1204 ET - Tariffs are weighing on consumer sentiment, even if there's yet to be any direct impact, says Flowers Foods CEO Ryals McMullian. "That pressure, combined with widening price gaps, has driven more consumers to choose eating at home," he adds on an earnings call. "Any tangible inflationary impact from tariffs could further this move." McMullian notes that within stores, consumers are allocating more of their budget to items including proteins, produce and dairy and away from ones like bakery, alcohol and snacks. "Looking closer at the bread category, it remains bifurcated with relative strength and premium and private label products, while the middle price portion of the category is weak," McMullian says. (denny.jacob@wsj.com; @pennedbyden)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 16, 2025 12:05 ET (16:05 GMT)

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