Harry Balzer NPD Vice President

NPD Foodworld’s Top Food Industry Surprises of 2004

 

The element of surprise cannot be under-rated in love or in war – or in the food industry. In the food business, as in other industries, examining the areas that run counter to popular perception and raise eyebrows can be the first step in identifying business opportunities and existing niches that have not been fully mined for potential riches.

 

With this in mind, NPD Insights spoke with NPD Foodworld’s Harry Balzer to get the low-down on surprises he’s uncovered in the latest Eating Patterns in America study.

Excitement surrounding Spain’s Epiphany Day, January 6, fuels a significant segment of annual sales of traditional toys in Spain. NPD’s Spanish Consumer Panel information shows that during the heavy seasonal purchase period from November through the first week of January, more than 74% of traditional toys sales are oriented toward Epiphany Day. Purchasing for Christmas, by comparison, accounts for just 20% of sales during that seasonal period.

Follow-Up Report from The NPD Group Uncovers the Latest Trends in Home Networking

Consumers who have installed a home network to link PCs, audio systems and televisions are most interested in using the technology to share photos and music, according to a new survey conducted by The NPD Group. "The Digital Home Network" also reports that over the past year, the number of home network users increased 20 percent, from 28 percent to 34 percent of the population with PCs.

 

Decline of Tech Product Prices Accelerates Moving Into Holiday Buying Season

The average selling price of technology products was down during the month of October, according to the latest NPD Consumer Electronics Price Watch, a monthly pricing monitor from The NPD Group that provides a top-line look into the pricing of technology products being sold in the U.S.

 

Fast Casual Restaurants Are Changing the Face of the Traditional Fast Food Industry

The fast food industry has opened its doors to the Fast Casual concept. After watching the Fast Casual segment continue to grow, traditional fast food restaurants are taking notice and making changes.

 

“With greater economies of scale and a wide-ranging network, the fast food industry has begun defending its own business by pushing out more premium products, like salads and premium sandwiches, that directly compete with the fast casual offerings,” said Michele Schmal, vice president of product management for NPD Foodworld

NPD Insights ®  is a newsletter of The NPD Group, Inc. NPD Insights presents vital information on key market trends and features the NPD services, which help our clients understand, anticipate and capitalize on these trends to build their businesses.