Food shopping at this time of year is influenced by a wide range of variables, including fuller social agendas, traditional preferences, the need for novelty items, gift-giving, and, more recently, cost-of-living pressures. With more to do, time pressures are greater, elevating the underlying demand for convenience and ease of preparation.
The major influences unpacked are:
- Fuller social agendas stemming from festive gatherings of families and friends, which typically call for more structured meals, often complemented by novelty food products. These occasions embody family connections, proud moments for their creators, and are often applauded with “set table” images shared on social media.
- The need to manage food over longer periods, as retail trading hours are reduced, placing greater strain on household capacity to store fresh foods.
- Food products as gifts, with the festive season transforming many food items into presents, resulting in increased purchases.
- Cost-of-living pressures, which will impact choices as some households gravitate towards larger pack sizes or trade down to lower-priced options.
- Limited time and more to do, leading more shoppers to embrace part-prepared product forms, which are typically higher-value items.
The sum impact is an increase in market value, peaking annually during this period. If you require our support in navigating these influences to your advantage, we are here to help. Contact us to organise a call to discuss your business needs or book a demonstration to better understand our full suite of services available to you.