Top tens

Today the Nielsen Company released its research on the most popular trends among Americans during 2007. What do you think: any surprises?

Top 10 consumer packaged goods
(Percent of US homes who purchased each category in 2007)

Fresh bread 97%
Refrigerated milk 95%
Toilet tissue 93%
Fresh eggs 93%
Cookies 93%
Ready-to-eat cereal 92%
Canned soup 91%
Chocolate candy 91%
Potato chips 88%
Batteries 86%

Source: Homescan(R) Consumer Facts, a service of The Nielsen Company
Note: The percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once
during 52-weeks ending June 30, 2007. Prepackaged, UPC items only.

Top 10 consumer package goods sold in U.S. Retail Stores
(Dollars sold)

Carbonated soft drinks $17.6 bn
Refrigerated milk $12.8 bn
Cigarettes $7.8 bn
Ready-to-eat cereal $7.7 bn
Fresh bread $7.7 bn
Prerecorded video products $6.6 bn
Still bottled water $6.0 bn
Toilet tissue $5.3 bn
Light beer $5.1 bn
Cookies $4.9 bn

Source: Nielsen Strategic Planner(TM) and Nielsen Wal-Mart Channel, services of The Nielsen Company
Note: Total U.S. Food/Drug/Mass Merchandiser Stores (Including Wal-Mart). Prepackaged, UPC items only. Sales are for 52 Weeks ending November 3, 2007.

Top tens

Today the Nielsen Company released its research on the most popular trends among Americans during 2007. What do you think: any surprises?

Top 10 consumer packaged goods
(Percent of US homes who purchased each category in 2007)

Fresh bread 97%
Refrigerated milk 95%
Toilet tissue 93%
Fresh eggs 93%
Cookies 93%
Ready-to-eat cereal 92%
Canned soup 91%
Chocolate candy 91%
Potato chips 88%
Batteries 86%

Source: Homescan(R) Consumer Facts, a service of The Nielsen Company
Note: The percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once
during 52-weeks ending June 30, 2007. Prepackaged, UPC items only.

Top 10 consumer package goods sold in U.S. Retail Stores
(Dollars sold)

Carbonated soft drinks $17.6 bn
Refrigerated milk $12.8 bn
Cigarettes $7.8 bn
Ready-to-eat cereal $7.7 bn
Fresh bread $7.7 bn
Prerecorded video products $6.6 bn
Still bottled water $6.0 bn
Toilet tissue $5.3 bn
Light beer $5.1 bn
Cookies $4.9 bn

Source: Nielsen Strategic Planner(TM) and Nielsen Wal-Mart Channel, services of The Nielsen Company
Note: Total U.S. Food/Drug/Mass Merchandiser Stores (Including Wal-Mart). Prepackaged, UPC items only. Sales are for 52 Weeks ending November 3, 2007.

Eating in at the holidays

According to a new survey, 76% of Americans said that their favourite meal was either prepared at their home or someone else’s home. (In the case of the later, it was likely because they didn’t have to do the washing up.)

And when it comes to the holidays, home-cooked meals keep even more Americans happy: 93% of those surveyed said that sharing one with friend and family was a “very” or “extremely” important part of the holidays.

But as the Crock-Pot survey rightly suggests, the reason that these idyllic dinners don’t often come to fruition is time.

During the year, long hours at work often make cooking a chore (for some, for some). And at the holidays, the thought of being stuck in the kitchen whilst everyone else enjoys themselves is not appealing. (Though this gap can be bridged, especially in an open plan environment.)

This writer is quite obviously a fan of in-house eating: click here for everyday ideas for nutritious and filling home-cooked meals.

But there are other ways, if cooking isn’t your personal passion, to sidestep complicated, time-consuming recipes. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to multitask; there are worse things than coming home to a fragrant and waiting casserole after a day in the office.

Making extra portions of soups, chilis and sauces – and freezing the leftovers – is also an easy way through the holidays.

Many magazines advertise “make ahead” menus to get you through the holidays too. To enliven the rest of the mesh, just add easy-to-assemble starters such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives on oatcakes.

Eating in at the holidays

According to a new survey, 76% of Americans said that their favourite meal was either prepared at their home or someone else’s home. (In the case of the later, it was likely because they didn’t have to do the washing up.)

And when it comes to the holidays, home-cooked meals keep even more Americans happy: 93% of those surveyed said that sharing one with friend and family was a “very” or “extremely” important part of the holidays.

But as the Crock-Pot survey rightly suggests, the reason that these idyllic dinners don’t often come to fruition is time.

During the year, long hours at work often make cooking a chore (for some, for some). And at the holidays, the thought of being stuck in the kitchen whilst everyone else enjoys themselves is not appealing. (Though this gap can be bridged, especially in an open plan environment.)

This writer is quite obviously a fan of in-house eating: click here for everyday ideas for nutritious and filling home-cooked meals.

But there are other ways, if cooking isn’t your personal passion, to sidestep complicated, time-consuming recipes. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to multitask; there are worse things than coming home to a fragrant and waiting casserole after a day in the office.

Making extra portions of soups, chilis and sauces – and freezing the leftovers – is also an easy way through the holidays.

Many magazines advertise “make ahead” menus to get you through the holidays too. To enliven the rest of the mesh, just add easy-to-assemble starters such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives on oatcakes.

Food safety on Georgia's mind

The US state of Georgia has taken major steps to help prevent food-borne illnesses in restaurants.

The state’s Food Safety Regulations have been updated, bringing the state in line with federal rules on food safety.

The rules appear to add cautiousness to common sense:

-Person-in-charge (PIC) of the operation during inspection must demonstrate food safety knowledge

-Double hand washing by food service workers is required after using the restroom

-No bare hand contact is permitted when preparing any ready-to-eat foods

-Numerous changes regarding reporting restaurant employee health, including illnesses and infectious diseases

-Changes regarding restaurant employees' fingernails, jewellery and hair restraints

-New minimum hot holding temperature

-Date marking on foods is now required

-Changes regarding the mixing of old and new foods on self-service buffet or salad bar

-Maximum holding time and disposal of foods on a self-service buffet or salad bar

-Cooling hot food before refrigerating

-Certified Food Safety Manager (FSM) must be employed

Food safety on Georgia's mind

The US state of Georgia has taken major steps to help prevent food-borne illnesses in restaurants.

The state’s Food Safety Regulations have been updated, bringing the state in line with federal rules on food safety.

The rules appear to add cautiousness to common sense:

-Person-in-charge (PIC) of the operation during inspection must demonstrate food safety knowledge

-Double hand washing by food service workers is required after using the restroom

-No bare hand contact is permitted when preparing any ready-to-eat foods

-Numerous changes regarding reporting restaurant employee health, including illnesses and infectious diseases

-Changes regarding restaurant employees' fingernails, jewellery and hair restraints

-New minimum hot holding temperature

-Date marking on foods is now required

-Changes regarding the mixing of old and new foods on self-service buffet or salad bar

-Maximum holding time and disposal of foods on a self-service buffet or salad bar

-Cooling hot food before refrigerating

-Certified Food Safety Manager (FSM) must be employed

Nothing says happy holidays like... a steak

The trend of giving food as a holiday is picking up steam as shoppers aim to buy useful gifts for their friends and family and interest of gourmet foods rises.

According to a recent survey by Packaged Facts, “consumer food gifting” has increased by over 50% between 2004 and 2006. This rise is all the more important given that consumer gifts in general have declined by 8% over the same period.

The types of gifts range from chocolates, cheeses and candies to… steak. One company, Omaha Steaks, has been in business for 90 years offers gift packages of steak and other gourmet specialties.

Is gourmet food “earning a solid reputation as a perfect gift”, as Omaha Steak’s senior vice president claims? All signs point to yes, as many major retailers in the UK such as John Lewis and Selfridges advertise gourmet gift hampers. Organic shops such as Daylesford Organic, which offers gourmet food gifts year round, sells some rather dear Christmas-inspired options too.

Internet shopping has supported the food gift trends as well. Packaged Facts reports that more Americans are shopping online than ever, as web traffic is up by 157%.

Photo credit: Omaha Steaks

Nothing says happy holidays like... a steak

The trend of giving food as a holiday is picking up steam as shoppers aim to buy useful gifts for their friends and family and interest of gourmet foods rises.

According to a recent survey by Packaged Facts, “consumer food gifting” has increased by over 50% between 2004 and 2006. This rise is all the more important given that consumer gifts in general have declined by 8% over the same period.

The types of gifts range from chocolates, cheeses and candies to… steak. One company, Omaha Steaks, has been in business for 90 years offers gift packages of steak and other gourmet specialties.

Is gourmet food “earning a solid reputation as a perfect gift”, as Omaha Steak’s senior vice president claims? All signs point to yes, as many major retailers in the UK such as John Lewis and Selfridges advertise gourmet gift hampers. Organic shops such as Daylesford Organic, which offers gourmet food gifts year round, sells some rather dear Christmas-inspired options too.

Internet shopping has supported the food gift trends as well. Packaged Facts reports that more Americans are shopping online than ever, as web traffic is up by 157%.

Photo credit: Omaha Steaks

And we wonder why we’re so fat…

While worries about obesity have reached all-time highs, news comes from Jeep of its contest in which Jeep Liberty vehicles were covered in chocolate and car-hungry people are asked to lick through more than 700 lb of chocolate to win one to take home.

As a PR stunt for “The Sweetest Day,” founded by candy makers in Cleveland, Ohio, evidently as an act of good will, chocoholics were asked to send through an essay to answer that ever-pertinent question “Why do you want to celebrate the Sweetest Day the Jeep Way?” Um, to win a car?

Chances are the winners will need a car to cart them around after all those calories.

And we wonder why we’re so fat…

While worries about obesity have reached all-time highs, news comes from Jeep of its contest in which Jeep Liberty vehicles were covered in chocolate and car-hungry people are asked to lick through more than 700 lb of chocolate to win one to take home.

As a PR stunt for “The Sweetest Day,” founded by candy makers in Cleveland, Ohio, evidently as an act of good will, chocoholics were asked to send through an essay to answer that ever-pertinent question “Why do you want to celebrate the Sweetest Day the Jeep Way?” Um, to win a car?

Chances are the winners will need a car to cart them around after all those calories.

Facebook for the dinner table

Social networking is on the menu at some of the best restaurants in town.

American Express, which launched Dish, a social networking site for those who love to eat out, today publishes the first edition of the Tastemaker Index, which dishes (sorry) on the hottest restaurants eaten at and talked by Dish members.

The first instalment comes from San Francisco, a well-recognised foodie hub, where the top five modern-classic restaurants according to the city’s Tastemaker community are divulged.

Perbacco
Il Fornaio
Slanted Door
McCormick & Kuleto's seafood restaurant
San Mateo Fish Market

The rankings are compiled by tallying the number of American Express charges made by members at the restaurants.

Penni Berns, vice president of network and merchant marketing for American Express. Explains, "With Dish, we're able to provide valuable insights, information and offers because of our strong relationships with merchants and cardmembers."

Currently, Dish is only available in San Francisco and New York City, though participation is open to all US customers with American Express cards (how sweet).

Whether Dish turns out to be the fast food or fine dining of social networking world will remain to be seen.

Facebook for the dinner table

Social networking is on the menu at some of the best restaurants in town.

American Express, which launched Dish, a social networking site for those who love to eat out, today publishes the first edition of the Tastemaker Index, which dishes (sorry) on the hottest restaurants eaten at and talked by Dish members.

The first instalment comes from San Francisco, a well-recognised foodie hub, where the top five modern-classic restaurants according to the city’s Tastemaker community are divulged.

Perbacco
Il Fornaio
Slanted Door
McCormick & Kuleto's seafood restaurant
San Mateo Fish Market

The rankings are compiled by tallying the number of American Express charges made by members at the restaurants.

Penni Berns, vice president of network and merchant marketing for American Express. Explains, "With Dish, we're able to provide valuable insights, information and offers because of our strong relationships with merchants and cardmembers."

Currently, Dish is only available in San Francisco and New York City, though participation is open to all US customers with American Express cards (how sweet).

Whether Dish turns out to be the fast food or fine dining of social networking world will remain to be seen.

News & comment: Home-grown food in the US

A survey of 843 members of the American Dietetic Association has revealed a strong preference for US-sourced over imported food. Two-thirds would choose the US-produced option over an imported option, when presented with a choice.

An even larger majority of 81% think that it is important to know a food’s origin, and about 70% read a product’s label to find out.

71% of the polled members rated US food as excellent or good. Only 3% felt that US food was bad or terrible.

Most interestingly, perhaps, the poll notes that the preference for American food “appears to stem from the belief that US-produced food is more highly regulated than other countries.”

The survey was commissioned by the California Olive Association, which said it finds the results “gratifying.”

While food produced in California and eaten in Massachusetts (over 3,000 miles away) can hardly be considered local, it is encouraging to see that some are looking to their own country’s resources, as long as they are viable. But these ideas need to filter down through the community, as not everyone is convinced.

There are problems in the UK that stem from those trying too hard to source local product when the conditions are not right, and perhaps causing more (environmental) harm than good. Take for example, greenhouse or poly tunnel-grown tomatoes in winter, or, more recently, farmers artificially heating green pumpkins in the UK rather than sourcing them from, say, France. There is also the issue of producers in other countries that are dependent on their crop sales for their livelihood.

And is US food is more highly regulated than other countries? A definition of “regulated” is warranted. For example, genetically-modified foods are permitted in the US, while other countries ban them. Any thoughts?

News & comment: Home-grown food in the US

A survey of 843 members of the American Dietetic Association has revealed a strong preference for US-sourced over imported food. Two-thirds would choose the US-produced option over an imported option, when presented with a choice.

An even larger majority of 81% think that it is important to know a food’s origin, and about 70% read a product’s label to find out.

71% of the polled members rated US food as excellent or good. Only 3% felt that US food was bad or terrible.

Most interestingly, perhaps, the poll notes that the preference for American food “appears to stem from the belief that US-produced food is more highly regulated than other countries.”

The survey was commissioned by the California Olive Association, which said it finds the results “gratifying.”

While food produced in California and eaten in Massachusetts (over 3,000 miles away) can hardly be considered local, it is encouraging to see that some are looking to their own country’s resources, as long as they are viable. But these ideas need to filter down through the community, as not everyone is convinced.

There are problems in the UK that stem from those trying too hard to source local product when the conditions are not right, and perhaps causing more (environmental) harm than good. Take for example, greenhouse or poly tunnel-grown tomatoes in winter, or, more recently, farmers artificially heating green pumpkins in the UK rather than sourcing them from, say, France. There is also the issue of producers in other countries that are dependent on their crop sales for their livelihood.

And is US food is more highly regulated than other countries? A definition of “regulated” is warranted. For example, genetically-modified foods are permitted in the US, while other countries ban them. Any thoughts?

West coast of US has highest concentration of organic consumers - report

San Francisco, California and Seattle, Washington are the biggest markets in the US for organics consumers, making the west coast of the country an organic stronghold, according to a new report.

Scarborough Research analysed 79 markets in the USA and compared them to the national average, where 17% of US consumers are organic product users (which is defined as those who have used organic products in the last month). 23 markets were identified as "organic markets," meaning that the percentage of consumers buying or using organic products was higher than the national average.

In San Francisco, 35% of consumers had used organic products in the last month, the consultancy found, while in Seattle, 32% of consumers went organic.

The top five were rounded out with Portland, Oregon (29%), Denver, Colorado (26%), and Washington, DC (26%, making it the city with the highest concentration of organic product users east of the Mississippi river.)

"Cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have long been known for active, healthful lifestyles, and therefore it makes sense that these are the top markets for organics users," explains Alisa Joseph, vice president of advertiser agency services at Scarborough. "However, the industry should keep an eye on the Southern region of the U.S. , as many markets there have a significant presence of organics consumers as well."

Unsurprisingly, the consultancy found that organics users also had household salaries higher than the national average and spent more on their weekly grocery bills ($127 versus $115). They are also young, and often with families: these consumers are 19% more likely to be between the ages of 18 and 34, and 13% more likely to have two or more children, according to the report.

The Culinary Digest wonders whether California is more likely to have organic consumers because it is location for much of the United States' home-grown fruit, vegetables and wine. Whether these organics products are locally sourced - or, quite likely, imported - is a very important question to answer.

Top local markets for organic product consumers

San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA - 35%
Seattle/Tacoma, WA - 32%
Portland, OR - 27%
Washington, D.C. - 26%
Denver, CO - 26%
San Diego, CA - 24%
Austin , TX - 23%
Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, CA - 22%
Boston, MA - 21%
Phoenix, AZ - 21%
Atlanta, GA - 21%
Los Angeles, CA - 21%
Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM - 21%
Colorado Springs/Pueblo, CO - 21%
Spokane, WA - 21%
New York, NY - 20%
Salt Lake City, UT - 20%
Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville/Anderson, SC - 20%
Tucson, AZ - 20%
Albany/Schenectady/Troy, NY - 19%
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 19%
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - 18%
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - 18%
Hartford/New Haven, CT - 17%
Detroit, MI - 17%
Milwaukee, WI -17%
Las Vegas, NV - 17%
Philadelphia, PA - 17%
Chicago, IL - 16%
Providence/New Bedford, RI - 16%
Bakersfield, CA - 16%
Honolulu, HI - 16%
Raleigh/Durham, NC - 16%
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL - 15%
El Paso, TX - 15%
Houston, TX - 15%
Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne, FL - 15%
Baltimore, MD - 15%
Charlotte, NC - 15%
West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, FL - 15%
Columbus, OH - 15%
Fresno/Visalia, CA - 15%
Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, PA - 15%
Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, NC - 13%
Jacksonville, FL - 13%
Indianapolis, IN - 13%
Chattanooga, TN - 13%
Cincinnati, OH - 13%
Oklahoma City, OK - 13%
Cleveland/Akron, OH - 13%
Norfolk/Portsmouth/Newport News, VA - 13%
Rochester, NY - 13%
Dayton, OH - 12%
Mobile/Pensacola, FL - 12%
San Antonio, TX - 12%
Wichita/Hutchinson, KS - 12%
Syracuse, NY - 12%
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA - 12%
Kansas City, MO - 11%
Lexington, KY - 11%
Knoxville, TN - 11%
Nashville, TN - 11%
Buffalo, NY - 11%
Richmond/Petersburg, VA - 11%
Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, MI - 10%
St. Louis, MO - 10%
Louisville, KY - 10%
Tulsa, OK - 10%
Pittsburgh, PA - 10%
Fort Myers/Naples, FL - 10%
Memphis, TN - 10%
Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA - 10%
Green Bay/Appleton, WI - 10%
Little Rock/Pine Bluff, AK - 10%
Toledo, OH - 10%
Charleston/Huntington, WV - 9%
Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI - 8%
Birmingham, AL - 8%
Des Moines/Ames, IA - 8%
(source: Scarborough Research)

West coast of US has highest concentration of organic consumers - report

San Francisco, California and Seattle, Washington are the biggest markets in the US for organics consumers, making the west coast of the country an organic stronghold, according to a new report.

Scarborough Research analysed 79 markets in the USA and compared them to the national average, where 17% of US consumers are organic product users (which is defined as those who have used organic products in the last month). 23 markets were identified as "organic markets," meaning that the percentage of consumers buying or using organic products was higher than the national average.

In San Francisco, 35% of consumers had used organic products in the last month, the consultancy found, while in Seattle, 32% of consumers went organic.

The top five were rounded out with Portland, Oregon (29%), Denver, Colorado (26%), and Washington, DC (26%, making it the city with the highest concentration of organic product users east of the Mississippi river.)

"Cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have long been known for active, healthful lifestyles, and therefore it makes sense that these are the top markets for organics users," explains Alisa Joseph, vice president of advertiser agency services at Scarborough. "However, the industry should keep an eye on the Southern region of the U.S. , as many markets there have a significant presence of organics consumers as well."

Unsurprisingly, the consultancy found that organics users also had household salaries higher than the national average and spent more on their weekly grocery bills ($127 versus $115). They are also young, and often with families: these consumers are 19% more likely to be between the ages of 18 and 34, and 13% more likely to have two or more children, according to the report.

The Culinary Digest wonders whether California is more likely to have organic consumers because it is location for much of the United States' home-grown fruit, vegetables and wine. Whether these organics products are locally sourced - or, quite likely, imported - is a very important question to answer.

Top local markets for organic product consumers

San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, CA - 35%
Seattle/Tacoma, WA - 32%
Portland, OR - 27%
Washington, D.C. - 26%
Denver, CO - 26%
San Diego, CA - 24%
Austin , TX - 23%
Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, CA - 22%
Boston, MA - 21%
Phoenix, AZ - 21%
Atlanta, GA - 21%
Los Angeles, CA - 21%
Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM - 21%
Colorado Springs/Pueblo, CO - 21%
Spokane, WA - 21%
New York, NY - 20%
Salt Lake City, UT - 20%
Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville/Anderson, SC - 20%
Tucson, AZ - 20%
Albany/Schenectady/Troy, NY - 19%
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL - 19%
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - 18%
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - 18%
Hartford/New Haven, CT - 17%
Detroit, MI - 17%
Milwaukee, WI -17%
Las Vegas, NV - 17%
Philadelphia, PA - 17%
Chicago, IL - 16%
Providence/New Bedford, RI - 16%
Bakersfield, CA - 16%
Honolulu, HI - 16%
Raleigh/Durham, NC - 16%
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL - 15%
El Paso, TX - 15%
Houston, TX - 15%
Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne, FL - 15%
Baltimore, MD - 15%
Charlotte, NC - 15%
West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce, FL - 15%
Columbus, OH - 15%
Fresno/Visalia, CA - 15%
Harrisburg/Lancaster/Lebanon/York, PA - 15%
Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, NC - 13%
Jacksonville, FL - 13%
Indianapolis, IN - 13%
Chattanooga, TN - 13%
Cincinnati, OH - 13%
Oklahoma City, OK - 13%
Cleveland/Akron, OH - 13%
Norfolk/Portsmouth/Newport News, VA - 13%
Rochester, NY - 13%
Dayton, OH - 12%
Mobile/Pensacola, FL - 12%
San Antonio, TX - 12%
Wichita/Hutchinson, KS - 12%
Syracuse, NY - 12%
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA - 12%
Kansas City, MO - 11%
Lexington, KY - 11%
Knoxville, TN - 11%
Nashville, TN - 11%
Buffalo, NY - 11%
Richmond/Petersburg, VA - 11%
Flint/Saginaw/Bay City, MI - 10%
St. Louis, MO - 10%
Louisville, KY - 10%
Tulsa, OK - 10%
Pittsburgh, PA - 10%
Fort Myers/Naples, FL - 10%
Memphis, TN - 10%
Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA - 10%
Green Bay/Appleton, WI - 10%
Little Rock/Pine Bluff, AK - 10%
Toledo, OH - 10%
Charleston/Huntington, WV - 9%
Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI - 8%
Birmingham, AL - 8%
Des Moines/Ames, IA - 8%
(source: Scarborough Research)