CLEVELAND -- U.S. demand and shipments of potato chips, corn chips and other salty snacks are on the rise. Demand at the manufacturer level is expected to hit $28.3 billion in 2022, a more than $4 billion increase from 2017, according to a recent report from global market research firm Freedonia Group.
This surge will result from population growth and increasing disposable income levels, the report said. Specifically, Freedonia predicts sales of corn chips to outpace other salty snacks, driven by consumer demand for innovative product offerings and manufacturers' willingness to adapt to various preferences.
And consumers—especially older generations—are increasingly eating salty snacks. Eleven percent of consumers ages 35 and older said they’re consuming more salty snacks than they were two years ago, according to Technomic’s recent 2018 Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report, powered by Ignite. This marks the highest percentage for the age group for all flavor segments, which includes spicy, savory and sweet flavors.
Cleveland-based Freedonia Group offers research such as in-depth industry studies and focus reports. The company was founded in 1985. Chicago-based Technomic provides foodservice clients with research, insights and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results.
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