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 – …

Each new day seems to bring more bad news about the economy.  With uncertainty and fear looming, American consumers have cut back on their shopping trips and changed the way they spend their hard-earned money.  For food retailers and consumer packaged goods manufacturers, these new trends do not necessarily spell doom.  If they know how to address consumers’ changing needs and can successfully engage them by appealing to their desire for value, significant opportunities remain.
Even though some analysts predict that the U.S. economy may have hit bottom and are cautiously …

While uncertain economic conditions have forced most marketers to cut back their budgets, they can take a number of steps to compensate for fewer available dollars and maintain the effectiveness of their campaign.  By moving beyond the use of traditional media age/sex demographics and having a clearer understanding of what networks and programs best reach actual brand targets, marketers have an opportunity to change their mix.  These new schedules can diminish the impact lower marketing budgets could have on a brand’s in-market presence.
Nielsen conducted a recession analysis that replicated the …

Unemployment is rising in the U.S., hitting sectors of the population typically immune. Growth rates are highest among men, consumers in the upper age ranges, those with college degrees and non-Hispanic whites. Precise targeting of both message and in-store conditions will be necessary for marketers seeking to minimize losses.

The recent economic downturn has forced consumers to rethink their spending habits. It has also forced consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers to reevaluate their marketing strategies. Recent analysis by The Nielsen Company revealed those CPG product categories most immune and most vulnerable to a recession. The study shows that products such as seafood, dry pasta and candy are most immune to economic downturn. Beer and pasta sauces also show some level of immunity during tough economic times. The most vulnerable or recession-prone products include carbonated beverages, eggs, cups/plates, …