Rich Products said the top labor challenge for grocery retailers is retaining skilled labor.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, consumers have relied on e-commerce for making purchases, but that may be changing this holiday season.

While food manufacturing companies say they feel more prepared to deal with another pandemic, 45% say they still don’t feel very prepared, according to research conducted by AIB International.

The instore bakery has bounced back post-COVID, but it’s not the same department as pre-pandemic, said Marjorie Proctor, marketing and design specialist for Conyers, Ga.-based Dover Food Retail / Hillphoenix.

A combination of inflation, a labor shortage and supply chain issues have caused consumers to cut back on spending in recent months. However, consumers are still wanting good quality meals and demand remains strong in most convenience meat segments as shoppers continue to look for easy ways to create their favorite meals.  

“Health and wellness” has never been more important for Americans and for the suppliers of the foods they eat to help them meet their personal better-for-you goals.

During COVID, 30% of Americans made dietary changes they said they’d keep post-pandemic, according to FMI data. 

Millennials are thinking differently about their health than older generations, and the shift suggests some interesting potential opportunities for retailers, according to Barrington, Ill.-based consultancy Brick Meets Click.