Millennials are buying more frozen foods
Sales for the category have remained flat overall, but more millennials are looking to frozen for healthy, convenient food options that won't spoil quickly.
October 23, 2017
Forty-three percent of millennial shoppers said they have purchased more frozen foods this year than last year, according to a new report from Acosta.
The Jacksonville, Florida-based sales and marketing firm said millennials with children are leading the increase and are attracted by the convenience and health aspects of products in the frozen food section.
"Competition in the category is heating up as fast-paced millennials, who often take greater interest in the health benefits of food than older generations, look to frozen as a way to eat well in a convenient and hassle-free manner," said Colin Stewart, senior VP at Acosta.
Millennials see frozen foods most valuable as quick dinner solutions (89 percent), convenient breakfasts for kids (81 percent), side dishes (78 percent) and convenient lunches (72 percent).
The increase in purchases among millennials comes as the frozen food department has experienced a five-year compound annual growth rate of only 0.2 percent, according to the Acosta report, which cites data from Nielsen. Since 2013, unit sales in frozen have declined 6.7 percent, trips per year are down 5.3 percent and units per household are down 13 percent.
Dollar sales have basically been flat, with a 0.9 percent increase, buoyed by an 8.2 percent increase in average unit price.
The report noted that the four largest frozen food categories have all seen unit sales decline, including prepared foods, which accounted for 41.7 percent of the unit sales decline, and desserts, vegetables and pizza.
Among survey respondents who anticipate buying more frozen foods in the coming year, 41 percent cited convenience as the reason why, and 32 percent said they plan to purchase more frozen foods because they don’t spoil as quickly as fresh foods.
However, 68 percent of respondents said they feel fresh foods are healthier.
Acosta’s survey found that for shoppers purchasing more frozen foods this year, the following factors are most important in making purchasing decisions:
No antibiotics: 76 percent
Hormone free: 76 percent
All natural: 73 percent
Sustainable: 71 percent
Low sodium: 69 percent
"Retailers and brands should keep in mind that a majority of consumers are looking for quick and easy options, while continuing to search for products that provide variety and health benefits to their households,” said Stewart. “However, frozen foods are one of the few categories that are still more frequently purchased in store than online, so these items just might be the key to drawing shoppers from the perimeter into center store, as shoppers can check many items off their grocery lists at once.”
He suggested that retailers should ensure that the frozen section is easily navigable, and should keep endcap freezers stocked with teaser items to showcase products available in the freezer aisles.
Acosta’s Future of Frozen report was compiled via an online survey of the company’s custom shopper community panel.
This piece originally appeared on Supermarket News, a New Hope Network sister website. Visit the site for more grocery trends and insights.
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