Despite inflation-induced food shopping concerns, average weekly household grocery spending is sitting at $148, down from the $161 peak at the height of the COVID pandemic, according to The Food Industry Association’s U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2022 report.
The Holiday Shopping report explores the sentiments and behaviors of consumers as they head into the holiday season. Research found that the typical holiday stress is exacerbated by inflationary concerns: 62 percent of shoppers indicated that their grocery costs have increased year-over-year, and 45 percent reported being more concerned about rising meal prices than other holiday expenses.
Shoppers are finding budget-friendly solutions to this problem, with 71 percent adjusting their holiday meal shopping. They are managing their grocery bills by:
• Looking for deals (28 percent)
• Choosing store brands (21 percent)
• Enjoying more homecooked meals (20 percent)
• Making fewer dishes overall (17 percent)
• Substituting more affordable options (17 percent)
• Encouraging guests to bring dishes (17 percent)
• Spending less in other categories to provide holiday meals (17 percent)
“Food is the centerpiece for so many of our holiday gatherings. Despite inflationary pressures, consumers are determined to enjoy the festivities this year as they normally do,” said Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, in a statement. “The food industry is working tirelessly to keep costs down and to ensure that our timeless traditions can continue during this holiday season.”
Shortages, the staple concern of the pandemic in the grocery sector, are becoming less of a worry as retailers make progress on improving the supply chain. Only 27 percent of consumers report a high concern about holiday meal food items being in stock.
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