partly by persuading users to trade up to premium plans bundled with streaming-media subscriptions or other perks like low-cost iPhones.
Both companies reiterated their confidence. Nestlé said its coffee category is its biggest contributor to growth, with its Nescafé, Nespresso and Starbucks brands all growing. P&G said investments the company has made over the years into higher-quality products with new features—such as new razorblades and handles and softer toilet paper—will keep consumers paying higher prices even if household budgets tighten.
“As some of the stimulus fades and people start paying their rents, pricing is going to be more of an issue,” said Nik Modi, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets. “I don’t see what else we can do besides just paying it,” said Lawrence Tam, 43 years old, of Houston. He said he became alarmed by an increase in meat prices; the cost of bacon has doubled recently at his local grocery store. But Mr. Tam, who runs a ketogenic diet group, said that while he has begun seeking out discounted meat, he and his wife aren’t likely to make major changes on other household items.
the richer keep getting richer.