by fred wilkinson

As we enter the final quarter of 2024, consumers may not be optimistic, and they’re definitely being cautious when it comes to food spending.

According to the August 2024 Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan, American consumers weigh in at 67.9 points, far below the neutral sentiment index reading of 100. Consumers cite high prices and a perceived economic uncertainty for their less-than-rosy outlook.

These consumer concerns translate into fewer restaurant visits and a greater share of food spending at retail in recent months. Despite this price-consciousness, consumers also are focused on other considerations — such as time-savings and convenience — when making their food purchase decisions, driving value-added and deli-prepared food sales.

For our October 2024 edition, we’ve collected input from stakeholders in more than a dozen key industry sectors for our State of the Industry 2024 Special Report. Take a look, and learn how different sectors of the meat, poultry and seafood products value chain is positioning themselves to meet the changing needs of consumers.

www.provisoneronline.com   |   october 2024