Eight months into the pandemic, the virus remains in firm control of how and where people spend their food dollar. Restaurant transactions had come within 10% of prior year levels. However, further restaurant comeback is hampered by the rising number of COVID-19 cases combined with restaurants’ outdoor seating capacity being challenged by colder temperatures in northern states. Combined with virtual schooling and working-from home, dollars at retail continued to pace well ahead of 2019 levels during the month of October, at +8.6% for total edibles (food and beverages, including fresh as well as alcohol, grocery and frozen).
Meat department sales during the week ending October 4 through November 1 increased 11.8% in dollars and 5.5% in volume versus year ago. While this is the lowest dollar gain for any month since March, the volume (pounds) gain of 5.5% is higher than gains in August and June, signaling a strong purchase rate.