OTTAWA, CANADA -- As the world continues adapting to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians’ eating and drinking habits also continue to shift. One example is the increase in daily snacking since early 2020. A recent marketing survey found that 42 percent of Canadians consider snacking a “lifeline” and that number climbed to almost 60 percent among Millennials and Gen Z (those born after 1981). Snacking is also seen by many as a way of overcoming solitude, and two-thirds of survey respondents identified snacking as a highlight of their day, including nearly three-quarters of parents working from home.
Marketing research firm BrandSpark International conducted a survey earlier this year and found only 5 percent of Canadians currently consider rice a snack, however 27 percent of Canadians view rice as “convenient to eat on the go.” This information points to an opportunity for USA Rice to showcase the many snack recipes that incorporate rice, a versatile ingredient typically available in consumers’ pantries.
"To help Canadians power through their days, USA Rice has been promoting various snack suggestions with U.S.-grown rice as an integral ingredient into our Canadian social media campaigns," said Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice director of international promotion in the Western Hemisphere. "For example, a
Southwest Salsa Bite recipe for on-the-go snacking gained the highest engagement on USA Rice Canada’s Instagram page for the month of June. Other snacks, including
Frittata Bites and
USA Rice Croutons, have also been shared across USA Rice Canada’s social media platforms to promote smart and simple snacking for any cooking level or occasion."
The new USA Rice focus on promoting snack-related recipes is supported by research and market findings that show, after over a year of staying home and cooking more frequently, Canadians are re-evaluating their food and nutrition choices, including when and how they consume food.
"As new trends shape the overall food industry across not only Canada but worldwide, USA Rice continues to develop promotional activities aligned with the needs and preferences of our target audiences," said Grigsby.
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here to view all USA Rice Canada Instagram posts.