As online grocery sales surge — even for products in the fresh perimeter that consumers have traditionally preferred buying instore — it’s more important than ever for retailers to find ways of bringing people back to brick-and-mortar stores and keeping them there.
For Carlisle, Pa.-based retail chain GIANT, seasonal promotions play a key role in helping to create differentiation and setting the stage for “theater presentation” within and across the store, said Ted Williams, GIANT’s director of nonfoods.
Throughout the 2022 baseball season, Blue Springs, Mo.-based Zarda Bar-B-Q & Catering Co. supplied Hy-Vee Market Grilles with a limited reserve sandwich called the ‘Big Dozier’ in partnership with Kansas City Royals player Hunter Dozier.
Oakwood, Ga.-based Wayne-Sanderson Farms reports similar strong demand for its grocery sous vide products, said Beau Batchelor, the shipper’s corporate research chef for product development.
Sterling, Va.-based sous vide category leader Cuisine Solutions Inc. has received a $250 million investment from Bain Capital to accelerate its growth and global expansion.
Even in inflationary times, commissaries, supermarkets and other places where food is made or sold are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies to help them streamline operations, improve the customer experience, reduce waste and give their bottom lines a boost.
A renewed focus on sanitary design and cleanability, especially for allergens, is among the dominant trends in the design and construction of commissaries, central kitchens and other food production facilities.
Plant-based foods, increased interest in sustainable foods and practices, and the return of popular classics highlight potential new trends in 2023, according to a new report from Whole Foods Market. The report is created by the retailer’s Trends Council of food industry experts.
On Oct. 5, The Fresh Market launched a fundraiser to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The supermarket retailer has promised to match up to $100,000 in roundup donations to provide fresh meals to those who have been impacted by the hurricane.
Gen Z consumers are less likely to view brands positively compared to other age groups, according to research from the market researcher Morning Consult.