The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the dessert industry in 2020. While isolated at home, anxious consumers sought out comfort and indulgence—which increased sales of chocolate candy, home-baking ingredients, and cartons of ice cream and frozen desserts.

International trade data can represent an accurate barometer of the state of the health of the global economy, even more so in the current extraordinary circumstances, that require up-to-date monitoring for companies involved in international business.

From revolutionizing animal product supply chains to providing a growing population with affordable and sustainable food, cellular agriculture can contribute significantly toward a more secure future. 

Before the pandemic, Becca Knoblock used to leave her house before 7 a.m. and white-knuckle her way through downtown Denver’s heavy I-25 traffic on her daily commute. Now that she works from home, she starts each day with a cup of coffee outside, where she takes a few minutes to tend her garden.

Many consumers are looking to reduce their consumption of meat and animal products as part of a “plant-based” diet. These consumers are not only driven by the desire to improve their own health, they are often leery of the industrial food system, concerned about animal welfare, and worried about the threat of climate change.

Sales of major beverage categories are expected to grow from $150 billion to more than $160 billion by the end of 2020, according to a new report titled U.S. Beverage Market Outlook 2020: Grocery Shopping & Personal Consumption in the Coronavirus Era by Packaged Facts, a leading market research firm and division of MarketResearch.com.

In recent years, the wellness industry has gained widespread popularity for promoting a broad array of products and services related to nutrition, fitness, sleep, yoga, natural remedies, meditation, and self-care.

Nearly 72% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But what percentage of overweight or obese adults are actively dieting? And what are the motivations driving this behavior? Do age groups differ in their dietary concerns?

The total U.S. weight loss market hit a new peak in 2019, growing to $78 billion. However, that growth came to a halt when the Coronavirus hit in March, shutting the doors of weight loss centers, doctors’ offices, clinics, and other businesses for 8-10 weeks. As a result, the value of the market is forecast to decline by 9% this year.