Some 31% of men nationwide were the primary household grocery shoppers in 2011, up from 14% in 1985, according to consumer-research firm GfK MRI and an ESPN report. Manufacturers are taking notice, attempting to market products and adjust store layouts to cater to men. (Chicago Tribune)
Weis Markets updated its loyalty card program to reward its highest-spending shoppers. The Weis Gold Card provides personalized offers, available to the 20% of shoppers who spend at least $67 a week. (Supermarket News)
On Jan. 2, McDonald’s launched a multichannel campaign to give consumers more information about where the origin of their food. The campaign focuses on four farmers who produce meat, potatoes and lettuce used in some of the chain's restaurants. (Advertising Age)
USDA estimates that the 2011 U.S. per capita beef consumption declined 13% from 10 years ago and about 25 percent from 1980. In 2012, USDA predicts, Americans will eat 54.1 lbs of beef on average. The beef industry is coping by developing new, lower-priced cuts. (International Business Times)
The National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot in 2012” survey named locally sourced meats and seafood as the top trend to expect this year. The study surveyed nearly 1,800 chefs across all categories. In the center of the plate category, “newly fabricated cuts of meats” were named as the third hottest trend. (National Restaurant Association)
Wegmans announced a freeze on prices, effective January 8 through April 28, for a list of more than 50 of its private label products, 223 SKUs in all. This move follows the expiration of a list of 40 items, which cost the company $8 million. (Wegmans)