Almost every day, it seems, we hear something on the news about the eating habits of U.S. adults and children. For instance, you may hear a piece saying kids under six years of age snack mostly on fruit, and dieting may be on the wane. But how do we know this? Where does such information come from? The NPD Group is one source. A leading global marketing researcher, the NPD Group was founded in 1967 and now provides research information and expertise in more industries, national and global, than any other research firm. Using tools such as customer panels, retail sales tracking, and customized research projects, the company works with clients in the automotive, beauty, technology, entertainment, fashion, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless industries. It is also expert in the food service and food and beverage industries. The NPD Group helps more than 1,600 clients identify new markets, develop new products and marketing strategies, analyze pricing strategies, find out what's selling and where across the retail network, and understand consumer buying decisions and satisfaction. The result for clients is a deeper, broader view of the market, and often an increased share of the market as well.

1. Snacking behavior tends to turn into lifelong eating choices. What implications do you think the NPD Group's findings about childhood snacking patterns and the drop-off in dieting might suggest for food manufacturers? For farmers? For schools, employers, and government agencies?
2. Which of NPD Group's data-collecting methods do you think would yield the most accurate information about consumers' food purchases? Why?