According to Kristen McLean, Executive Director, Industry Analyst, NPD Books & Entertainment, books are “the idea market.” And given her view across 800 million units and 6,000 subject categories, she is capturing ideas at the intersections of discovery, consumption and purchasing. For the CPG and Gen Merch industries, the insights from book sales are a barometer for demand, but also a catalyst for innovation. Key takeaways: The TikTok generation, those aged 35 and younger, have outsized inf...
Feb 07, 2023•27 min•Ep. 118
In the final CES podcast episode, NPD colleagues Ben Arnold, consumer technology industry analyst and Joe Derochowski, home and home improvement industry advisor, share their highlights from the big event, including how technology is enhancing – and enabling – the consumer experience. Highlights: Initiatives including the Home Connectivity Alliance work to bring smart appliances together for an easier and more robust consumer experience. More consumer health and wellness needs are being met with...
Jan 18, 2023•18 min•Ep. 117
NPD’s consumer technology industry advisor Paul Gagnon and retail IT and B2B technology industry analyst Mike Crosby share highlights from CES in Las Vegas. The good news for tech buffs: Innovation is making a comeback after the pandemic years’ focus on operational efficiency and supply chain challenges. Highlights: Performance and power are back, especially in support of gamers, with more efficient and powerful monitors that are also larger and have improved cooling. But consider them portable ...
Jan 11, 2023•26 min•Ep. 116
Recapping their Consumer Electronics Show presentation, “7 Ways the Consumer Electronics Consumer Has Changed,” NPD colleagues Ben Arnold and Paul Gagnon illustrate the growing value consumers derive from technology and the opportunities for manufacturers and developers to meet changing consumer needs. Key takeaways: Consumer technology holds a greater place in the household budget than it did prior to the pandemic – and it’s due more to the value of technology than to inflation. Aside from foun...
Jan 04, 2023•28 min•Ep. 115
IRI's Growth Insights C-Suite Conversations feature notable leaders talking about the future of CPG, retail and media. Our newest installment focuses on sustainable protein and features the perspectives of Simon Limmer, CEO of Silver Fern Farms, New Zealand's leading producer and marketer of grass-fed beef, lamb and venison. He is joined by Joe O’Connor, president of Applegate, a leading producer of natural and organic meats and cheeses that was acquired by Hormel Foods in 2015. In this exclusiv...
Dec 20, 2022•59 min•Ep. 114
The 2023 Consumer Electronics Show will showcase changes to the industry that put consumer needs and challenges at the forefront of technology and solutions. Kitchen appliances large and small are now “smart” and help answer the ages old question: What’s for dinner? Find out where the meal falls short of the plate. The pandemic dimmed the innovation light for many companies, but still, many advancements to existing products address relevancy and seamless integration into consumers’ everyday live...
Dec 19, 2022•26 min•Ep. 113
Like many departments, inflation is driving growth in the dairy case. But some categories are going strong on their own might, including frozen novelties, coffee creamer and natural cheese. Learn about trends and innovation occurring among the “Dairy 15” from John Crawford, leader of IRI’s dairy vertical and vice president of Client Insights, Dairy. Key takeaways: Inflation has shoppers returning to private label offerings in the dairy case after the pandemic years saw name brand dairy products ...
Dec 14, 2022•27 min•Ep. 112
Buoyed by the uptick in sales of frozen foods throughout the pandemic, retailers and CPGs are doubling down on the department’s expansion and availability throughout the store. They’re also focused on frozen product innovation for the future. IRI’s Sally Lyons Wyatt and Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics share the strategies in play and highlight the best opportunities for future growth. HIGHLIGHTS Younger shoppers perceive frozen foods to be as good as fresh and see them as a source for inspir...
Dec 08, 2022•25 min•Ep. 111
While the bakery aisle performed well throughout the pandemic, in-store bakeries took a major hit. But now they’re back. To fight inflation, consumers are biting into more permissible treats, celebratory cakes, and specialty breads and rolls to elevate meals at home. The biggest winners are products that support the morning daypart. Still, guest Melissa Altobelli, principal, client insights with IRI’s bakery vertical, says in-store bakeries should seek inspiration from what’s happening outside t...
Nov 28, 2022•15 min•Ep. 110
Inflation is driving us back to CPG retail for food-at-home solutions. But even as shoppers seek to save, they’re still finding ways to elevate their meals and their mood with affordable indulgences. IRI’s fresh expert Jonna Parker, principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of research company 210 Analytics, share new behaviors and strategies for connecting with shoppers. Highlights In most channels, fresh is one of the few categories where shoppers typical...
Nov 15, 2022•25 min•Ep. 109
Gone are the days of forecasting for the year ahead. Spurred by the chaos of the pandemic and ongoing market uncertainty, CPG manufacturers and retailers must continually monitor the marketplace, weighing decisions against consumer behavior, macroeconomic factors and business strategies. Nagi Jonnalagadda, senior vice president, Global Products & Solutions at IRI, recommends companies change their approach to forecasts from point-in-time planning to scenarios with varying levels of confidenc...
Nov 09, 2022•44 min•Ep. 108
Will high food inflation take the stuffing out of Thanksgiving celebrations? Darren Seifer, executive director and industry analyst for food and beverage at NPD (which recently merged with IRI), shares an outlook on potential scenarios for Thanksgiving meals this year. Highlights More consumers will shop early for nonperishable items to find the best deals and spread out the cost of the Thanksgiving feast. Shoppers are more cost-conscious than last Thanksgiving given inflation and will look for ...
Oct 26, 2022•25 min•Ep. 107
Inflation, animal welfare issues and new generational preferences are all affecting the sales of various fresh meat and poultry products. Chris Dubois, executive vice president of IRI’s protein practice, provides insights into surprising winning products, offers a detailed industry outlook, and shares opportunities to connect with younger shoppers. HIGHLIGHTS Recent price increases for fresh meat and poultry don’t seem as extreme as other areas of the grocery store, but prices are much higher th...
Oct 19, 2022•23 min•Ep. 106
Sustainability-marketed products are driving outsized growth. They represent just 17% of CPG products but are driving a 32% share of market growth. Featured guest Randi Kronthal-Sacco, Sr. Research Scholar at NYU’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business, talks about IRI-NYU CSB research and shares additional opportunities for sustainable CPG success.
Sep 23, 2022•27 min•Ep. 105
Intersectionality acknowledges our personal experiences, from race and sexual orientation to where we live, our interests and our abilities. Gregory Curtis Jr., director of Emerging Media and Influencer Marketing at IRI, talks about the magic that happens when we put the customer at the center of marketing messages and how that works as the solid base for multicultural marketing success. Learn how to apply Greg’s six key elements in your next campaign.
Sep 06, 2022•36 min•Ep. 104
Consumers haven’t turned to private label as a cost savings measure in our current inflationary period to the degree they did during the Great Recession. IRI’s Mary Ellen Lynch, principal, Center Store Solutions, discusses where the private brand wins are occurring and strategies different retailers employ to connect with shoppers.
Aug 24, 2022•20 min•Ep. 103
Compared to other categories, beverage alcohol has been more insulated from inflationary pressures, so while value options will do well during periods of high inflation, consumers will still seek premium options. Scott Scanlon, executive vice president of IRI’s Beverage Alcohol Vertical, weighs in on headwinds and tailwinds for beverage alcohol and opportunities for growth, including better-for-you, RTD cocktails and the convergence of alcohol and non-alcohol.
Aug 15, 2022•31 min•Ep. 102
Look no further than the four Ps – price, promotions, positioning, pack architecture – plus innovation to fight back against inflation in the short and long term. Ray Florio, a partner in IRI’s Growth Consulting practice, shares strategies for profitable growth based on what the shopper values most amid current economic challenges.
Aug 11, 2022•42 min•Ep. 101
IRI’s Growth Insights C-Suite Conversations feature notable leaders talking about the future of CPG, retail and media. Our newest installment features Mark Smucker, CEO of The J.M. Smucker Co. He is the fifth-generation leader of the Orrville, Ohio-based Fortune 500 company. In this exclusive interview, Smucker speaks with IRI CEO (and Smucker board member) Kirk Perry. They discuss the company’s rich family history, Smucker’s teaching experience and how it shapes his leadership approach, and the...
Aug 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 100
With inflation increasing, consumers are spending more time finding deals and shopping across multiple stores to get what they want at the best prices. Jonna Parker, principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, and Sally Lyons Wyatt, IRI’s EVP and Practice Leader, Client Insights, share strategies to adapt and adopt to the products and solutions shoppers are looking for.
Jul 06, 2022•16 min•Ep. 99
Inflation is adding complexity to our relationship with fresh foods, but retailers, take note, people don't always run to the lowest-priced option. Sally Lyons Wyatt, IRI's EVP and Practice Leader, Client Insights, and Jonna Parker, principal of IRI's Fresh Center of Excellence, share innovative and effective strategies retailers and CPGs can employ to inspire consumers with real dollars and cents impact.
Jun 27, 2022•20 min•Ep. 98
Produce isn’t immune to inflation, but consumers are willing to pay higher prices for their go-to items and value-added produce that enable easy meal prep. Join IRI’s Bob Morales, principal and Produce Team Lead, and Kate Allmandinger, a consultant with IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, to learn what draws consumers to the produce department.
Jun 13, 2022•21 min•Ep. 97
While private label products were able to gain share during the Great Recession, they have yet to make notable gains against national brands in our current period of high inflation. Mary Ellen Lynch, principal, Center Store Solutions at IRI, discusses some strategies retailers should employ to build the value proposition of their private brand offerings.
May 25, 2022•20 min•Ep. 96
With inflation high, home meals and home entertaining are winning out over foodservice. Retailers are stepping up, showing a greater understanding of consumer needs and helping consumers create interesting at-home experiences. Jonna Parker, Principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence and Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics, share winning strategies and additional opportunities to win with consumers.
May 10, 2022•30 min•Ep. 95
IRI’s Growth Insights C-Suite Conversations feature notable leaders talking about the future of CPG, retail and media. Our newest installment features Tim Cofer, CEO of Central Garden & Pet, a Walnut Creek, Calif.-based leader in the garden and pet industries. In this exclusive interview, Cofer speaks with IRI’s KK Davey and Russ Dunham about his company and its growth during a pandemic that fueled a rise in pet adoptions and an increased interest in gardening. He also talks about the compan...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 94
The 2021 GEM® Lift Study, produced in partnership between IRI and the Association of National Advertisers’ SeeHer movement, reveals the positive sales lift when women see themselves accurately and positively portrayed in advertising. Jennifer Pelino, executive vice president of IRI’s Global Media Solutions, and Latha Sarathy, executive vice president of Analytics, Insights & Measurement at ANA/SeeHer, share how doing the right thing in advertising can boost the bottom line.
May 02, 2022•30 min•Ep. 93
Even with high inflation, meat sales remain strong. Still, the industry is taking steps to meet cash-strapped consumers at the meat case. From value cuts and value packs to promoting benefits beyond protein, Jonna Parker, principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, John Crowder, head of Beef Marketing at JBS, and Heather DeLuca, VP, Meat & Seafood, AWG, share strategies being employed to deliver in a category Americans indicate they’re committed to.
Apr 20, 2022•35 min•Ep. 92
Inflation is rising and shopper behavior is changing. Jonna Parker, principal of IRI's Fresh Center of Excellence, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, discuss how inflation is showing up in grocery retail and offer some insight into how younger consumers are working to save money. Hint: they aren't turning to paper circulars the way older shoppers do.
Apr 12, 2022•30 min•Ep. 91
Increasing mobility, product versatility, innovation and a balance of health and indulgence are all reflected in the dairy case. John Crawford, IRI’s vice president of Client Insights, Dairy, provides the current and future state of the dairy case and shares some product innovations worth watching.
Mar 29, 2022•38 min•Ep. 90
Despite regulatory hurdles, the cannabis market continues to grow, especially in the $45 billion U.S. market. BDSA’s chief commercial officer, Jessica Lukas, shares insights into growth opportunities for CPG manufacturers and retailers and why 2022 is the right time for investing in and developing cannabis-derived products.
Mar 17, 2022•31 min•Ep. 89
