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Courtesy of SeafoodSource.com:

Americans will consume more fresh foods — including fresh seafood — in the future, led by Millennials and Generation Z, according to a new report.

Already, consumption of fresh foods grew by 20 percent from 2003 through 2013, according to the NPD report, “The Future of Eating: Who’s Eating What in 2018.” Through 2018, Generation Z (those born in the mid 1990s to early 2000s) is expected to eat 10 percent more fresh foods, while Millennials (those born early 1980s to early 2000s) will eat 8 percent more fresh items and Generation X (those born early 1960s to early 1980s) will eat 2 percent more.

“Millennials are at a life stage when, historically, people go out to restaurants the most, but it looks as though these really tough economic times sent them back into the home to get more affordable food options,” Darren Seifer, NPD’s food and beverage industry analyst, told SeafoodSource. “However, it’s not like they don’t want the freshness and convenience that restaurants provided them, so they are getting used to using their kitchens sooner than expected.”

By 2018, consumers will be eating center-of-the-plate proteins 12 percent more than in 2013, which only bodes well for seafood suppliers and retailers. Through 2018, NPD predicts that consumers will eat 5 percent more fresh foods at dinner, 7 percent more for lunch and 9 percent more at breakfast.

And given the high cost of beef over the past year, Americans are looking for more alternative proteins, especially at dinner. “As beef is showing some weakness, it presents an opportunity for marketers of seafood. How can they fit into what people are looking for: a good, affordable tasty dinner?” Seifer said.

The key is providing meal solutions that will help consumers — especially younger generations — prepare their meals quickly, Seifer said. “Consumers are trying to be more involved with their food prep, but not to the point where they have to spend 30 more minutes in their kitchen. They are looking for ways to prepare items in a reasonable amount of time.”