YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Consumer food spending habits climb away from home

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tracks the food spending habits of Americans. It’s part of USDA’s Food Expenditure Series. 

The latest numbers show consumer spending preferences are changing.

Spending away from home surpassed food at home spending by over $300 million last year. That’s the largest gap ever.

The two biggest drivers in away from home food spending are full-service restaurants and quick service restaurants. Each account for about 34% of the total.

Grocery stores continue to capture the largest market share of what people are purchasing to eat at home. But that percentage has declined significantly.

In 1999, grocery stores accounted for 72% of all at home expenditures. Last year, that number dropped to 50%. Much of the decline was because of the growth of warehouse clubs, supercenters and home delivery.

It's important for Texas farmers and ranchers to be aware of food spending habits. Any change in spending preference influences how their products are ultimately sold.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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