Ep. 136

How Digital is Defining Grocery’s Long Game

Digital retail apps are changing the way consumers plan their shopping. In this Fresh Pulse episode, Jonna Parker, team lead, Circana’s Fresh Foods Group highlights consumer purchasing behavior in the meat department. Uncover why promotions aren’t seeing expected lifts, purchases are designed for minimal waste, and it’s often social platforms and retail apps that are guiding shoppers.

Ep. 135

Busting the Myth that We’re Consuming Less

As inflation continues to press consumers, volume sales are down across food and beverage. Amid economic headwinds and a return to pre-pandemic activity levels, consumer behaviors are changing, but we are not consuming less. Circana thought leaders David Portalatin and Alastair Steel explain how shifting behaviors are illustrating new patterns in consumption across retail and foodservice.

Ep. 134

A Sneak Peek into “Inside America’s Kitchen”

Circana’s new report, “Inside America’s Kitchens,” provides an extensive audit of what’s in our pantries and refrigerators, while also inventorying appliances, cookware, and utensils. It reveals that we’re stocking far fewer food items than in 2020, while also making good use of tools in our meal prep. Darren Seifer, Circana food and beverage industry analyst, …

Ep. 133

Redefining Discovery for Cash-strapped Consumers

Consumer tech purchases for school, work, and entertainment were high during the pandemic. Tech items also have a long lifecycle, with replacements occurring on average every four years. The net result is a sluggish consumer tech industry in 2023. Circana’s Mike Crosby, executive director, industry advisor for commercial and consumer technology, and Paul Gagnon, vice …

Ep. 132

What Books Tell Us About the New Normal

Kristen McLean, executive director, industry analyst, Circana Books & Entertainment, describes books as “ideas wrapped up for sale.” When we study the books people buy, we learn about their thoughts and their shifting attitudes over time. This understanding helps us better meet changing consumer preferences. Highlights:

Ep. 131

The Value of the Plus-one Purchase

Easing inflation is making headlines, but consumers remain challenged by high prices. In this Fresh Pulse episode, Jonna Parker, principal of Circana’s Fresh Center of Excellence, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, discuss consumer behavior, macroeconomic challenges, and why plus-one purchases are undervalued. Highlights:

Ep. 130

Turning the Tide of Tech

Consumer tech purchases for school, work, and entertainment were high during the pandemic. Tech items also have a long lifecycle, with replacements occurring on average every four years. The net result is a sluggish consumer tech industry in 2023. Circana’s Mike Crosby, executive director, industry advisor for commercial and consumer technology, and Paul Gagnon, vice …

Ep. 129

How CPG Retailers Can Rewrite Their Summer Playbook

High inflation might limit discretionary spending and travel for many this summer. Still, consumers are making the most of their pandemic investments in outdoor spaces, grills, and smokers. Now it’s time for retailers to rewrite their summer playbook and merchandise for a new generation. Uncover tips and tricks from Jonna Parker, principal of Circana’s Fresh …

Ep. 128

Bold, Healthy Options Lead the Sweets & Snacks Innovation Awards

Innovation is a foundational attribute of Circana, so its sponsorship of The Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Product Awards makes perfect sense. Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s executive vice president and practice leader of client insights, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, share insights on the winning trends and attributes.

Ep. 127

Complete Wallet’s Total Omni Shopper View

The merger of IRI and NPD ― now Circana ― brings together data and expertise from 20 industries, including CPG, general merchandise, and foodservice. These combined resources across 30 shopping channels, hundreds of retailers, and more than 1,200 categories enable Complete Wallet™, the most complete view of what, where, how, and when consumers buy. Patty Altman and Michelle Bennett, executive vice presidents of Consumer and Shopper Insights at Circana, describe the opportunities Complete Wallet unlocks.

Ep. 126

CPG Retail’s Role in Lifting Consumer Confidence

CPG retail is feeling the impact of tumbling consumer confidence. Ongoing inflation and anticipation of a recession have consumers pulling back on stock-up trips and instead shifting to quick trips and sticking to their shopping lists. In this Fresh Pulse episode, Jonna Parker, principal, Fresh Center of Excellence at Circana and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, share proven strategies that inspire shoppers and drive loyalty.