The Insatiable Appetite

One of the fundamental tenets of innovation is that it has to solve a problem or need. But what if we were to think beyond the functional and the emotional needs? How can CPG products answer symbolic consumer needs, like belonging, differentiation, status and more?    In our latest episode, Tamara and Stas discuss why we view cultural demand forecasting as the lynchpin to successful innovation, trendspotting and portfolio advisement.  Download the free white paper: The Case for Cultural Demand Forecasting  Over the past decade, demand space frameworks have emerged as a trusted tool to help food and beverage companies identify areas of growth that can shape strategy, marketing and product innovation. However, many in the industry disagree on the RIGHT approach to developing and implementing these frameworks.  The Case for Cultural Demand Forecasting explores the secrets to success.  Download white paper If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

This week on the podcast we're joined by our friend and colleague, Steve Markenson from FMI — The Food Industry Association, to talk all about the latest installment of FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report. Listen as we unpack the state of grocery shopping today:   Why we might be witnessing “the end of the primary shopper” How shopper habits and sentiments have shifted (or stayed the same) as inflation persists What is driving shifts in the variety of stores shopped, and why the supermarket still reigns supreme How the shoppers' evolving understanding of value impacts it all About the report FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024 series helps food and beverage industry professionals gain a deeper understanding of grocery shoppers' changing habits and behaviors over the past few years. It explores shoppers' weekly spend, primary store choice, engagement with emerging dimensions of value and more.   Explore the report If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Despite an oversaturated landscape of brand partnerships, celebrity endorsements remain a hot topic for both consumers and business professionals. Why? Because when those partnerships are done right, they can deliver some pretty buzz-worthy results.  In this week's podcast, our Hartman Retainer Services team breaks down everything you need to know about successful brand partnerships in the age of influencers and social media:  How younger consumers have changed the conversation around branding and personal/social identityWhy knowing your audience (and the celebrity's audience) is the first step to a successful partnership Common challenges companies face when engaging in celebrity partnerships — and how to avoid them  Explore the benefits of HRS Want on-demand access to these kinds of insights? Let's tailor an HRS consulting package to your unique priorities and budget. Reach out to Shelley Balanko to learn more: shelley@hartman-group.com If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

You may have seen the controversy around Alexandre Family Farms regarding allegations of  mistreatment of cows and subsequent details regarding the validity of the claims and underlying motivations of those involved in the reporting. This got us thinking about a larger question: what are the lasting impacts of conflicting media information on consumer trust, and how can discerning organizations combat them?  Listen to this week's podcast for a fascinating discussion about how media, brands, and consumers influence public perceptions. We touch on important issues like: The evolution of consumers' understanding of food production and farm operations How certifications can help (or hinder) consumer trust and decision-making  Tips for companies seeking to offer a transparent view of their systems and processes And in the spirit of transparency, we're providing links to the primary articles referenced in this episode: The truth about organic milk, The Atlantic [UPDATED] Report From Animal Advocacy Group Finds ‘Deception, Cruelty and Animal Abuse' at Alexandre Family Farm in Crescent City, Lost Coast Outpost Want to know more about consumer perceptions within organic? As consumers become more aware of the nuances within the organic market, issues around safety, health, and sustainability are becoming even more prominent — and animal welfare is a key topic gaining consumer attention. We'll explore the ins and outs of these issues and more in Beyond Organic 2024: Expanding Distinctions in Food & Beverage. Pre-purchase the report If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Want a deeper understanding of the topics covered in our new Future of Snacking 2024 report? Hear directly from our lead researchers as they give a sneak peek of some interesting insights we uncovered, such as: How needs around Nourishment, Optimization, Pleasure and Distraction highlight a shift toward more intentional snacking choicesWhy taste goes beyond just flavor, and how different dimensions of taste play a role in the overall snacking experienceWhat consumers look for in terms of snack packaging and how it underscores the importance of convenienceAbout the report Future of Snacking 2024 – Balancing Intent with Indulgence explores the culture of snacking and how snacking is integrated into our daily lives. Built around our proprietary Modern Snacking Framework, this report provides a foundation for identifying opportunities in product development, brand positioning, and marketing. It also examines eight major snacking categories and the attributes consumers consider most important for each. Purchase your copy today to secure preferred pricing (valid through April 15, 2024). Purchase Future of Snacking 2024If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

You've probably heard us talk about Hartman Retainer Services, or HRS, quite a bit. But you might still be wondering what kind of questions we can answer — and how detailed we can get (spoiler alert: very detailed!).On this week's podcast, Rob and Alissa from our HRS team are breaking down some examples of recent client requests and the resulting deliverables, ranging from a deep dive on functional mushrooms to an analysis of evolving consumer needs within meat and seafood occasions. Listen now for a behind-the-scenes look at how we tackled these unique requests, and how this on-demand consulting service could help your organization. Explore the benefits of HRSWant to pick Rob's and Alissa's brains some more? Let's talk about how we can tailor an HRS consulting package to your unique priorities and budget. Reach out to Shelley Balanko for a demo call: shelley@hartman-group.comIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Plus, what the Kroger-Albertson's merger says about pricing, accessibility, variety, labor and more Businesses face significant pressure to predict market trends accurately — almost like having a crystal ball. Although seeing into the future is impossible, you can come very close with the right insights and cultural understanding. Hartman Group's Futurecast 2024 helps guide you through discussions on major changes affecting consumer behavior so you can pinpoint trends and pockets of demand for sustained growth. This week's podcast offers an inside look at this strategic exercise, using the ongoing Kroger-Albertson's merger as a case study of the intricate challenges that Futurecast can help your business navigate. Ways to engage in Futurecast 2024 This customizable exercise can be done either in-person or virtually:  Ideal for strategy setting with small groups and executive teams: Our team can facilitate an engaging interactive session focused on specific topics noted in Futurecast that are most relevant to your business. Ability to customize for larger groups (10+ participants) with breakout groups or a series of sessions. Ideal as inspiration for large teams or divisions: Our team can give a dedicated Futurecast presentation (with or without Q&A) to inform and inspire further internal discussions and initiatives. To learn more about Futurecast and to schedule your session, reach out to Shelley Balanko: shelley@hartman-group.comIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

We recently had the pleasure of hosting our friend Julie O'Brien, owner of Seattle-based Firefly Kitchens, for a Trend Trek at Hartman Group's offices. Julie shared an impressive spread of gut-loving sauerkrauts, kimchis and tonics, and taught our team more about the delicate fermentation process behind them.  In this week's podcast, Robert and Melissa break down (pun intended) highlights and key learnings from the Trek: Our favorite bites and recipe ideas from the tastingThe benefits of fermented foods, immunity to digestion to microbiome healthChallenges faced by fermented food producers, like pasteurization requirements Plus, get our take on how the growing consumer interest in fermented foods ladders up to other trends we're seeing in both the health and wellness and sustainability spaces.If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

In this week's episode, Alissa and Danielle are giving our listeners an exclusive sneak-peek into our new Ideas in Food report. They discuss several emerging trends and their critical implications: The increasing importance of texture and how it can enhance taste Surprising ways sound influences our perception of food Backlash toward everything being marketed as healthy or functionalIdeas in Food focuses on the cultural roots of over a dozen trends and their implications for your business. You'll walk away confident about where you can make the greatest impact in the years ahead. Purchase the reportIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

The USDA organic certification is becoming table stakes, and many consumers are starting to recognize it may not be enough (more to come on this in our Q2 syndicated study).  We sat down with Ted Robb, founder of New Barn Organics to chat all about the next evolution of organic. Nearly all New Barn's products are Regenerative Organic Certified, including the first-ever ROC unsweetened almond milk. But their story goes much deeper than that. Ted shares an honest and inspiring perspective on:The ups and downs of growing a new brand Thoughtful distribution How brands can help create a market for ROC productsFinding the right innovations for your customersIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

This week we're joined by Steve Markenson from FMI, The Food Industry Association, to discuss FMI's ongoing work monitoring shopper attitudes and behaviors, plus a sneak peek of key findings from its latest wave of tracking: How have shopper concerns with food inflation evolved as of the end of 2023? How do shoppers feel about the year ahead, and what are their personal ambitions? What exposure have American adults had to AI-enabled tools like ChatGPT, and how do they want to incorporate new tools for personalization into their food lives?If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

In this episode, our lead researchers discuss key topics from our latest study on Gen Z and Gen Alpha: Gen Alpha (ages 0-12):How parents are shaping food habits and personal valuesExposure to diverse tastes and textures Proactive approaches to social media and technologyGen Z (ages 13-26):Digital connection and food “hacking” cultureHow food and lifestyle choices are intrinsically linked to over-arching values Where there's opportunity for brands to connectListen nowThe Taste of Tomorrow report is now available for purchase, providing deep insights and actionable implications for companies seeking to foster long-term relevancy as these two generations mature.Get the study overviewIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

A new year is full of promise…and long to-do lists. We know you're busy, so we're saving the data deep dives for future podcast episodes. To help us all ease back into our routines, our first 2024 installment of The Insatiable Appetite offers a few things to get excited about. Join us as we chat about new four-legged family members, professional goals, and new tech developments here at The Hartman Group. If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

As GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic gain attention and popularity, some suggest that it could impact everything from the alcohol sector to health and wellness products.Listen in as our analysts discuss the genesis of these drugs, dispel some myths, and hypothesize how your business may need to adapt.If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Consumers are just beginning to make the connection between healthy soil and healthy humans, leaving many food and beverage companies wondering how to start incorporating regenerative practices.   If you can relate, this week's podcast is for you!  Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, demystifies the who, what, why, and how behind regenerative agriculture and the Regenerative Organic Certification in our latest episode.  Spoiler alert: it's much less daunting than you think. If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

With all the buzz around Gen Z and Gen Alpha lately, it's understandable if your team is eager to answer the question: “How do we reach them?” In this week's podcast, our lead researchers challenge you to consider a different question first: “WHY it is so critical for food and beverage companies to understand these consumers?” From our POV, companies that can answer this question correctly will have a competitive advantage on: Crafting products that resonate on multiple levels — from flavor to valuesLeveraging technology the right wayPreparing to evolve with consumers  Once you're grounded in the “why,” insights and data on these generational cohorts become even more valuable. Our Q4 report, Taste of Tomorrow: Navigating Food through the Eyes of Gen Z and Alpha will uncover strategic implications for your business so you can ultimately answer the question: “How do we reach them?” Preview the Gen Z/Alpha studyIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

There are 340 million people in the U.S., and those people engage in a whopping 500 billion eating occasions each year. The tricky thing about eating occasions? They're pretty much invisible…Unless you know how to illuminate them.We sat down with David Feit, our VP of Strategic Insights and resident occasion-based sampling expert, to make sense of this mysterious sampling method in our latest podcast episode. Listen in to learn: What makes occasion-based samples so complex, and how to harness those complexitiesThe science and art of defining an occasion to reveal the “why” behind itWhy this method helps illuminate strategic implicationsIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Our latest sustainability study found that 78% of consumers are concerned about single-use plastics, and 84% want companies to take the lead in developing more sustainable packaging solutions.  Manufacturers— especially those that primarily use plastic packaging — have both an opportunity and responsibility to build consumer trust by making both their production and packaging more sustainable.  Learn how the established beverage brand, Talking Rain, is aligning its sustainability efforts with current consumer concerns in our latest episode of The Insatiable Appetite. For more sustainability insights… Consumer expectations of corporate sustainability initiatives are growing increasingly complex. Learn how to authentically tailor your efforts to these expectations in our newly released study: Sustainability 2023: Making Things Personal. If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

“Sustainability” has become an increasingly nuanced and complex topic over the years, leaving many food and beverage companies searching for answers. We're addressing some of the hottest topics from our newly-released report, Sustainability 2023: Making Things Personal, in this week's podcast:  Who consumers view as responsible for specific concerns, from climate change to food waste; pollution to labor practices How to alleviate consumers' frustrations around sustainable packaging and recycling Specific animal welfare considerations and consumers' meat/dairy consumption habits How consumers are navigating sustainable purchasing priorities in inflationary times   About the report Is your company concerned with greenwashing accusations? Wondering what will help increase consumer buy-in on your sustainability efforts? Curious how issues like climate change, worker welfare, and third-party certifications are playing out at shelf? Sustainability 2023: Making Things Personal answers these questions and much more.   Read the study overview  To learn more about the report and how it can inform your strategy, contact Melissa Abbott: melissa@hartman-group.com If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

How to authentically market sustainability efforts  When it comes to your ESG efforts, the old adage rings true: honesty is the best policy.  The good news is that you don't have to have it all figured out — but you do have to show and tell.   Rather than getting caught up on all the challenges food and beverage companies are facing with sustainability right now, we're highlighting some practical paths forward in this week's podcast.   Learn how to harness consumers' evolving relationship with sustainability and develop authentic communication strategies for your brand in our new episode of The Insatiable Appetite.    Your complete guide to sustainability in 2023 This podcast only scratches the surface: we're making sense of all the headlines, trends, and consumers' conflicting feedback so you can confidently take action. Find your path forward to sustainability success with our new report, Sustainability 2023: Making Things Personal.   Learn more If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Ever wonder how to reconcile what consumers say and think with how they're actually behaving?The answer lies in understanding how they interact with culture. Listen to our latest podcast to learn how semiotics can:Fuel culture-led strategiesUnlock blue ocean innovationHelp you create passionate and bold messaging that inspires consumersDive even deeper into the application of semiotics in our latest white paper, Signs, Codes & Trends: How semiotics can align your brand with culture.Download the white paperIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

What do a pandemic-forced restaurant shutdown, celebrities, Vikings meditating with cows, and the American dream all have in common? They're all part of the Thor's Skyr brand origin story. In this fascinating discussion with the Icelandic skyr company's founder, Unnar Danielsson, we touch on brand authenticity, reimagining locale, and a host of other topics: Sustainable, high-quality ingredient sourcing Earning consumer trust in a health-oriented categorySweeteners and unique sugar alternatives, like alluloseSocial media and influencers' role in food cultureIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Sustainability is not a fad. It's a long-term value that consumers across a wide variety of demographics are resonating with. But consumers don't expect you to be perfect in your quest for better practices. Instead, they're looking for authentic effort and transparency around your goals.Listen to an insightful Q&A with our CEO, Laurie Demeritt, about seven crucial sustainability considerations in today's food & beverage landscape. The Hartman Group's Sustainability & Transparency 2023 study will examine how consumers navigate their environmental and social values, and how companies can respond. Learn moreIf you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

You read that right: nearly one quarter of all US adult eating occasions involve restaurant sourcing, which points to plentiful opportunities for both foodservice providers and their competitors. But restaurant occasion priorities are dynamic and complex. For example, health was historically at the bottom of consumers' priorities when dining out. But recently freshness, health and sustainability have emerged as key attributes for restaurant sourcing, as demonstrated by the evolution of fast-casual restaurants like Sweetgreen or CAVA. So how can foodservice providers (and their competitors) win consumer selection? Listen to our latest podcast episode for a look inside our Restaurant Need State Framework, which helps contextualize and illuminate consumers' restaurant sourcing motivations from casual takeout to fine dining. Get the full report on restaurant sourcing motivationsFor even deeper insights on restaurant sourcing, check out our latest Compass Eating Occasions report: Reliance on Restaurants: an American Eating Occasions Perspective. Connect with Shelley Balanko to see how Compass data can help inform your strategy: shelley@hartman-group.com.If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more.

Taste. Hydration. Nutrition. Experience. Energy. Pairing. These core beverage needs help illuminate the “why” behind consumer purchasing choices.  But there are at least 40 other needs that fall under each of these categories, adding dimension and complexity to the already dizzying beverage landscape. Lead researchers Judi Harris and Danielle Kleiner-Kanter offer deeper insight into the Hartman Group Modern Beverage Need State Model and other key topics from Modern Beverage Culture 2023 in this week's podcast.  About the report Modern Beverage Culture 2023 explores how consumers engage with today's rich beverage landscape, including cultural context, attitudes, behaviors, and aspirations around beverage consumption. It offers a deep dive into consumer perceptions around 12 different beverage categories, the complex balance between need states and occasion priorities, plus innovation opportunities that lie within. To learn more about the report and how it can inform your strategy, contact Melissa Abbott: melissa@hartman-group.com If you like these insights, subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter where we share data-packed infographics, insightful articles, food & beverage industry trends and more. 

The FDA recently approved the sale of the first lab-grown chicken product, and yet a new GFI report highlights the challenges of scaling alternative protein products. Every day seems to bring new headlines in the food tech space.   While there are a lot of big promises being made about how technologies like AI, cellular agriculture and more can address some of the biggest challenges facing our food system, the struggles companies continue to face underscore a persistent question: is the promise of these technologies enough to sustain consumer interest?  We're taking a fresh look at this complicated landscape in the latest Insatiable Appetite episode. From difficulties sourcing cell lines to obtaining religious certifications, we're getting deep into some of the most complex challenges and opportunities.

34% of consumers said fighting food waste is one of the most important factors when choosing foods and beverages to buy, according to our Sustainability 2021 study, but thousands of pounds of food still goes to waste every day. So what do you do with nearly 17,000 pounds of “abnormal” oranges that no one wanted to buy?  In the latest episode of The Insatiable Appetite podcast, we recap our recent Trend Trek volunteering at Food Lifeline, a local organization that sources surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants for re-distribution to nearly 1.4 million people facing food insecurity in western Washington.

Carbon negative. Carbon positive. Climate positive. Net-zero. Carbon neutral. What does it all mean? And more importantly, what do consumers think about these claims?  Consumers are quickly becoming more attuned to the broader meaning of sustainability, making it increasingly important for companies to speak credibly and eloquently about their sustainability practicesThis week's episode of The Insatiable Appetite podcast is packed with predictions: Emerging trends in the World of Sustainability Inflation's impact on consumer priorities Consumer perceptions of claims used to address broader environmental and social initiatives Listen in for our team's take on these important topics as we prepare to develop the Sustainability & Transparency 2023 study survey. Moreinformation about Hartman Group's capabilities and services is available here.  

Key findings from our Modern Beverage Culture 2023 study indicate that there are only a handful of need states behind all beverage occasions — and they often overlap. In our latest podcast, lead syndicated research analysts Danielle Kleiner-Kanter and Judi Harris give us a taste of one of those needs: hydration.  Water is a logical and popular choice when fulfilling this need state, but it can sometimes feel boring in a sea of other options. Danielle and Judi discuss opportunities to infuse beverages with fun and flavor when addressing hydration, plus how consumers feel about sugar in their beverages.  Click here for information about Hartman Group's Modern Beverage Culture 2023 syndicated research.  

In this podcast, Melissa Abbott, VP of Syndicated Studies, interviews the CEO of Wheyward Spirit, Emily Darchuk. Join Melissa and Emily as they discuss an innovative approach to spirits production that utilizes surplus whey in our food system. Consumer demands for more sustainable options and purposeful beverage consumption experiences are behind this specialty spirit. Topics like upcycling and consumers' desires for experimentation in modern beverage culture are covered during this engaging conversation.Click here for information about Hartman Group's Modern Beverage Culture 2023 syndicated research. 

In this podcast, lead syndicated research analysts, Alissa Chevalier and Judi Harris, provide a sneak peak into consumers' Great Wellness Reset 2023. The podcast explores a range of wellness topics from perennial to emergent trends. While consumers still conceive of wellness as a holistic and multidimensional construct, listen to learn about important nuanced shifts in health and wellness expressions: consume, treat, act, measure.Health and Wellness 2023: The Great Wellness Reset updates and extends The Hartman Group's decades-long study of health and wellness. The World Model segments are detailed with fresh insights on defining consumer behaviors and attitudes. The report also covers how animals are integral consumers' health and wellness and how pet owners uniquely engage in wellness activities.Find more information about what is included and purchase the report here.

In this podcast, we present how Hartman Group stays on top of food culture and what is happening in the marketplace via Trend Treks to explore the frontiers of food culture, health and wellness and sustainability.Hartman Group Trend Treks have a long history of exploring all things related to food more in destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and virtually). Trend treks have ranged from company excursions to tea shops, cannabis dispensaries, recycling centers and food trucks to Starbuck's Reserve Roastery and Bastyr University's vegan cafeteria (to name but a few unique trek destinations).In this episode, we highlight previous trend treks and share insights from our recent trek to Theo Chocolate factory. Listen in to hear how the team stays on top of food culture and what was learned about sourcing and the health benefits of this sweet category. 

In this podcast, our analysts are back to share additional highlights from our latest Compass report on U.S. adult eating behaviors in 2022 with a focus on top consumer needs—such as convenience, real ingredients, better flavor—driving eating/drinking today and how needs shift throughout a consumer's day based on their daily routine. A New Landscape of Eating: 2022 Eating Occasions Report highlights U.S. adult eating behaviors in 2022, how aspects have shifted from previous years, and how eating occasions differ among generational cohorts and across the day. The report, prepared by the Hartman Retainer Services team, explores the context, needs, and behaviors associated with eating and drinking occasions with detailed dashboards for the 8 dayparts that extend from early morning to late at night. Find more information about what is included and purchase the full A New Landscape of Eating: 2022 Eating Occasions Report [here]. We are also offering a free excerpt of the report, which can be downloaded [here].

In this podcast, our analysts provide highlights from our annual Hartman Retainer Services' Ideas in Food 2023 report, which explores modern takes on wellness, innovative experiences, and purposeful procurement and what it all means for the food industry today.For over ten years, Hartman Retainer Services has been forecasting trends they see in a changing food culture in their annual Ideas in Food report prepared for proprietary Hartman Group clients. Hartman Retainer Services is a customized subscription service that provides access to all The Hartman Group's non-proprietary reports and publications, plus access to our analytics team for consultations. Through this partnership, we connect you to a deep well of data, insights, and strategy.

In this podcast, our analysts share highlights from our latest Compass report on U.S. adult eating behaviors in 2022 and what it all means for the food and beverage industry.A New Landscape of Eating: 2022 Eating Occasions Report highlights U.S. adult eating behaviors in 2022, how aspects have shifted from previous years, and how eating occasions differ among generational cohorts and across the day. The report, prepared by the Hartman Retainer Services team, explores the context, needs and behaviors associated with eating and drinking occasions with detailed dashboards for the 8 dayparts that extend from early morning to late at night. Find more information about what is included and purchase the full A New Landscape of Eating: 2022 Eating Occasions Report [here].  We are also offering a free excerpt of the report which can be downloaded [here].

In this podcast our analysts provide highlights from our recently released Food & Technology 2023 report.  The report updates the inaugural report in the series, which was released in 2019 and explores the rapidly accelerating FoodTech space and consumers' attitudes towards scientific and technological innovation in and around their food. Listen now to learn how consumers evaluate innovations in their food lives, especially when it comes to the actual products they put in their mouths, and the concerns companies must address to make a compelling and relevant case for new, tech-forward foods. Download a copy of the Food and Technology 2023 study overview and order form here.

In this podcast, our analysts breakdown the New York Times predictions on how we will eat this year and how such trends fit into a changing food culture.Listen in to learn our thoughts on a diversity of topics that intersect with how we'll eat in 2023 including: Flavor of the year? Let's talk about all things brine.Regenerative agriculture: What does it mean to consumers … and industry?Crispy chicken skin snacks—snacking trends and global cuisines.The thrill of thrift: Frugality, inflation woes, private label and the thrill of the hunt at discount retailers.Tuber of the year: Ube, the brilliant purple and colorful fun food which we've seen it in a lot of different baked goods.Delving deeper into West African cuisine: African and specifically Nigerian cuisines and ingredients are beginning to mainstream.Vibe of the year—communal eating—and a return to shared eating and the third space.  Interested to learn more about consumer culture and changing eating habits? We have a wealth of insights on Consumer Meals, Eating Behavior & Occasions Reports & Research. Our most recent report in this area, Modern Approaches to Eating explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them.

In this podcast, we give a preview to our upcoming study, Health & Wellness 2023.  Now in its third decade, The Hartman Group's Health and Wellness research series tracks evolving consumer attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in the wellness space.Listen in to learn more about how, while our most recent health and wellness study took place during COVID-19 in 2021 (which centrally informed that research), COVID is becoming more of an ongoing backdrop to consumers' lives. We highlight how some of our earlier health and wellness research informs key questions in 2023 about how consumers might be: Thinking about mental health, anxiety, and stress: We discuss how mental health is likely a key topic in 2023 since in previous research we saw a cultural emphasis on mental health even prior to COVID (in 2019) when stress and anxiety were top conditions of concern. We discuss how we'll be examining consumer approaches to mental health going forward, the factors that they think are impacting it, and what they're doing to manage mental health in their everyday lives. Viewing health through a more holistic lens: We discuss how we'll be further exploring how consumers are considering different aspects of health being interconnected, ranging from physical and mental health to even making connections between personal health, environmental health, and sustainability. Thinking about "food as medicine" and how consumers are relating to functional products in the context of inflation and economic pressures. We discuss how we'll be examining in 2023 how consumers view investing in the concept of food as medicine and their willingness to spend on products and ingredients which don't necessarily provide immediate benefit.Interested to learn more about Health & Wellness 2023? The study provides current, in-depth insights into underlying motivations and behaviors for how and why consumers live, shop and use brands, products and services in the health and wellness space. Health & Wellness 2023 will examine the American marketplace for well-being as the country has moved from the pandemic to the endemic phase of living with COVID-19.

In this podcast, we discuss what's important to consumers as they return to sit-down dining at restaurants. Drawing on our proprietary Compass Eating Occasions Database with data from 2021, we discuss the who, what, when and why behind restaurant occasions which we define in this podcast as any eating or drinking occasion that physically took place at a restaurant or food service establishment (not including takeout or delivery).  Our analysis includes outlets like fast food restaurants, local casual eateries, national chains, cafes, high end and fine dining, restaurants, as well as food courts and cafeterias.  Listen in to learn more about sit-down dining occasions today as we examine:Key differences between restaurant occasions that take place when dining-out alone versus those take place with others Dining-out occasions that take place in the morning versus lunch and dinnerKey demographic differences between generations when dining outTaste experiences on restaurant occasions Need states on restaurant occasions (including connecting socially with orders, enjoying local artisanal foods and convenience)Differences between parent and non-parent households on restaurant occasionsWe finish with insights and strategic recommendations for the restaurant industry on what stakeholders should take into consideration in order to appeal to consumers today, with analysis of the effects of inflation on dining out, the importance of employees who are treated well, and the lingering concerns among diners about issues relating to COVID-19.  Interested to learn more about consumer food and beverage sourcing from restaurants? Our Food Sourcing in America report offers a comprehensive consumer-centered perspective on key topics, motivations, tensions and drivers associated with food shopping and food procurement (including restaurants), both today and in the future. Download a copy of the Food Sourcing in America reportoverview and order form here. Want to learn more about the Compass Eating Occasions Database and consulting services that relate?  Please contact Shelley Balanko, Ph.D., Senior Vice President: shelley@hartman-group.com

In this podcast, we present a Hartman Group review of dozens of trend treks our company has made to explore the frontiers of food culture, health and wellness and sustainability.Hartman Group trend treks have a long history of exploring these topics and more in destinations in the Pacific Northwest (and virtually) and have ranged from company treks to tea shops, cannabis dispensaries, chocolate factories, recycling centers and food trucks to Starbuck's Reserve Roastery and Bastyr University's vegan cafeteria (to name but a few unique trek destinations).In this episode, we discuss previous trend treks and then focus in on exploration of injera (a fermented, pancake-like flatbread derived from the grain teff), Ethiopian cuisine and related topics like immunity, fermentation, gluten-free, digestion, plant-based and health and wellness.Listen in and learn more about how injera meets many trend-forward consumer needs and may also represent unique opportunities for food and beverage marketers as well as restaurant operators.Interested in how topics like fermentation are influencing consumers and the food and beverage marketplace? The Hartman Group's Food & Technology 2022 study (which is now fielding) builds on and updates our 2019 research and explores evolving consumer awareness, attitudes, usage, and drivers around a range of food-tech advances and innovations. In particular, the study explores technologies related to food production and in-home food management through the consumer lens.You can download a copy of the Food & Technology 2022 study overview and order form here.Learn more about how Hartman's syndicated reports can be an essential resource to help you navigate the way forward in these uncertain times. Contact: blaine@hartman-group.comMore information about Hartman Group capabilities and services is available here.

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.

In this podcast, we interview Jami Lewchik, Head of TAZO and Portfolio Sustainability at ekaterra Americas, about TAZO tea's multi-year initiative to transition its portfolio to a regenerative organic approach. Listen in as The Hartman Group's Melissa Abbott, Vice President Retainer Services, discusses with Jami the history of regenerative approaches to agriculture and the details of what it takes to transition an established brand with a long history in sustainable achievements toward a next-level framework focused on regenerative organic agriculture – and why such a transformation is necessary today.  They discuss how TAZO is currently working toward getting its full range of products Regenerative Organic Certified™ and is an ally of the Regenerative Organic Alliance in its pursuit of increased soil health, improved animal welfare, and economic stability and fairness for farmers and workers in its framework.The discussion includes an overview of TAZO's current reformulated TAZO Regenerative teas which feature certifications in USDA Organic, Fair Trade USA, Rainforest Alliance, as well having ingredients grown with verified regenerative organic agriculture practices. Melissa and Jami discuss consumer response to both the concept of regenerative agriculture as a topic (as measured in Hartman Group research) and how consumers are responding to TAZO's efforts.  They also discuss how the brand is communicating its efforts and finish the podcast with TAZO's plans for the future.

In this podcast, we explore and analyze the influential expectations of Gen X (ages 41 - 56) in terms of their eating habits, needs and values in relation to foods and beverages today. Listen in to learn how Gen X, who while often overlooked (since they're sandwiched between Millennials and Boomers), are still a dynamic and influential generation embracing a wide variety of food and beverage needs relating to sustainability, cooking, health, functionality, social and (alone) eating occasions.  We discuss how Gen X are more likely to have premium expectations and needs for foods and beverages which include high interest in local seasonal foods, authentic global flavors, artisan ingredients, and purchasing products with sustainability-related narratives and ingredients. As measured in our Compass Eating Occasions Database (which records the who, what, why, when and where of eating behavior in three waves of annual research), learn how Gen X are: Exploring their interests in cooking (with new culinary appliances, tools and techniques)Because of their use of restaurants, more apt than most other generations to utilize leftovers Eating earlier in the day (focusing on early morning snacks) Eating both alone and with othersEating out and at home – and their relationship with restaurants as influenced by the pandemicAs parents, influencing their children in terms of eating and cooking behaviorsEmbracing sustainability and the social impact of brands in the way they vote with their dollars when purchasingSeeking global tastes and flavors and foods and beverages with attributes that include baseline considerations for convenience, flavor, fresh, less processed and sustainablePositioned demographically to have significant market influence today and in the future We finish the podcast with implications for the food and beverage industry to meet the eating occasion needs and values of this influential, yet often overlooked, generation. Interested to learn more about consumer eating occasions? Our Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 report explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches (e.g., plant-based eating) that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way. Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 study overview and order form here.

In this podcast, Hartman Group executives discuss findings from our new Food Sourcing in America 2022 report. The new report is our sixth syndicated project dedicated to food and beverage procurement in the past decade and builds on a long line of linked research that examines both in-person and digital food procurement in terms of both grocery shopping and use of foodservice. Among topics, we discuss changes in online vs in-person grocery shopping, the effects of inflation on acquiring foods and beverages from a demographic perspective, consumer attitudes toward grocery shopping experience, channel loyalty, and trends in attitudes and use of digital food and beverage procurement.We discuss how one of the bigger findings from the report includes both the permanent shift to online grocery shopping and the ubiquity of shoppers returning en masse to food retail stores for in-person shopping as they emerge into a semi-post COVID world. Listen in to learn more about how grocery shoppers today are: Showing a big (and seemingly permanent) shift to online grocery shopping amidst a simultaneous return to in-store food shopping – with differing opinions on the experience of navigating both spheres of a hybrid worldUsing online grocery shopping as a means of convenience, to simplify shopping and reduce impulse buying  Demonstrating a lack of channel allegiance when it comes to where to grocery shop both in person and online – all the while showing increased use of mass channels like Target and Walmart Cutting back in different ways on food shopping due to the effects of inflation and depending on demographics Voicing opinions on how they both celebrate the return to in-store grocery shopping but also have concerns about the in-store experience relating to the behavior of other customers, employee morale, and even safetyWe finish the podcast with some thoughts on the implications for the food and beverage industry as shoppers increasingly embrace an omnichannel environment but seek improvements in both digital and in-person tools and experiences.  Interested to learn more about food and beverage shopping and sourcing behavior? Our new Food Sourcing in America 2022 report builds on 20 years of shopper and digital procurement research and examines how Americans shop for and procure foods and beverages today. Download a copy of the Food Sourcing in America 2022 study overview and order form here.

In this podcast, we analyze the influential expectations of Millennials (ages 25 - 40) in terms of their eating habits, needs, and values in relation to foods and beverages today. Listen in to learn how Millennials are a truly food forward generation embracing a wide variety of needs relating to health and functionality, social connections, and scratch cooking. We discuss how Millennials are more likely to have premium and experiential needs which include high interest in local seasonal foods, authentic global flavors, artisan ingredients, and purchasing products with unique brand narratives and stories. As our analysts share insights from our Eating Occasions Compass database (which records the who, what, why, when, and where of eating behavior in three waves of annual research), learn how Millennials are:Eating earlier in the day than other generationsExploring their love for cooking (with new culinary tools and techniques)More apt than other generations to utilize leftoversEating both alone and with othersEating out and at home – and their relationship with restaurantsEmbracing sustainability and the social impact of brands in the way they vote with their dollars when purchasing Seeking global tastes and flavors and foods and beverages with attributes that include baseline considerations for convenience, flavor, fresh, less processed, and sustainable We finish the podcast with implications for the food and beverage industry to meet the eating occasion needs and values of this influential generation.  Interested to learn more about consumer eating occasions? Our Modern Approaches to Eating 2022report explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches (e.g., plant-based eating) that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs, and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way. Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 study overview and order form here. Learn more about how Hartman's syndicated reports can be an essential resource to help you navigate the way forward in these uncertain times. Contact: blaine@hartman-group.com

Baby Boomers represent the second largest generation in the U.S. and maintain significant spending power. In this podcast, our analysts share insights from our Eating Occasions Compass database (which records the who, what, why, when, and where of eating behavior in three waves of annual research) on generation-specific needs and behaviors for Baby Boomers today.  Listen in and learn more about how Baby Boomers are:Signaling a desire for solutions and convenience when it comes to cookingMore likely to be living in one or two-person householdsMore likely to be eating aloneMore likely to eat dinner (and plan for it)Cooking and eating with a health condition in mindSeeking products and easy recipes geared toward one or two servings with minimal preparations and ingredients that are “familiar”Interested to learn more about Boomers' eating and drinking needs and behaviors? Our Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 report explores in depth the spectrum of eating approaches that consumers pursue today along with the attitudes, needs, and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way.  Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 study overview and order form here.Learn more about how Hartman's syndicated reports can be an essential resource to help you navigate the way forward in these uncertain times. Contact: blaine@hartman-group.com

In this podcast, our analysts discuss highlights from our new Modern Approaches to Eating report, which explores the spectrum of diets and eating approaches that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way. Listen in as they discuss five chapters from the report, with key statistics and insights. Learn how Modern Approaches to Eating unpacks the cultural underpinnings of diet and ways of eating in its examination of how these behaviors and beliefs actually play out in consumers' day-to-day lives. Their discussion includes: The cultural context for diets and eating approaches and the use of food as a tool for eating approaches. Eating approach motivations, strategies and challenges, including a focus on "rules about eating." Use and perceptions of popular diets with accompanying discussion centered on low-carb diets like Keto, Paleo and Atkins. Plant-focused diets and eating, with a discussion on vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets. Weight management challenges, practices and beliefs, with analysis of the range of different approaches and strategies consumers use to try to manage or lose weight. Interested to learn more about the new report? You can download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating report overview and order form here.

How are grocery shoppers navigating an ever-changing world? Find out as The Hartman Group's Vice President of Strategic Insights David Feit and FMI's Steve Markenson, Director, Research & Insights, discuss key findings from the first three reports in FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 report series (research conducted by The Hartman Group).  FMI's U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 is composed of a series of six-monthly analyses providing context for the food shopper's journey. Listen in as David and Steve discuss topics ranging from trends in shopping, cooking and store choices, to a final focus on hybrid grocery shoppers and choices made between online and in-store shopping. Insights in the podcast are drawn from the following FMI Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 reports: Shopper Landscape (released by FMI in April 2022): Looks at how shoppers' concern with COVID-19 and their perceptions of rising prices influence spending habits and store choices. Shopping Trends 2022 (released by FMI in May 2022): Provides a closer look at grocery shoppers' changing habits and behaviors over the past few years and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The report explores in detail shoppers' weekly spend, primary store choice, and engagement with the emerging array of online and in-person grocery options. Navigating a Hybrid World (released by FMI in June 2022): Examines how grocery shoppers today can choose their own adventure when purchasing groceries. Maybe they occasionally shop online, go to the store in-person regularly, or perhaps they combine both methods. This report looks at the food shopper's journey and how it is indicative of a growing hybrid approach to grocery shopping. Navigating A Hybrid World and further information on FMI's US Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 series are available here.Each FMI U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2022 report will be posted online at FMI.org/GroceryTrends, and users can sign up to be notified when the next report is available. 

Come along for a podcast that describes a Hartman Group trend trek with provisions inspired by our newly released report Modern Approaches to Eating. Hartman Group trend treks have a long history of exploring food culture and sustainability-related destinations in the Pacific Northwest and have ranged from company treks to cannabis dispensaries, recycling centers and food trucks to Starbuck's Reserve Roastery and Bastyr University's vegan cafeteria (to name but a few unique trek destinations). In this episode, and based on our Modern Approaches to Eating report's exploration of complex consumer eating approaches, we describe our reactions to various snacks and beverages that orient to keto and plant-based ingredients and marketing. Find out our reactions to a variety of different snacks and beverages including (but not limited to): Plant-based jerky from Country Archer Provisions and Beyond MeatChicken chips (from EPIC Provisions)"Keto-Friendly" Gummy Bears with added fiber (from Lily's Sweets)Cauliflower-based snacking crackersUpcycled banana chips (from Barnana)Gluten-free brownie brittle (from Sheila G)Probiotic seltzer (from Molson Coors) Listen in and learn more about how plant-based and keto trends are shaping up to include products like those tasted here with connections to gut health, low-carb, low sugar, vegetables, good fats and protein from sources like nuts, seeds and legumes.  The podcast finishes with a discussion about how going forward (and as observed in our Modern Approaches to Eating report) among very diverse eating goals and habits, consumers are increasingly interested in holistic nutrition and its connections to whole food ingredients. Interested to learn more about consumer eating occasions? Our new Modern Approaches to Eating report explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way.  Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating study overview and order form here. Learn more about how Hartman's syndicated reports can be an essential resource to help you navigate the way forward in these uncertain times. Contact: blaine@hartman-group.com

In this podcast, we analyze how as Gen Z matures into young adults (ages 18 - 24), they embrace a wide range of beliefs, behaviors and values that intersect with eating occasions and food culture ranging from an enthusiasm for cooking (yet loving to eat out) to interests in global tastes that go beyond traditional American cuisine. As measured in our Eating Occasions Compass database (which records the who, what, why, when and where of eating behavior in three waves of annual research), learn how Gen Z adults are:Exploring their love for cooking (with new culinary tools and techniques)Eating both alone and with othersEating out and at homeConsuming snacks, foods and beverages during gamingSeeking global tastes and flavorsInterested in foods and beverages with functional benefits like reducing stress and anxietySeeking foods and beverages with attributes that include simple ingredients, organic, fresh and less processed, sustainable and convenient Interested to learn more about consumer eating occasions? Available June 30, 2022, our upcoming Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 report explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches (e.g., plant-based eating) that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way.  Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 study overview and order form here.

What's the meaning of “diet” for consumers today? How do popular eating approaches like plant-based or low-carb fit into cultural views on diet? In our latest podcast, our analysts provide a preview of findings from our upcoming report, Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 (due for release June 30, 2022). They highlight findings from the new report, which examines the overall landscape of eating approaches and specific diets today with a starting point of what diet means culturally to how consumers think about specific eating approaches today and how they implement them in their lives. Learn how Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 unpacks the cultural underpinnings of diet and ways of eating in its examination of how these behaviors and beliefs actually play out in consumers' day-to-day lives. Topics discussed include: Historical cultural views on the term “diet”Consumer distinctions between diet and behavior changesConsumer definitions of diet in terms of restrictionsDifferences between the degree of attention or intention that consumers bring to their eating approaches  Interested to learn more about the new report? Available June 30, 2022, Modern Approaches to Eating 2022explores in-depth the spectrum of eating approaches (e.g., plant-based eating) that consumers pursue today, along with the attitudes, needs and goals that motivate them and the considerations and challenges they encounter along the way.  Download a copy of the Modern Approaches to Eating 2022 study overview and order form here. Learn more about how Hartman's syndicated reports can be an essential resource to help you navigate the way forward in these uncertain times. Contact: blaine@hartman-group.com