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Best Practices for Dairy Case Merchandising

July 25, 2017

It all begins at the farm. Quality dairy products come from happy, healthy animals and plant-based products whose milk has been safely processed to ensure a flavorful, fresh consumer experience. However, we can’t put all the responsibility on the farm or the processor. To keep shoppers coming back week after week for fresh, flavorful dairy products, follow these display case best practices. Temperature – From the moment a dairy product hits the grocery store dock, it is critical to keep the product cold. As soon as dairy products are removed from the walk-in cooler they should be put into a refrigerated

C-Stores Gaining Traction Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

August 11, 2020

C-stores are seeing a rise in consumer spending in recent months due to reasons like proximity, convenience and safety. However, as consumers’ buying behavior changes, they are also demanding for more available products – not just shelf stable items – indicating a wave of opportunities coming for the channel. Consumer Rise in Spending and Demand Convenience stores’ total spending boosted by 3.2% in the month of May. One reason for this increase in spending is proximity. Consumers continue shopping closer to home and are trying to avoid large crowds in big food-retailers like supermarkets to eliminate the risk of exposure

Don’t Overthink Merchandising Behind Refrigerator Doors

January 12, 2016

Does merchandising behind closed doors stress you out? Margie Proctor, Hillphoenix marketing & design specialist, offers some tips for merchandising glass-front cases.

Execute Menu Trends with Smart Space Design

October 5, 2018

When you hear about the latest food trends, one message will be clear to you — it’s time to step out of the standard sandwich, pizza, and sushi comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Don’t let your inspiration to play with new flavors or try new trends go to waste. Instead, learn how to design your retail space for trends while maintaining flexibility to consider other options in the future. Think about developing menu options based on food trends. Select equipment which would allow you to create a venue that will draw in shoppers. As you ponder upcoming trends, it’s

Factors Affecting Food Integrity in Retail Stores

August 27, 2021

The condition of food products from farm-to-table must maintain the required levels of quality to achieve food integrity. According to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) UK, food integrity is “the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished or in perfect condition.” Though food integrity is famously attached to food safety, it is more than that, especially in the food retail industry. For customers, food integrity relates to their subjective opinion driven by their usage of four senses—sight, taste, touch, and smell. Likewise, from food processing to merchandising food products in retail stores, retailers also play a

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Your Next Display Case

August 19, 2022

When customers enter your food retail store, one of the first things they notice is your products showcased in your display cases. Well-merchandised display cases in store aisles and food departments easily catch customers’ attention while they browse through their grocery lists. In other words, display cases play an active role in properly promoting your product in-store and are a key factor in improving store traffic and sales. When choosing your next display case, it is important to consider factors that suit your needs and align with your merchandising goals to maximize your return on investment. Here are some of

Food Safety: Kryptonite or Superpower?

September 10, 2018

No one likes to think about shoppers falling ill after buying something from or visiting your store. But the threat is real and needs to be addressed with education and proper protocols. Food safety should be top-of-mind for any store owner or manager. Start your education by joining ServSafe Certified Trainer, Michael Williams, for his talk about foodborne illness prevention. Knowledge of basic food safety, the importance of employee personal hygiene, and what types of pathogens and toxins your store is exposed to can go a long way in avoiding the spread of illness. Acknowledging the trickiest areas of your

Four Reasons Why Self-contained Cases Are Great for Any Store Format

January 18, 2023

Finding the right display case is crucial for any food retail store, especially since display cases are essential for most merchandising strategies. Refrigerated display cases maintain product integrity, provide easy product access to customers, and enhance the overall customer shopping experience; that’s why choosing the suitable merchandiser tool is essential for any store operations. Aside from the conventional remote refrigerated display cases, self-contained cases are becoming well-liked by a lot of food retailers for various reasons. Here are four features of self-contained cases that make them a great choice for any store format: Convenient Self-contained display cases are integrated refrigeration

Grab-and-Go Packaging – Convenience is King

March 8, 2019

As busy lives get busier, more consumers are moving away from traditional meal times and toward unscheduled snacking that can occur at any time of day. They’re increasingly interested in snacks with the same high level of quality and freshness they expect from other prepared foods, and that creates opportunities for retailers. Fresh packaged snacks are a space where restaurants and convenience stores can’t easily compete. A snack program can be expanded with limited space, and repackaging existing food offerings in snack portions can build on your existing processes. Value can be added to simple snacks using fresh ingredients or

Here’s How Grocers Can Gear Up for the Upcoming Holiday Season

November 12, 2021

The next few remaining months of the year signal the start of the busy and exciting days ahead, especially for food retailers. This coming holiday season, consumers are eager and excited to celebrate with their loved ones as restrictions are beginning to ease and more people are getting comfortable adapting and living with the pandemic lifestyle. Since consumers were not able to gather for the fall and winter celebrations last year, it is expected that there will be an increase in consumer spending for the holiday season this year. Twenty-nine percent of US consumers are planning to spend more on

Home Cooking and Shopping Trends to Lookout for in 2021

March 5, 2021

The global pandemic unexpectedly paved the way for families and households to get creative in the kitchen and continue to cook more meals at home. With the average American household spending $8 to $10 per meal at home, it is expected that home-cooked meals will boost grocery sales in 2021. Several shifts have happened in the past few months and consumers’ preference in buying and preparing foods are no exception. What has changed and what has stayed the same? Here are some of the home cooking trends in the food retail industry for 2021: Everything Fresh From fresh seafood to

How Food Retailers Could Meet the Seafood Demand

November 13, 2020

Meal preparation and convenience have taken center stage with technology during the Coronavirus pandemic. And, since convenience and safety are in consumers’ minds for all the obvious reasons, fresh, frozen, and easy-to-prepare meals are topping sales charts. Seafood sales, both fresh and frozen, are seeing double-digit growth in 2020 and the growth is expected to continue. For food retailers, this is an opportune time to hit sales targets and capitalize on the trend as grocery stores have a great advantage and are picking up some of the restaurants’ losses. Here are some of the ways how food retailers could meet

How Retailers Can Take Advantage of the Surge in Demand for Alcoholic Beverages

February 19, 2021

The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption and change in the consumers’ minds and behaviors in the food retail industry. One prevalent trend that has sprung throughout the coronavirus pandemic is the surge in demand for alcoholic beverages. Though the increase in alcohol sales was unexpected by some retailers, consumers are clearing out shelves buying beer, wine, and spirits throughout the lockdown period. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside bars and restaurants increased about 24% during the pandemic. Several factors have come into play supporting an increase in demand for alcoholic drinks, including a shift in

How to Achieve Optimum Energy Efficiency in Your Food Retail Stores

June 22, 2021

Energy management is essential when operating a retail store. Reducing energy cost and achieving optimal energy efficiency are priorities that retailers strive for especially in the food retail sector, where storing and processing food products entail using a lot of power. In the US, grocery stores consume an average electrical power of 52.5 kWh per square foot per year, with refrigeration and lighting accounting for up to 65% of the total use. At a time when the budget is most important, here are some of the ways that food retailers can achieve optimum energy efficiency and reduce daily energy usage:

Inside CO₂ vs HFC — The Differences At A Glance

May 10, 2023

Today, regulations are driving retailers to transition from HFC (synthetic) refrigerants to Low GWP refrigerant systems. Yet, for many, the decision to switch is clouded by many questions about the hidden differences between the two and how a low GWP system (e.g. CO2) may impact store design and product application, among other considerations. This document contains answers and information critical to helping retailers understand the refrigerant nuances and make more informed transitions away from synthetic HFCs and toward natural refrigeration systems. What is possible with one system may not apply or even be possible with the other. What can be

Lighting Affects Consumer Perception of Vacuum-Packaged Meats

July 10, 2017

In late 2016, Hillphoenix and Sealed Air co-sponsored a study that compared consumer assessments of its new proprietary Clearvoyant® LED lighting technology to existing “cool” and “warm” levels of fluorescent lighting. This research supports efforts to encourage the adoption of vacuum packaging for fresh proteins. As a percentage of packages in the refrigerated meat case, vacuum packaging grew from 10% in 2002 to 24% in 2015 as PVC packing decreased from 51% to 33%. For retailers, the benefits include extended shelf life, less handling within the store, less shrink, and more time for employees to help shoppers and keep cases

Location! Location! Location!

August 13, 2018

How often have you heard the saying, “the market value of your home is primarily the result of three things — Location … Location … Location!”. Well, as it turns out, the very same statement can be made when it comes to the role that relative humidity plays in determining the best way to store and display fresh meat, poultry, and seafood in refrigerated service display cases. A recent research work, fully accepted and published in the journal Food Control, has verified that fact. The study compared four different refrigerated service display case technologies, each utilizing either convective, conductive, or

Market Trends – HIGH-VOLTAGE CAKE DESIGN – Choosing a Display to Make It Shine

December 13, 2018

The opportunities to share images offered by social media sites and apps like Snapchat, Pinterest, and Facebook create an insatiable demand for new content, and one consistent object of users’ interest is expected to attract even more attention this year — cakes. New decorations and designs will incorporate influences from both modern technology and 80s nostalgia. The holidays are a time of the year where inspiration is most sought after. “If you look at platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, one of the most popular categories of ‘pins’ is cakes,” says Tom Vierhile, innovation insights director at research firm Canadean, which

Merchandising Tips for Refrigerated Display Cases During Covid

Merchandising Tips for Food Retail Amid COVID-19

June 19, 2020

The beginning of 2020 has been an eventful one, to say the least. The world has been turned upside down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and grocery stores have been designated as essential businesses supplying the necessary resources to feed and provide for their customers. As a result, businesses are also needing to rethink their store layout and merchandising strategy. Supermarkets need to shift the dynamic of the way they have always done business. They are now reimagining their merchandising strategy, and how they can effectively use their existing equipment to accommodate the needs of today and offer

Milk Flavor Profile Influenced by Retail Lighting and Packaging

July 20, 2017

If you’ve ever tasted fresh milk with its creamy, slightly sweet flavor, you know how delicious good milk can be. You probably also noted the brand and the grocery store from which it came. Likewise, you may have experienced milk that tasted off or gone bad — perhaps with hints of burnt, plastic or cardboard flavors. These off-flavor notes are caused by oxidation in the milk which is caused by light exposure. As part of its ongoing commitment to fresh marketing, Hillphoenix sponsored two studies, conducted by researchers at the Virginia Tech Food Science Department, Chemours Packaging, and the Dairy

Natural Refrigerants FAQs—Here’s What You Need to Know

March 21, 2022

The use of natural refrigeration systems is getting ever more popular in the food retail industry. Due to different environmental regulations aiming to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and the growing cost of HFC refrigerants, adopting sustainable solutions is the best way forward. However, natural refrigerants’ popularity doesn’t come without apprehensions and worries among retailers. This blog aims to clarify those concerns. Here, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the use of natural refrigeration systems, hoping to give you additional insight as to the many benefits of going “natural.” Are natural refrigerants safe for the

Promoting Healthy Meal Options in Fresh Prepared Departments

June 24, 2019

Unique food merchandising displays elevate a supermarket’s fresh prepared, deli and bakery departments. These displays help sell the delicious and savory products retailers pride themselves on creating, but also give shoppers a taste of something new and different that they may not normally eat or buy. The IDDBA 19 Show and What’s in Store Live Booth offered creative merchandising ideas for retailers to bring back to their stores and put into action! So, when they showcased the front of the deli with 16’ of Hilphoenix SMG service cases focused on life-changing eating programs such as Keto, Vegan, Whole 30 and

R-290 FAQs — Things You Need to Know!

July 22, 2022

R-290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane, has proven to be one of the most viable alternatives to high GWP HFC refrigerants in industrial and commercial applications. Now that the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly refrigerants takes center stage due to the upcoming and existing refrigerant regulations, the use of R-290 is considered to be an innovative choice instead of a synthetic HFC option. As the utilization of R-290 continues to expand in the US, there are many questions regarding its usage, application, and safety that concern people in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry. Here are some frequently asked

Self-Contained Propane (R290) Display Cases Are the Future of Merchandising

November 5, 2021

Years of research regarding air pollution, how it affects the earth’s atmosphere, and climate change, have pushed people and industry to develop alternative behaviors and strategies to protect against harmful elements that have the potential to further destroy the environment. The refrigeration industry, in an effort to protect against global warming, has put forth initiatives to help eliminate harmful greenhouse gases. Government regulations continue to put the squeeze on synthetic refrigerant usage resulting in the rebirth of interest in natural refrigerants. HFCs, in particular, have been targeted by regulators as a result of research supporting HFCs as being harmful to

Self-contained vs. Remote Display Case — Which One Suits Your Business Best?

April 11, 2023

For grocery stores and supermarkets, refrigerated display cases are critical assets for everyday operations. When looking for a display case for food retail stores, choosing the right equipment that caters to retailers’ needs, like size, functionality, and installation requirements, is essential. Because retailers have different purposes for getting a food retail display case, their checklist of needs must be fulfilled when deciding which specific merchandiser to get. When it comes to refrigerated display cases, self-contained and remote are the two basic types of cases that are commonly used in the industry today; and this can cause a dilemma for retailers

Supermarket Food Bars: Are There Better Days Ahead?

August 4, 2020

It has been a rough road for some food retailers ever since the pandemic hit. Some grocery departments like fresh produce, meat, and center store have been booming, while self-service areas have predominantly dipped in sales. For self-service areas like food bars that have been frowned upon due to health and sanitary concerns, its present state is uncertain. But, will it have a better future? Road to Recovery Since the pandemic hit, retailers have seen a steady surge in sales for the center store and produce department; however, the situation is far different for food bars and deli prepared. According

Supermarket Fresh Prepared Is Going to the Dogs (and Cats)!

July 3, 2019

The supermarket fresh prepared area is finally going to the dogs, but in a good way! Earlier this month, the What’s in Store booth at IDDBA s showcased a unique variation on meal kits, and yes, it’s going to the dogs and cats! While meal kits for humans are on the rise, the pet meal kits are a viable option for those retailers looking for ways to maintain a sustainability platform within their operation. By 2024, the global dog food market is projected to reach $100 billion, so this may be a great opportunity for retailers to gain additional sales

Don’t let the name fool you! Supermarket Sense is not just about supermarkets, it’s focused on Food Retail and the evolving marketplace.

Supermarket Sense – Learn How to Elevate Your Brand and Your Revenue

July 11, 2018

Take your business to the next level by participating in top-notch food retail training. Supermarket Sense is your inside scoop to the latest trends, upcoming strategies, and the evolving industry. Join food retail experts as they take you through two days of new insights, meaningful discussions, and eye-opening ideas. From directors and managers to merchandisers, and from architects to store planners, Supermarket Sense has something for everyone. Anticipating trends and then preparing for them can be a defining moment for any business. Let’s make sure you are ready for what’s ahead. Grocerants, the convergence of health and food industries, juicing,

Supermarkets Give Meal Kits Staying Power

August 29, 2018

With $2B in annual sales, meal kits have made a splash in the food retail industry. Subscription services are already challenged with retention because customers are selective. They want convenience without sacrificing nutrition, cost, flavor, or variety, and those are tall orders for the subscription business model. Supermarkets, on the other hand, can give meal kits true staying power simply because of easy access to resources. Furthermore, you can leverage meal kits to open the gateway to more cooking by your shoppers. Supermarket Sense is the place to set your sights on how kits fit into your profit plan. One

That’s So Cool…Literally!

June 26, 2018

In the world of refrigerated service display cases, “cool” is the name of the game. And there is no place where this is more important than the sale of fresh meat, poultry and seafood products. Keeping these products at the proper temperature can affect everything from shelf life and product integrity to the very safety of the food itself. Obviously, for a food retailer, the impact of this on store profit can be costly. Although there are a number of variables that affect the shelf life and product integrity of these perishable foods, the tissue temperature of the product itself

Top 3 Reasons Why R-290 Self-contained Cases Are a Good Choice for Grocery Stores

July 6, 2022

Refrigeration has long been a resource for the food retail industry for preserving products and keeping them fresh during transport and in stores. However, with current and upcoming federal and state laws and/or regulations in place to limit or phase out the use of HFCs in commercial refrigeration systems. Retailers are looking to substitute those refrigerants with natural refrigerant alternatives. R-290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane and one of the few natural refrigerants readily available, is understood to be a top, viable alternative to HFC refrigerants for freezer and cooler applications, especially in some merchandisers, such as self-contained cases. Though

What Makes a Good Self-contained Display Case?

August 29, 2022

In many food retail establishments, display cases are essential for their everyday operation. Display cases are the bread and butter of many food retail businesses to store and merchandise food, flowers, and other products. Display cases, such as self-contained cases, allow retailers the flexibility they need to merchandise different product applications and mesh with the store’s sales floor layout and design. Because of its integrated refrigeration system, self-contained display cases are easy-to-use and can be moved anywhere around the store, depending on the floor layout. Since self-contained display cases can be placed in spaces where there is heavy store traffic,

Double bin design for frozen food, ice cream and medium temperature applications with dual-temperature capability thumbnail

What Makes the OWIZV Island So Great – Infographic

September 8, 2018

Wide island configuration offers increased product capacity either alone or with OWEZV end cap. Double bin design for frozen food, ice cream and medium-temperature applications with dual-temperature capability. Endless merchandising opportunities to create fresh.

You Mean There IS a Difference?

July 25, 2018

Some folks will have you believe that there’s little or no difference in which refrigerated service display case you choose for best offering your fresh meat, poultry, and seafood to your customers. Don’t buy it! At least, not if you care about optimizing your profit and selling the freshest cuts possible. As one of the main areas to drive customer loyalty and competitive advantages, meat is crucial to total store success. According to the FMI study, “The Power of Meat-2018”, total meat is the largest of the fresh categories with a household penetration of 97.9 percent. At $49.5 billion in

“Pandemic Snacking” Is a Thing and Here’s How It May Affect Your Food Retail Business

September 10, 2021

Gone are the good old days when snacking was just for kids when they were bored or for munching something between meals to “tide you over.” Due to the current COVID health crisis, several eating behaviors have changed—and snacking is one of those. Snacking has evolved from typical and sometimes unhealthy snacks to a renewed focus on healthy snacking observed across demographics. Right now, due to the force of the pandemic, snacking behaviors have been smart and intentional. Consumers are looking for snacks that give them value for their money as well as serving to improve their overall health. Several

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