Marketing Spoonful

Apparently corporate jets are a bit extravagant for most of us these days, but we’re not willing to give up our cigarettes, alcohol and candy. An article in USA today last August predicted stocks in these industries would do well in the downturn.
Now, another article in the Wall Street Journal focusing on the chocolate market [...]

Tags: blog, Food, indulgence, Innovation, Marketing, recession

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (as if you haven’t heard) has dipped near 2005 levels. Meanwhile, many food stocks, such as Kellogg, Procter & Gamble and General Mills are holding their own. Conventional wisdom holds that money flees to “stable” industries, such as food in times of inflation, recession or stagflation.
At the same time, Coca-Cola [...]

Tags: alternatives, blog, business strategy, Coca-Cola, consumer spending, Food, fuel prices, General Mills, inflation, Kellogg, luxuries, Marketing, Procter & Gamble, recession, Strategy, substitutes

Comfort is king (or queen). And now more than ever, amid escalating costs, increased competition and greater incidence of consumer trade-offs.
In other words, brands and products that fit consumers to a tee will prosper when disposable income and time become more precious and economical choices more numerous. Our research shows that when consumer confidence wanes, [...]

Tags: Blue Bunny, brands, comfort food, Dean Foods, economic downturn, Edy's, Food, food marketing, Frito Lay, Haagen Dazs, Marketing, Rancher's Reserve, recession, Retailing

As the author of Fresh & Easy Buzz says in a recent article about Tesco Neighborhood Market, “value is in across all grocery formats and it’s not just a fad.”

Many experts are calling the current economic climate a “perfect storm” of inflation, government debt, reduced consumer spending, weak dollar and intense foreign competition. It’s enough [...]

Tags: aspirational, consumer spending, EDLP, Food, grocery, inflation, Marketing, niche, recession, Safeway, Target, Tesco, Wal-Mart, weak economy, Whole Foods

Wondering how gas prices are affecting dining habits in the US? Let’s take a look at stock performance in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector, compared with family casual/grill and bar.
McDonald’s stock has nearly doubled in price since this same week in 2005, going from $30.99 a share to $60.16 as of Wednesday’s close.
Interestingly, unleaded [...]

Tags: Applebee's, casual, Chili's, dining out, downturn, Family, fast food, IHOP, inflation, McDonald's, profit, QSR, recession