of food shopping, holiday meal planning and food consumption at home. Consumer thrift and savings strategies employed for grocery shopping, including use of loyalty programs, private label and more. Changes in use of online grocery shopping among different demographics—in particular, younger shoppers. The podcast concludes with in-depth discussion of how consumers are planning to celebrate the holidays ahead including Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and New Year's in terms of gatherings, festivities, travel, shopping, and meals.   Further information about this report and FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 series is available here. Curious about other trends relating to how consumers are shopping for and sourcing groceries and meals today? Information on The Hartman Group’s newly released Food Sourcing in America 2022 report is available here.  More information about Hartman Group capabilities and services is available here.

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