In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the U.S. Gulf Coast on Monday, August 29 and left sheer devastation in its path, consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers are seeking opportunities to not only offer aid to victims of this tragedy, but also plan for future catastrophic events to ensure quick access to and adequate supplies of essential products.
This series is intended to provide the CPG industry with insights into consumer needs across product categories before and after such an event, so that this learning may be incorporated into disaster plans. In addition, government and non-profit organizations may leverage this information in education programs designed to help citizens prepare for natural and other disasters.
This first report focuses on purchase behavior across three affected areas in the week preceding the hurricane’s arrival: New Orleans, La./Mobile, Ala.; Birmingham/Montgomery, Ala; and Mississippi.