FMI to present recession spending trends report at conference

ARLINGTON, Va. The Food Marketing Institute will release its latest research on how the recession impacts consumer shopping at the supermarket and how that behavior affects retailer sales and operations at the FMI Future Connect conference in Dallas, the association announced Wednesday.

Today’s consumer is enormously focused on price and value, FMI stated. The Trends 2009 report provides insights into the extent this new thriftiness is impacting grocery shopping, trip frequency and spending. The survey covers money-saving measures in great depth including a wide range of measures both pre-trip and in the store.

Many also fear the negative impact of the recession on health and wellness. Trends will address shoppers’ interest in products that promote good health and nutrition and the extent to which they are succeeding in eating healthfully.

The food recalls of the past year have tested consumer confidence in the nation’s food supply. FMI research will show whether consumers think the food they buy in supermarkets and restaurants is safe and whom they trust to sell safe products.

The Speaks report will detail sales, same-store sales and profits for the retail food industry and feature an in-depth analysis of profit leaders. Speaks will provide retailer insights about private brands and the advertising changes they are making due to the recession.

Speaks will also look at the sustainability strategies retailers are putting in place and how they are incorporating health and wellness initiatives throughout the store.FMI’s U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2009 and The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2009, two reports on consumer trends and retailer insights, will be presented by FMI president and CEO Leslie Sarasin, during a special session at Future Connect, The Food Retailing Industry Speaks, on May 4 at 1:15 p.m.