More shoppers are turning to retail foodservice, according to the latest The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report. Department, dollar and unit performance all increased for prepared foods and deli foodservice over the last year.

But there’s still a gap between what shoppers are looking for and what they find. Half of shoppers report that their store’s prepared food is only somewhat appetizing at best.

Smart food retailers use these merchandising pro tips to bridge the gap and show shoppers the quality and value they’re looking for—increasing basket ring in the process.

Freshness Is the Foundation.

“Ensure the quality and freshness of the food.”

That’s the advice real shoppers gave food retailers for elevating their foodservice offerings in the Power of Foodservice report. Quality and freshness are the foundation for enticing merchandising, and refrigeration plays a huge role.

The right refrigerated display case keeps your product at the correct temperature and looks great doing it, creating the perfect basis for merchandising displays that grab shoppers’ attention. Not only does maintaining proper temperatures reduce spoilage, it keeps food looking fresh and appetizing. It’s an easy win for food retailers looking to expand market share and deliver the quality shoppers are seeking.

For a beautiful, reliable refrigerated case that highlights your fresh prepared products, Hillphoenix has a range of options to choose from. Check out the SMD-R Deli Multi-Deck, GMD-R Multi-Deck Service or BMD-R Deli Multi-Deck Refrigerated Display Case. Each has the same volume of merchandising space with a different look and feel, so you can find the ideal refrigeration solution that matches your store’s look and feel.

Keep It Clean.

If your deli displays and food bar offerings aren’t kept clean, your shoppers will notice. Fingerprints on the front glass, spills on the countertop or beaten-up display cases can undermine even the best merchandising strategies.

On the other hand, clean displays with fresh-looking product signal to shoppers that they can trust your store to deliver on the quality and convenience they are looking for. Clean cases signal to shoppers that your store takes food safety seriously, especially in foodservice areas. Make sure your cases aren’t damaged and your team is regularly inspecting and cleaning deli display cases and food bars. Hot and cold food bars alike are prone to spills, so keeping them clean is essential. Our MBI All-Metal Island Food Bar sets the perfect stage for clean, enticing foodservice.

Showcase Your Options.

Find creative ways to highlight the variety of prepared items your store offers. Cross-merchandising can help here—think sauces that pair with grab-and-go sandwiches, exotic mix-ins for salads or building a display with several prepared items to make a complete meal.

Revisit your planogram regularly to highlight variety. Use seasonal or trendy products to grab attention. Once shoppers are drawn in, they may be encouraged to explore your deli mainstays that will keep them coming back year-round.

When it comes to elevating your store’s foodservice reputation, fresh food and clean displays are essential. Add dynamic, eye-catching merchandising displays that highlight the variety of prepared offerings in your store, and your store is positioned for foodservice success. Remember, Merchandising Matters!

About the Research

These are just a few of the insights uncovered in FMI’s The Power of Foodservice at Retail Report, sponsored by Hillphoenix. The report contains data and analysis based on real shopper feedback, offering an in-depth look at foodservice at retail through the shopper’s eye.

Learn more and purchase the report here.