According to Mintel Menu Insights, quality menus are in the sights of the restaurant industry following a year of $5 menus, gourmet meals for paupers' prices, and buy one get one restaurant specials. The restaurant industry will focus on high quality food and ingredients to lure in diners, says the report. Maria Caranfa, Registered Dietitian and senior analyst for Mintel Menu Insights, says "Restaurants are redefining 'value' on the menu, moving away from the cost-savings that were so important earlier this year to incorporate high quality ingredients, classic flavor combinations and authentic, old-fashioned preparations.

According to new research from The Boston Consulting Group, consumers are willing to spend small monthly sums to receive news on their personal computers and mobile devices. In a survey of 5,000 individuals conducted in nine countries, BCG found that the average monthly amount that consumers would be prepared to pay ranges from $3 in the United States and Australia to $7 in Italy. John Rose, a BCG senior partner, said "... contrary to conventional wisdom, consumers are willing to pay for meaningful content... (but) they are not willing to pay much...

According to a new poll from the Chief Marketing Officer Council, 64% of consumers say promotional offers dominate both the email and traditional mail they receive, and only 41% view these as must-read communications. Of the 91% of consumers who opt out or unsubscribe to emails, 46% are driven to brand defection because the messages are simply not relevant.