“We stand at a crossroads in the world’s economy. On the one hand, we are poised to generate better standards of living for more of the world’s people than ever before. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that the consumption-based model of economic growth cannot be applied globally without causing immense environmental and […]
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Working in the food and beverage sector I have the privilege to observe the evolution of food and the consumer. This is no more evident than when it comes to consumers’ health and wellness. For instance, in the past when consumers had an upset stomach, they may have taken pepto bismol or tums. Yet, today […]
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The constant change in the grocery sector makes it an exciting sector in which to work. Given consumer food habits are constantly changing, it makes for exciting times for consultants like myself, brokers, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers. For instance, while 62% of consumers review a product’s ingredient list, more than half use front-of-pack labeling as […]
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The brand is a business’s most valuable asset, and it does differentiate you from the competition. Yet, over time its role in food and beverage purchase has evolved. In the 1970s, the brand served as the ultimate signal of quality. Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, with an increased focus on individuality, connections were […]
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Sugar has been a staple in consumers’ meals and beverages for generations. It was not uncommon to go to a coffee shop and request- “Double Milk, Double Sugar”. It was uncommon to drink a diet soda. The flavour of the month was Coke Classic, even though it contained 9 teaspoons of sugar per 330ml can.[i] […]
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As we enter year two of the pandemic, consumers continue to prioritize their health and wellness needs. According to McKinsey & Co’s “Future of Wellness”, they revealed: 1. 79% of worldwide consumers said they believe wellness is important, and 2. 42% consider it a top priority. Today, more and more consumers understand the correlation between […]
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The pandemic has had a lasting impact on consumer shopping habits. Today, many consumers are still wary of crowded retail stores. According to the Numerator Canadian Consumer Sentiment Survey, Canadian consumers are still looking down the road when it comes to timing expectations for a return to normal. Only 2 in 3 are expecting a […]
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The Canadian online market has exploded during the pandemic. Long considered under-developed, compared to the US, and Europe, the pandemic forced grocery retailers to address a sharp increase in consumer shopping volume. The online market share for the 52-week period ending July 2021 was 3.4%, [i] as compared to 1.2% for the 52-week period ending […]
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In 1971, the “We Demand Rally” was held on Parliament Hill, representing Canada’s first public protest for the Gay community. The rally played an important role in the history of this community seeking equality rights. Fast forward to 1981, and the City of Toronto celebrated its first pride week. Twenty-five years later, Toronto’s newly appointed […]
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Growing up it was common for my family to have a hot meal for dinner each night. That would have involved a specific type of meat in most instances. Fast forward to 2021, and the desire for consumers to reduce their meat intake is gaining momentum. In fact, according to an Angus Reid Forum survey […]
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