The majority of people are still eating at home and that is good news for both private label manufacturers and retailers, Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for NPD Group, told attendees at the Private Label Manufacturer Association’s PLMA Live breakfast Tuesday morning.

The majority of people are still eating at home and that is good news for both private label manufacturers and retailers, Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for NPD Group,    told attendees at the Private Label Manufacturer Association’s PLMA Live breakfast Tuesday morning.

In fact, 72 percent of meals are eaten at home, according to NPD Group’s Eating Trends survey

Balzer said NPD asked respondents to their survey what percentage of all things they consume are private label or store brand and it’s always been about 20 percent. However, around 2001-2002, that number started to increase and that’s why we know this is a trend that is going to last.

“This is not just an economic issue for the moment, it’s an economic issue for the long term,” says Balzer.

Another interesting fact that Balzer shared was the fastest-growing in home food and beverage categories based on percentage point change and those were:

1)    Yogurt
2)    Bars
3)    Chips
4)    Bottled water
5)    Nuts & seeds
6)    Pizza
7)    Fresh fruit
8)    Poultry sandwiches
9)    Specialty Italian
10)    Cheese