Shopper sentiment surged in Q1 2015 amid optimism over the labor market, job stability, personal finances and gas prices, according to the latest IRI MarketPulse™ survey. While a Q1 jump has occurred for several consecutive years now, this year’s spike marks the largest jump in IRI’s Shopper Sentiment Index™ since it was launched in 2011.

“Consumers tend to start each new year with a modicum of optimism,” notes Susan Viamari, editor of Thought Leadership, IRI. “The fact that this year’s Shopper Sentiment Index spike is so substantial, and that the increase spans all age groups and all of the measures that comprise the index, is cause for optimism among CPG marketers.”