CivicScience continually tracks current and anticipated consumer trends. Here are three key insights marketers should know this week. All insights are derived from the CivicScience Social | Political | Economic | Cultural (SPEC) Report, a weekly report available to clients covering the latest news and insights. Get in touch to learn more.
1. Nearly one-quarter believe former President Trump’s latest indictment ‘greatly’ increases his chance of securing the Republican presidential nomination.
Former President Trump was indicted on federal charges last week, marking the third criminal case brought against the former president this year. The most recent indictment alleges that he attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and fomented the January 6 riots at the Capitol.
Compared to previous data following earlier indictments, more Americans believe the new charges will not impact Trump’s chances of winning the Republican primary – up by seven percentage points since June to 28% (excluding ‘I’m not sure’). Roughly one-quarter believe his chances of winning the Republican nomination are ‘greatly’ increased following the latest indictment – even as nearly half of those with an opinion on the matter think he’s guilty of most or all of the 78 charges he faces.
2. Cat and dog owners take different approaches to connect with their furry companions while away.
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are more than 80 million pet dogs and 60 million pet cats in the United States and according to recent CivicScience polling, about 70% of U.S. adults say they have at least one pet. Sixty-three percent of pet owners have a dog, and 45% have a cat. As summer travel season continues, many pet owners have turned to technology to connect with their pets while they are away from home.
The preferences in technology to connect with their pets while away differs between cat and dog owners. Cat owners, for instance, exhibit a higher tendency to utilize video calls, pet cameras, and treat dispensers, while their canine-loving counterparts prefer interactive toys controlled via smartphone apps. Moreover, dog owners are eight percentage points more likely than cat owners to bring their pets along with them while they travel. In some cases, pet owners are now looking to private jets to ensure their furry companions can accompany them during their trips.
For those times when they couldn’t bring their furry family members along, roughly 1-in-5 dog/cat owners say they have used boutique or high-end pet-sitting services while traveling in the past year.
3. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans eat rice at least once a month – amid India’s bans on certain rice exports.
India – which accounts for more than 40% of the global rice trade – announced a ban on all non-basmati white rice exports last month. The move has sparked concerns about the potential for higher global prices, especially amid the backdrop of global inflation. Additionally, the decision has raised anxieties about increased food insecurity, further compounding the challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide.
While the ban is expected to only affect about 2.5% of U.S. rice imports, according to CivicScience data, rice plays a significant role in American diets. Nearly 70% of U.S. adults eat rice as part of a meal at least once per month. Young adults lead the way with 14% of Gen Z adults saying they eat rice every day, compared to just 2% of Baby Boomers. Men are seven points more likely than women to eat rice at least weekly.
Sriracha, a popular pepper based condiment, often used for rice or stir fry dishes, remains scarce due to ongoing production issues at Huy Fong Foods, the leading brand in the market. More than 2-in-5 Americans are impacted as 42% of U.S. adults say they include sriracha in their meals at least a few times each year. Like rice, sriracha is especially popular among younger Americans. Seventeen percent of Millennials and 23% of Gen Z adults say they put sriracha sauce on a meal at least once a week.
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