It comes as no surprise grocery proces have taken steep climbs in recent years.
New data from USDA shows just how much disposable income consumers are spending to put food on the table.
They found that in 2023, U.S. consumers spent around 11 percent of their disposable income on food, and that is right in line with spending levels in 2022.
“Food at home” purchases fell a couple of points during 2023, with “food away from home” jumping nearly half a percent.
They place the rise on more disposable income, with consumers starting to return to outside the home eateries.
Related Stories
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
New Resource Makes It Easier for People to Access Data on Rural Development funded Projects in Rural Communities
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.