From breakfast to dessert, fresh berries popularity continues to grow. But, is there emotional satisfaction to eating berries?
Fresh berries are some of the most popular fruits. Young, old and everyone in between have enjoyed some type of berry. Berries popularity continues to grow year after year. Is that popularity due to an emotional satisfaction to eating berries?
According to Driscoll’s, a leading berry manufacturer,”national retail sales for all fresh berries continuing to grow at 7.6 percent. This increase leads all produce categories. From big juicy strawberries to tart blackberries, the berry market is strong all over the United States.
But, why do consumers love to eat berries? Driscoll’s polled consumers for their purchasing habits. Studies found that people found eating berries satisfying and fun. When a food creates an emotional connection, people will choose it over and over. Eating the food can recreate the memory, bring a smile or make a day brighter. Why wouldn’t people gravitate to food that bring happiness?
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 06: Chef David Burke’s strawberry dessert is seen during Day 2 of the New York Culinary Experience 2014 presented by New York Magazine and the International Culinary Center on April 6, 2014 at the International Culinary Center in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The New York Culinary Experience)
Thinking about how people eat berries, this statement makes sense. Biting into a big, juicy strawberry is satisfying and delicious. Even though it could be a mess down your chin, you keep going back to the bowl. The smile on your face is all the gratification needed.
Or, maybe blueberries bring you back to childhood. Sunday mornings with grandma making blueberry pancakes could have been a family tradition. Continuing that blueberry pancake tradition with your children brings back the memories with grandma. The kitchen and table are more than just a place to eat. They become a place to share stories and maybe create more memories.
From holiday parties to summer gatherings, fresh berries are usually somewhere on the food table. From the fruit bowl to the dessert table, berries are a common theme. Take a quick look at Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram and berries are everywhere. At the next party or gathering, look to see which fruit is eaten first. The empty berry bowl proves the berries popularity.
Since many people have an emotional connection to berries, fresh berries popularity will continue to grow. Don’t feel bad for the cantaloupe or the kumquat. Every fruit will have its day. But, berries bring a happiness with each bite.