The retail industry has been bruised by sagging consumer sentiment and increased costs and, while this has heralded a 6-year low in quarterly retail turnover, the implications on food have so far been mixed – according to new research by Freshlogic. Martin Kneebone, a director of consultancy firm Freshlogic, says that slimming household budgets are prompting a noticeable move toward cheaper meal options. The eating-out food market may lose as much as $3b in annual consumer spending, part of... ...Read more »

As time-pressed workers try to cut costs and eat healthier, carried lunches are becoming increasingly popular in the American workplace, according to a new study from The NPD Group – a leading market research company. NPD reports that the rise in lunches carried from home is contributing to the softening of the mid-day meal business at commercial restaurants. According to the NPD study, entitled, “How Brown-Bagging Is Affecting Foodservice Lunch”, weekday lunches carried from home... ...Read more »

A proposal to prevent new fast food establishments from opening in the south of Los Angeles is one step closer to becoming reality. The area is one of the poorest in LA and the high number of fast food restaurants has caused concern that it might be contributing to high rates of obesity in the area. A recent study suggested children living in the south of the city were significantly more likely to be obese than those in the rest of LA (30% compared to 21%). The ordinance is designed to “allow... ...Read more »

The Food Standards Agency has published a survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK that provides a snapshot of what consumers want when they eat out. The findings show that 85% of people agreed with the statement that restaurants, pubs and cafes have a responsibility to make it clear what is in the food they serve. In addition, when asked where respondents would expect to see nutritional information for it to be most useful, 81% of people said they would like to see it at the point when they... ...Read more »

The NPD Group, a leading market research company, and Datassential, a foodservice research firm, found that 7 per cent more restaurants, from quick service to fine dining, offer burgers on their menus than did two years ago.NPD, who track and analyze consumer purchase behavior at restaurants, and Datassential, which analyzes menu trends, combined resources to provide restaurant operators with comprehensive market intelligence on emerging menu trends. Of the 300 products researched the burger was... ...Read more »

Australian food industry professionals will be monitoring with interest the outcome of new US laws which have outraged food retailers. The New York City Health Department has begun enforcing new legislation which requires chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their menu boards. The laws only apply to chains in New York City with more than 15 restaurants nationwide, meaning that 10% of all restaurants in New York will be affected. According to the New York City Health Commissioner Dr Thomas... ...Read more »