Americans rank fresh fruit as their top snack, according to a new study from The NPD Group. Chocolate was a close second, followed by potato chips. –Progressive Grocer
After years of cutting back, consumers are loosening their purse strings on luxury spending. In China, high-end purchases are expected to grow twice as fast in 2013 as the overall retail trade. U.S. consumers are going for smaller luxuries, like daily cups of gourmet coffee and designer handbags. –Gourmet Retailer and The Economist
Shoppers are getting serious about their quest for local food. A recent survey by A.T. Kearney showed 70 percent would pay more for local products and 30 percent would switch stores if their favorite supermarket didn’t carry local items. –Supermarket News