A consumer survey from French bakery experts St. Pierre Bakery has revealed that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, American couples enjoy four food-based dates per month. Additionally, almost half (46 percent) believe that a first date should always include food, 30 percent are heading to food markets and 31 percent go to food festivals.

The survey also found that meal occasions have changed dramatically over the past 12 months, driving growth in the breakfast and brunch market. 45 percent of those surveyed believe that a date over breakfast or brunch would help keep the atmosphere casual, one in three (36 percent) actually prefer it to any other meal time for a date and 87 percent have opted for a breakfast or brunch date.

An increase in at-home cooking has created new opportunities for retailers. One in three US adults have signed up to a subscription box to keep their menu exciting, while 24 percent have taken advantage of restaurants that offer meal kit boxes.

“We are all aware of how popular food boxes and delivery services have become over the past few months. In fact, 46 percent of us enjoyed food together ‘virtually’ in some way over the past year, which goes to show how big a role food plays in our daily lives,” says Paul Baker, founder of St. Pierre Bakery. “It’s also key to recognize that 63 percent of Americans are spending more each week on their food shop now than pre-pandemic. But what’s even more interesting is what people are spending that money on.”