Restaurants are increasingly relying on snacks to entice customers to purchase additional foods and beverages, according to Snack and Dessert Trends in the U.S. Foodservice Market by research publisher Packaged Facts. “Snack foods are the means through which foodservice players are boosting mid-morning and mid-afternoon sales and driving guest traffic,” says Don Montouri, publisher of Packaged Facts.
- Consumers between the ages of 18 and 24 spend the highest percentage of their income on snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by those from 25-34 and 35-44
- Snacks are popular not only because of their lower cost, but also because of their portability. According to the survey in the report, 60% of respondents snack on the go while in the car
- Individuals with incomes of $100,000 or more are most likely to snack on their way to planned activities—28% more likely than the average eater. Consumers 18-24 years of age are 27% more likely than average to snack on the go
- Packaged Facts estimates that snack and non-alcoholic beverage sales will reach $25.4 billion in 2010 and move up to $25.8 billion in 2011
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