Todd Hale, Senior Vice President, Shopper and Consumer Insights
The recession gripping the U.S. has prompted many families to eat in and to entertain at home, and in many ways, return to basics in an effort to save money.  Many analysts are predicting that the changes being witnessed in consumer behavior will be permanent.  While these changes have had a negative impact on some sectors, others have benefited by adapting to the changing times and leveraging fundamental brand strengths.  Two such sectors — canning and freezing supplies, and gardening supplies – …

American households headed by people age 65 and older spent 55% more on vitamins and 45% more on medications and remedies than average American households during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008, according to Nielsen.
Households headed by Americans age 65 and older account for 14.4% of all U.S. households.  These households represented 22.3% of vitamins product dollar sales and 20.8% of medications and remedies product dollar sales.
Other categories skewing to households with older people include pain remedies, canned fruit, and coffee, as well as canning/freezing supplies and floral/gardening supplies.

Rank
(by highest index)
Top 10 Categories:
Households …

U.S. households without children spent 19% more on liquor and wine, and 14% more on vitamins than average American households during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008, according to Nielsen.
Although households are often assumed to be conventional families with children, most U.S. households do not have children under the age of 18.  In fact, households without children account for roughly 65% of all U.S. households. 
According to Nielsen, these households represent 77.5% of liquor and wine dollar sales, 74% of vitamin dollar sales, and 73.6% of floral/gardening product and tobacco dollar sales.
Other categories skewing to households without children include medications/remedies, …

U.S. households earning $100,000 or more in annual income, spent more than twice as much on wine than average American consumers during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008.
Although they represent only 18.7% of U.S. households, high-income households represented 39.6% of wine dollar sales during the time period. 
Other categories skewing to households with high incomes include diet aids, liquor, and floral/gardening supplies.

Rank
(by highest index)
Top 10 Category Purchases:
U.S. Households
With $100,000+ Annual Income
Dollar Volume Index*

1
Wine
212

2
Diet Aids
158

3
Liquor
156

4
Floral / Gardening
155

5
Baby Needs
152

6
Snacks / Spreads / Dairy Dips
148

7
Baby Food
147

8
Skin Care Preparations
147

9
Fresh Produce
144

10
Juices / Refrigerated Drinks
142

*Note: “Dollar Volume …