Baby Food, Liquor and the Economy

We Americans are an interesting bunch - especially once you focus in on our real priorities. According to some recent studies on the effect the down-turned economy is having on consumer purchasing behavior, we're willing to pull our spending away from brands for core staples such as eggs and baby formula, but when it comes to alcoholic beverages - we're steady as she goes. "Escalating prices have bred price sensitivity, driving declining demand across multiple categories, growth in private label, trial of lower-priced brands and accelerated channel migration" as reported by Information Resources . Furthermore the report found that "42% of consumers say they have given up favorite food brands because of rising prices and economic concerns." In comparison, The Neilson Company has issued data on the purchase of alcohol - and I'm proud to say we still know how to party. "More than 80% of consumers say they are spending the same amount or more on beer, wine and spirits compared with a year ago." Don't get me wrong. I'm not taking a moral stand. The numbers above actually mirror my own behavior. My wife and I have been buying more private label groceries, eating out less but still buying premium scotch . I'm an American.