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Food Retail

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A Guide to Seafood Merchandising to Boost Grocery Sales

October 13, 2021

Product merchandising plays a key role in influencing store sales and bigger customer baskets. When it comes to merchandising food products, such as seafood which has been in the spotlight over the past few months, correct positioning and in-store promotions are essential to keep up with the demand and to keep sales growing. As customers continue to prioritize their health and wellness and become more conscious of what they eat, seafood remains on nearly every customer’s grocery list. This gives solid leverage for grocers wanting to take advantage of the opportunity by incentivizing them to strategize ways on how to

A Look into the Future — Food Retail Predictions for 2023

November 22, 2022

The food retail industry has been immensely challenged, disrupted, and altered in the past several years, especially since the onset of the global health crisis. Now, as consumer behavior changes and the adoption of technology throughout the food retail landscape booms, the industry is in constant transition. Year over year, we have seen different trends and innovations shaping the food retail industry and the coming year isn’t any different. Soon enough, 2023 will be right at our doorsteps, bringing with it new trends in food, retail operation, and grocery shopping. Here are some food retail predictions for 2023 and how

Are Robots the Future of Grocery Stores?

September 10, 2020

The evolution in the food retail industry as we know it has completely changed over the past few months. E-commerce stores have shot up, automation has been widely adopted in the food retail industry to keep up with the demands of consumers and technology has significantly impacted our industry for the better. Now, with the proliferation of intelligent machines in the food retail industry hoping to improve operations, are robots the future of grocery stores? Here are some of the reasons why they may be: Addition to Your Workforce Investing in robots for retail operations free up store associates on

Back-to-School Food Products That Are on Top of Shoppers’ Grocery Lists This Year

October 25, 2021

Most school districts have opened for in-person education and parents are back working in the office, family meal preparations are slowly going back to pre-COVID days. However, the pressure for planning family meals has also resurfaced. That’s why easy and quick meal preparations are back gaining traction once again. Healthy and simple meals for the kids as they go back to school are one of the vital tools necessary to successfully navigate the school year ahead. As parents prepare for their children’s in-person education this fall, these back-to-school food products are on top of their grocery lists: Healthy Snacks Parents’

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

Changes in Consumer Buying Behavior in the Thick of Inflation

September 12, 2022

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent calamities happening overseas have hampered the global wheat supply and disrupted food production for meat and poultry. These recent unfortunate events have driven prices to go up and have alarmed food retailers, most especially grocery shoppers worldwide. In the country, almost every aspect of the grocery supply chain has been disturbed causing rising costs in production and manufacturing, resulting in rising food prices on store shelves. As grocery inflation reached its highest since 1979, this pushed American grocery shoppers across demographics to get creative and economical. What grocery shoppers are buying right

Consumer Buying Behavior That Will Drive the Food Retail Industry in 2022

April 4, 2022

Consumer buying behavior in the food retail industry has been drastically altered over the past few years in more ways than one. Consumers are more conscious of what they eat, where, and how they buy their food. Considerations of health and safety and how their buying behavior affects the environment have also been observed and resulted in driving grocery purchase decisions over time. Now that COVID-19 is showing signs of easing off, stringent health protocols and panic buying will soon be things of the past. How will consumer buying behavior change in 2022 and how will it drive the food

E-Commerce Trends that are Shaping Food Retail

September 22, 2021

As a sign of the times where everything is seemingly on demand, the adoption of e-commerce in the food retail industry has skyrocketed over the past year. Online grocery platforms have helped retailers stay afloat and kept consumers at home stocked up with their groceries and other essentials. In 2020, we have seen the promising value of e-commerce in our daily lives, most especially when buying groceries online. Fast forward to this year; it is expected that the adoption of e-commerce platforms will continue to rise. Almost 60% of American consumers are now shopping for groceries online and according

Embracing Technology in Food Retail this 2023

February 8, 2023

Technological advancements have pushed food retailers to continuously innovate to improve their overall store operation and provide an enhanced customer experience. With the ever-changing climate and customer behavior in the food retail landscape, technology has been a primary driving force for food retailers to adapt to the developing industry’s needs. As we enter this exciting new year 2023, the use of technology in retail stores is poised to define which grocers will stay afloat versus those who remain on the sidelines. To keep up with the times, food retailers should adopt innovative tools built specifically to achieve business objectives. Here

Factors Affecting Food Integrity from Farm-to-Table

May 2, 2022

Before our food reaches the dinner table, it travels and passes through different stages of distribution from procurement to processing, and finally to our local grocery stores. The freshness of the meat we prepare at home, or the quality of the salad and sandwich we eat for brunch, depends on a lot of factors. When it comes to food integrity, factors such as food production, cold chain, merchandise display and storage, and food preparation each have a role to play. Here’s how these factors affect the food we consume: Food Production Most food nowadays is either produced on farms or

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 Influencing Store Traffic Today

September 3, 2021

Store traffic is usually used as a metric to gauge the success of retail business strategies. However, the recent public health crisis has made it challenging to stick to foot traffic as a measure of success as we continuously shelter in place. Things have changed, and with the increased adoption of online grocery platforms and grocers slowly building micro-fulfillment centers to support online orders, a growing number of customers are now having their groceries delivered right to their doorsteps. Still, nothing beats the experience of pushing shopping carts through grocery stores, navigating the aisles, and carefully choosing products while having

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 Challenges in 2022 and How Grocers Can Solve Them

March 11, 2022

The last few years, starting at the height of the pandemic, have been very challenging times for the food retail industry, to say the least. Issues from health and safety to unprecedented consumer demands confronted food retailers of all formats and sizes. Now, in 2022, food retailers are expected to face different but equally challenging issues in the food retail industry surrounding the workforce and the industry’s impact on the environment and supply chain. Here are some 2022 food retail challenges and how grocers can solve them: Labor Crisis The lingering effects of the pandemic have impacted the workforce to

Food Retail Stores and Government Agencies Establishing More Stringent Regulations

July 1, 2020

Food-retail business strategies have shifted over the past few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some retail stores implemented online digital platforms to serve their communities in need and some food-retail establishments such as restaurants and brick and mortar shops implemented delivery and take out only to help keep the lights on. However, in grocery stores, where people still go for essentials, shopping as we know it has changed. In-store navigation altered drastically to abide by state regulations and prioritize consumer safety concerns. As the pandemic evolves, so does grocery shopping regulations and restrictions. The Case for Grocery Stores Social

Food Retail Trends to Look Out for in 2022

February 7, 2022

We are already one month into 2022 and new trends are expected to emerge. This is especially true in the food retail industry where disruptions and innovations are a way of life. Trends are shaping the way grocers operate and strategize their approach to the upcoming year. In the past few years, we have seen some pronounced food retail trends, such as the accelerated adoption of technology and the upswing demand for health and wellness food products. Will these trends continue their momentum in the next year? We’ll find out. New year, new trends. Here’s what food retailers should look

Food Retailers’ Continuous Efforts for a More Sustainable Future

July 1, 2021

Several food retail organizations across the country are actively adopting sustainable initiatives as looming refrigerant regulations from state and national environmental agencies continue to put pressure on them. The use of natural refrigerants in commercial and industrial applications has been placed in the spotlight aiming to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now, food retailers and industry organizations are jointly rallying towards a greener future. The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), a non-profit organization aiming to promote the advanced adoption of natural refrigerants in the refrigeration industry, is helping food retailers to adopt natural refrigerants in their refrigeration systems by

Food Retailers’ Efforts to Boost Sales of Health and Wellness Foods Online and In-Store

February 25, 2022

Customers and food retailers have placed much more emphasis on the importance of health and wellness in the past few months than ever before. Due to the growing number of people who are more health-conscious, health and wellness food products are in the spotlight. Retailers should seize this opportunity to continue the momentum. 78% of U.S. consumers say that it is important for them to eat healthy food products for their emotional well-being, according to Mintel’s Future of Nutrition, Health and Wellness 2021 Report. Several meal innovations and food items centered around health consciousness have emerged due to the growing

Food Retailers’ Roles for a More Sustainable Future

March 5, 2021

Whether for the protection of the earth’s ozone layer and or the conservation of our finite natural resources have started to diminish, regulations on environmental protection continue to emerge. Starting with the Montreal Protocol down to the Paris Climate Agreement, a number of policies have been implemented to promote sustainability across different sectors. In our industry, sustainability and climate change present long-term challenges for food retailers across the globe especially regarding the type of refrigerants being used to operate the equipment in their stores. Food retailers are expected to play larger roles in promoting greener operations and here are some

Food Safety in the Time of COVID-19

April 29, 2020

The fears over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) have led to anxiety over food safety throughout the world. In the United States alone, 64% of American consumers said they are avoiding eating out in the hope of eliminating the risk of contracting the virus. According to recent research, food safety trumps taste and is the number one priority for consumers in buying food due to the health crisis. Numerous households have widely adopted home-cooked meals while dine-in foods are upending. With the Coronavirus health crisis looming and evolving, is it still safe to buy food outside (takeout, delivery, and curbside among others)

Food Trends: What to Expect in 2021

January 18, 2021

The year 2020 was challenging for all of us. For the food retail industry, last year was a time for retailers to quickly pivot, shift their business strategy, and consistently innovate and get creative to keep up with the ever-changing customer demand. Though it has been difficult to keep things afloat, our industry has managed to push through. As we enter 2021, several changes in consumer food trends, shopping behaviors, and consumer spending will likely continue to alter how we keep our operations up and running. Here are some trends that food retailers could expect to gain market share over

Food-retail Companies Give Back to Vulnerable Communities Affected by Coronavirus Pandemic

July 8, 2020

The Coronavirus outbreak has been very challenging to all of us; most especially to the vulnerable sectors in our community like senior citizens, children, and family members belonging to low-income households. Due to COVID-19, food insecurity has been prevalent and food-retail corporations are working together with charitable, not-for-profit organizations to give the communities in need all the support they can get amid this health crisis. Amazon, the popularly known online retailer, is delivering 6-million meals to local food banks in 25 cities across the country with the use of their own Amazon Flex drivers. In Houston, Texas, Amazon has partnered

Food-Retail Establishments: Creatively Supporting Customers and Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 6, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has unprecedentedly changed the world and how we do business. Many businesses have suspended operations due to government mandates or fears over spreading the coronavirus. However, essential industries such as healthcare, finance, and supermarkets have remained in service during this health crisis. Supermarkets and grocery stores, eager to do their part in alleviating the crisis and flattening the curve, have adapted in ways that protect the safety and well-being of their employees and customers while also protecting their bottom lines. Technology and Strategic Shifts Protect Customers While Promoting Sales Many customers, consistent with stay-at-home orders, have

Four Issues Surrounding Food Retail That Will Challenge Grocers In the New Year

January 30, 2023

Given the ever-changing nature and complexity of the food retail industry, challenges and difficulties are not a novel thing. However, with lingering, pandemic-induced effects still in evidence accelerated adoption of technology in the food retail landscape, and supply chain issues continuing to take their toll, the challenges in the upcoming year have the potential to be particularly taxing to grocers. As we look ahead into this year, trends, as well as challenges in food retail, are poised to shape how we do things in the industry. Let’s take a look at four issues surrounding food retail that will surely challenge

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

Four Revolutionary Ways Supermarkets are Using Technology to Change the Food Retail Industry

March 20, 2020

Technology has undoubtedly changed how we do business. Whether in healthcare, banking, or education industry, technology has disrupted the world now more than ever. And now, gone are the days when we trudge our shopping carts around grocery stores or wait tirelessly in line at check-out counters because technology is already catching up in the food-retail industry – and it is all for a greater good. Here are the four revolutionary ways supermarkets are using technology to change the food retail industry: Augmented Reality AR has greatly helped improve the shopping experience of customers over the past few years. In

Four Things to Ask Before Hiring Refrigeration Technicians to Service Your Store

June 22, 2022

Refrigeration systems are one of the most important investments made when building and operating a food retail business. The performance, effectivity, and efficiency of these systems used to store, maintain, and display food products, are critical to the success of a food retail business. That is why when looking for refrigeration service providers to make repairs, installation, and maintenance in your retail store, it is important to be thorough about your vetting process involving the proficiency of the provider’s technicians. Asking the right questions before making a final decision in contracting any service provider can lead to long-term benefits. To

Four Things to Consider When Building or Redesigning Your Grocery Store

December 15, 2021

Envisioning your grocery store design is an exciting and interesting experience. However, the actual labor and application when starting or redesigning your brick-and-mortar retail store can be quite a challenge. Several factors come into play when you decide to build or reinvent your store. Cost, budget, equipment, and maintenance are just some of the determinants that define the scope of just how big your store redesign project will be. If you’re still figuring out the ins and outs of building or redesigning your grocery store, here are four things you need to consider: Using the Right Lighting Lighting affects the

Four Tips for Maximizing Your Food Retail Store Space

June 6, 2023

For food retailers, brick-and-mortar stores such as supermarkets and grocery stores play a critical role in attracting customers, driving sales, and keeping business afloat. Despite trends in customers doing groceries online, physical stores remain relevant as customers still like to be able to see and test products before buying. That is why food retailers plan and develop their food retail store space to improve the customer shopping experience. Here are four tips retailers should know in maximizing their store footprint: Plan a Strategic Store Layout Whether a large or small format retail space, it’s imperative to be strategic when planning

Four Ways Food Retailers Could Gear Up for the Holiday Season

December 14, 2020

It’s that time of the year again! The holidays are here and many customers are planning to stockpile and buy food items ahead to celebrate the season with their loved ones at home. Whether people drive to brick-and-mortar stores or buy groceries online, supermarkets and grocers are an important part of the busiest shopping season of the year. The next couple of weeks will be critical with expected high demands and increased store and website traffic. Here are some ways food retailers could gear up for the holiday season: Enhance Online Strategies People are now buying groceries online more than

Future of Food Retail Reinvented—What Grocery Stores Will Look Like in the Years to Come

January 5, 2022

Industries have reinvented their strategies and business operations over the years to match the needs of their customers and keep up with the pace of the times. In the food retail industry, advances are not new—and neither disruptions—be it on meal and food innovations or how food categories were reimagined and diversified. However, the recent health crisis has shown us that even though online grocery is an option for customers, people still visit their local grocery stores to check off their grocery lists. This proves that brick-and-mortar stores are here to stay, which opens a myriad of opportunities for retailers

Get Ready for the Holiday Season — Tips for Grocers on Preparing for the Busy Months Ahead

October 4, 2022

According to a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” This saying holds true and resonates with all of us, not just in our personal lives, but also in business and commerce. This is particularly true in the food retail industry which is composed of an interconnected web of business elements — planning and preparation are vital to success. In the next few months, the industry will once again face its busiest season of the year, and grocers are encouraged to start gearing up for it now. Is it too soon for grocers

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

Health and Wellness Food Products Will Continue Trending This Year

January 25, 2021

The height of the pandemic has pushed people to look for food alternatives either for convenience or health reasons. As a result, several food trends have emerged over the past few months since the outbreak. Trends like easy-to-prepare meals, chef-inspired meals, and seafood have seen a significant rise in demand. But, out of all the food trends we have seen this year, health and wellness top the list. According to ReportLinker, the global market for health and wellness foods is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2027. Health and wellness foods are expected to dominate the food trend this

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

Here’s How Grocers Can Address the Alarming Food Waste Crisis

April 19, 2022

The food waste crisis around the world has become more widespread these days, resulting in significant economic, societal, and environmental consequences. In the US, businesses and consumers scrap 25% to 40% of procured food each year. Although there are a lot of factors that contribute to food waste, the food retail industry plays a crucial part in this growing crisis. According to Shelf Engine, a technology firm geared towards tackling the issue of food waste, supermarkets account for 10% of the overall total. This calls for retailers to effectively initiate programs and activities that limit food going into the trash

Here’s How You Can Heat Things Up This Summer in Your Food Retail Stores

August 16, 2021

The summertime, being one of the busiest seasons of the year, has traditionally been a great time for food retailers in terms of customer traffic and sales. Whether people visit their local grocery stores or shop for groceries online, the summer season is expected to excite—resulting in challenges to retailers in more ways than one. Good news—there are ways to heat things up during the summer season in your food retail stores. From showcasing summer food trends to refrigeration equipment maintenance, here are some tips for the hot and busy season: Showcase What’s Hot This Summer BBQ cookouts, family road

Here’s What to Prepare for Summer in Your Grocery Stores

June 29, 2022

Summer is the season for outdoor grilling, festivities, and gathering with friends and family. People are excited to satisfy their cravings for some bright and light dishes for entertaining that have been on hold due to the ongoing two-year-long pandemic. Now that most social restrictions have been lifted and people are planning to gather for some celebration and entertainment, let’s look at some of the popular food products that are sure to be in demand in the next few months. Ingredients for charcuterie boards If you think charcuterie boards have reached a saturation point, you might be wrong. People are

Holiday Season in Times of Soaring Food Prices

December 12, 2022

The upcoming fall and winter holidays are highly anticipated events for most Americans. However, the soaring prices of gas, essential items, and especially groceries, threaten how we celebrate this year. As we are in the thick of inflation, consumers and retailers are challenged with how to balance expenditures versus cash flow. As expected, retailers are honing their strategies throughout the holiday rush in light of the current economic realities. On the other hand, consumers are focused on buying food items that bring them value as they carefully recalculate how much they should spend on holiday meals and other favorites without

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 are Preparing for the Second Coronavirus Wave

December 4, 2020

At the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, food retailers were taken aback by unprecedented demand from consumers for essential items in store. From disinfectants and toilet paper to canned goods and frozen food items, retail stores experienced supply shortages. Meeting the demands of concerned consumers was almost impossible but somehow retailers found a way to adjust. So now, as we are beginning to experience another surge of COVID-19 across the country, how are food retailers preparing themselves? Here are some of the things retailers are doing: Food retailers are expecting customers to begin stockpiling again to prepare for the second

How Food Retailers Can Combat the Rising Cost of Goods and Commodities

October 7, 2022

The recent inflation happening around the globe is adversely affecting many different industries, especially food retail. From the supply chain to food production and processing, to retail store operations, every sector is feeling the impact and bearing the brunt of inflation. The rising cost of goods and commodities continues to be a global challenge and greatly affects how consumers behave when it comes to their buying decisions. Not just that, but inflation affects retailers regarding how they strategically operate in the hopes of boosting their numbers without sacrificing the other key elements of their business. These days are complex inflationary

How Food Retailers Can Maximize the Rise in Demand for Prepared Foods

November 30, 2020

Just like the Coronavirus pandemic, the rise in popularity of prepared foods is unprecedented. Consumers changing behaviors from cooking at home to hitting grocery stores for prepared food items have increased opportunities for food-retailers across the country. Just like for the grab-and-go sector, C-stores and grocery stores are taking the lead. Taking into consideration convenience, speed, and portability as the main drivers of sales, here are some of the ways retailers could maximize the rise in demand for prepared foods. Keep It Fresh and Safe To take advantage of this growing sector, retailers should make sure that food items are

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 Food-Retailers Could Maximize Online Technology during the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 28, 2020

Many consumers have taken their grocery shopping online during the COVID pandemic. Online shopping has shown a significant surge of adoption over the past few weeks. Post pandemic, it is estimated that this trend will continue and food-retailers should strategize how to maximize online technology for short- and long-term benefits and implement resources for their customers. Enhancing Customer Experience A strategic and targeted way to enhance customer experience is through the use of mobile apps. Today, when smartphones are a primary tool for communication, it is advantageous for retailers to have mobile apps to communicate with their customers. Customers want

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 Sustainability Impacts Food Retail Operations in Real-life Setting

May 27, 2022

When we hear the word “sustainability”, and consider how it affects us, what often comes to mind are the ideas of a greener environment, a healthier planet, and a continuous supply of natural resources. However, in the food retail sector, it’s more than that. These days, sustainability has taken on a broad and somewhat more vague definition. Often, it is used loosely enough in the industry that some retailers are not fully aware of sustainability’s major impacts on their overall retail operation. This has the effect of resulting in the minimal and incomplete implementation of sustainable efforts on their part.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Food Retail and What Will It Look Like in the Future?

April 19, 2021

It has been one year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. As a result, we have witnessed a sea of change in various industries worldwide, especially in food retail. There has been an accelerated adoption of online initiatives, exponential growth in demand for food products in supermarkets, and unprecedented consumer behavior changes. A year later, here are some of the ways COVID-19 has changed food retail and how its impact will be felt in the years to come: Increased Awareness of Food Safety The Coronavirus outbreak magnified the importance of prioritizing food safety in the country.

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:

How to Get Ahead in the Food Retail Industry in 2023

January 10, 2023

As an industry, we have seen a long trail of both challenges and improvements throughout the years. When it comes to competition, the retail food industry can be one of the more cut-throat spaces due to different existing food retail formats, retail channels, and now the proliferation of e-commerce platforms. With 2023 just around the corner, it is best to prepare early to continue to be on top of the competition. Trends, emerging technologies, and innovative, operational food-retail strategies — what should be adopted and what should be left behind? What are some keys to getting ahead in the food

How to Know if Your Refrigeration System Is a Good Fit for Your Food Retail Store

May 22, 2023

As food retailers, we all know that commercial refrigeration systems serve as the ”lifeline” in providing customers with the food products they need. They’re certainly a requirement for successfully running a food retail operation. Commercial refrigeration systems consist of the display cases used to store and merchandise food items as well as the equipment needed to generate and maintain the proper temperature environment required by those display cases to keep the food’s integrity intact. With all the different varieties of commercial refrigeration technology available today (e.g., HFC, CO2, etc.), each having its pros and cons, it’s a valid question to

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

Is Online Grocery Meeting its Saturation Point

October 24, 2022

Online grocery has been an extension to our everyday lives in one way or another, especially during the Covid lockdowns. Fast forward to today — grocery e-commerce platforms play a key role for consumers and retailers worldwide in terms of conveniently meeting our food supply needs. These platforms have come to serve as a viable channel for food retailers to showcase their food products. With the accelerated adoption and use of technology in the food retail space, it comes as no surprise that numerous online grocery platforms are sprouting up in different sizes and formats. Whether it’s your local organic

It’s the Year of the Apps: How Grocery Apps are Becoming the New Normal

June 15, 2021

Mobile apps have, in one way or another, shaped how we live our day-to-day lives. From relying on mobile apps for networking, fitness, and even our health, apps are one of the most defining innovations brought about by the advancement of the digital world. Now, with the acceleration of the adoption of technology in the food retail industry, mobile apps are no longer optional for food retailers but it’s becoming a need. Gone are the days when apps were just used to enhance customer shopping. Now they are a customer’s reliable and necessary companion when buying groceries whether in-store

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

More Than a Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic, What Are Consumers Buying Right Now?

August 23, 2021

As the health crisis continues to evolve, so does consumer purchasing behavior. At the start of the pandemic, several disruptions and changes in buying behaviors emerged and shifted purchasing priorities towards the need for sanitizing products and easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. While in-store shopping is still thriving, online grocery shopping has quadrupled since 2017 with factors such as convenience and safety measures driving the spike. A year into the pandemic, several changes have once again been observed in the food retail industry, especially in how we operate our businesses. However, when it comes to consumers, how much have things

Moving Forward: What Has the Food Retail Industry Learned so Far During COVID

July 28, 2020

It has been four months since the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the food retail industry. Restrictions were put in place, consumer buying behavior abruptly shifted and food retailers have adapted their strategies to keep things afloat. As we move to the 3rd quarter of 2020, and we go on with our operations one cautious step at a time, here are the things we have learned so far: Technology is winning If there is one thing that this pandemic has taught us it is that everything, most especially buying groceries, can be done online. As stay-at-home restrictions were implemented, consumers

Natural Refrigerants: The Path Forward for Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration

September 25, 2020

Ever since the Montreal Protocol has been put in place, the search for natural refrigerants in commercial and industrial refrigeration has continued to be the top priority in the industry. These regulations to phase down Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to protect the earth’s ozone layer and to address climate change and its negative effects have long-term significance, not just in the environment, but also to food retailers across the globe. Looming government regulations have food retailers looking for refrigerant alternatives with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) to be used on their refrigeration systems. Below are

Online Grocery Shopping is…NOW!

August 26, 2020

The grocery shopping habits of consumers have changed drastically over the past few months. Online grocery shopping, which shows a very high surge in adoption, is reshaping the food retail industry. In these trying times where our lives have become narrowed, how is online grocery shopping winning over consumers’ and industry’s demands? Surge in Online Grocery Shopping Since the start of the stay-at-home restrictions, people have been using online grocery shopping to deliver their essentials at home or curbside. Due to this surge, even some brick-and-mortar food-retail businesses are jumpstarting their e-commerce platform strategies. According to Brick Meets Click and

Overall Health and Wellness Will Be Big in 2022—Here’s What You Need to Know

November 19, 2021

The new year is just around the corner and consumers’ pursuit for the betterment of their health and wellness goals will remain strong in 2022. Consumers have already begun investing in themselves and finding the importance of personal health and wellness as we continue to battle the pandemic health crisis. Food will greatly drive health and wellness goals in 2022. Here are some things you need to know: Consumer Fitness Goals The pandemic did not just trigger some health concerns, it also gained us a few unwanted pounds. That is why a number of consumers are targeting their fitness goals

Plant Based Food is Here to Stay

September 18, 2020

Gone are the days when consumers can only eat meat from animals. Now, the emerging trend of plant-based food is going above and beyond market shares. As the younger generations seek sustainability amid food crisis, plant-based meat, milk, and cellular-based seafood are on the rise. Make room for plant-based foods on your supermarket shelves because it isn’t going anywhere this 2020 and beyond. Meatless Meat Plant-based meat was invented to address the greatest environmental threat which is the dreadful impact of the use of animals on food tech on the global environment. Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger are the pioneering

Plant-based Food Sales Continue to Rise—Here Are Ways How Grocers Can Keep Up the Momentum

January 27, 2022

The growth of plant-based foods over the past few years has been a significant disruption in the food retail industry. As a healthier alternative to meat-based food options, plant-based foods continue to find their way onto customers’ grocery lists. Plant-based category sales grew by 27% in 2020 and are estimated to be worth $7 billion, according to SPINS data released by the Good Food Institute and the Plant-Based Foods Association. This year, plant-based food is showing that it’s here to stay. Whether plant-based milk, meat, or seafood, surely, plant-based food products are not just a trend anymore—it’s becoming a staple

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

Questions to Ask Before Buying Refrigeration Systems for Your Food Retail Business

May 10, 2022

Refrigeration systems and display cases are undeniably essential equipment for various businesses. This is especially true in the food retail industry where investing in refrigeration systems and equipment is necessary for displaying and storing perishable food products. However, when you don’t have enough know-how on which refrigeration products best suit your business needs, procuring these assets can be tricky. Here are some questions to ask before buying refrigeration systems and equipment for your food retail business: What Is the Application? Before deciding to acquire products to meet your refrigeration needs, be it complete refrigeration systems or retail display cases, knowing

Smaller Can Be Better—Small-format Stores Are Increasing in Numbers

May 18, 2022

Most people have heard the phrase, “Good things come in small packages.” This phrase does not just direct its meaning towards products, it also applies to the food retail industry as small-format retail stores are rapidly growing. Small-format stores, such as Lidl and Trader Joe’s, are some of the leading neighborhood stores in the country and have been quite successful in that niche. Other food retail businesses are following suit, hoping to maximize sales and target customers in their locality. But what makes these small-format retail stores so successful, even to the point of outperforming some much larger traditional

Social Commerce—What Is It and How Can Grocers Cash in on This Growing Trend

March 28, 2022

Social media has been one of the most powerful tools for sharing information and connecting people around the world. In different industries, such as food retail, social media is widely used to promote and share content for marketing and brand awareness. However, the days of social media being used exclusively for social networking and consuming content are over. Enter social commerce—the use of social media to promote and sell products and services online without the need for customers to go out and visit their local grocery stores. Different from a traditional e-commerce platform, social commerce makes use of social networking

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

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

Supply Chain Shortage—Here’s Why Grocery Stores Are Running Out of Stock

February 18, 2022

If you have visited your local grocery stores recently, you might have noticed some products, such as pantry essentials, chicken, canned goods and meat are running low in supply with a lot of display cases and shelves empty. Food retailers are left challenged and baffled as to why the supply chain shortage is becoming a more serious issue. This is particularly true during the holidays and busy seasons when customers are expected to stock up and cook food for family gatherings and celebrations. The food retail supply chain consists of an interconnected web of functional areas with each having a

The Future is Accelerated: Full-on E-commerce Adoption is Just Around the Corner

September 3, 2020

The past few months have accelerated the digital strategies of some food retailers in the country. Some implemented makeshift e-commerce platforms to cater to customer needs and some reinforced their in-store online initiatives, like store mobile apps, in the hope of adapting in today’s innovative times. Due to recent events, we were greatly propelled into a shift to the digital world, but what are food-retailers doing to prepare themselves for the e-commerce revolution? Food Retailers are Getting Agile E-commerce sales records continue to surge this year. Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey recorded up to $7.2 billion of e-commerce grocery

The Impact of Gen Z on the Food Retail Industry

November 7, 2022

The food retail industry isn’t new to adjusting store operations to accommodate customers’ ever-changing needs and shopping behavior. When it comes to demographics, food retailers have shifted tides for boomers who constantly want to shop in-store, while at the same time adopting the online revolution to cater to the demands of the millennials. Now, times have changed because the new kids on the block, Gen Zs are here and they are slowly but surely shaping the food retail landscape. Dubbed ‘digital natives’ and born into technology, Gen Z is disrupting industries worldwide and rapidly influencing how we do things in

The Rise in Demand for Cold Storage and Its Impact on the Food Retail Industry

December 21, 2022

For many years, cold storage has been the pillar of many industries, such as food retail and pharmaceutical, to maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products. It has been a key tool to keep the cold supply chain intact and help cool products in large volumes efficiently and effectively. Today, cold storage facilities are indispensable in the food retail industry due to the growing demand for perishable food products, the need to meet the complexities of the supply chain, and changes in consumer behavior and demographics. According to Grand View Research (a U.S.-based market research and consulting firm), the demand for

The Role of E-Commerce in Today’s Complex Food Retail Landscape

October 31, 2022

The accelerated use of e-commerce in the food retail space has greatly changed how we do things. As consumers, it has become a convenient choice to get our food for our dinner tables from restaurants or grocery stores. As for grocers, the integration of e-commerce in their brick-and-mortar store operations has both increased their market share and boosted their bottom line. Providing this platform for customers to shop remotely has helped food retailers meet their customers, wherever they are. Safe to say that e-commerce has brought revolutionary advantages to both consumers across demographics and to grocers of all sizes and

The Role of Technology in the Food Retail Industry

March 24, 2021

The advancement of technology in the food retail sector in 2020 has significantly helped retailers survive one of the most tumultuous times of our lives. Technology has greatly alleviated food retailers’ problems in terms of order and fulfillment, supply chain management, and other major business processes. This year, it is expected that technology will have a key role in the food retail industry as we continue to battle the winding effects of the pandemic. Expediting Online Fulfillment Through Technology The advent of digitalization undeniably accelerated how we do things in food retail. From manual brick and mortar stores, several retailers

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 Food Retailers Should Expect in 2021

January 8, 2021

The New Year is here and, as we welcome an exciting year ahead of us, several emerging trends and changes concerning the food retail industry are expected to affect how we operate one way or another. Last year was a very challenging year, but what could be in store for food retailers in 2021? Here are some exciting things we should be expecting this year: Changes in Refrigeration Regulations On December 10, 2020, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a groundbreaking and comprehensive program to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Starting in 2022, new equipment with more than

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,

What Makes CO2 the Future of Refrigerants?

November 20, 2020

Ever since the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, the search for the most sustainable refrigerant expanded in the commercial refrigeration industry. Historically, refrigerants like Ammonia, Propane, and most especially Carbon Dioxide (CO2) have been widely used in the 20th century. Although CO2 is one of the most benign refrigerants, many were hesitant to consider it as a viable option due to its high pressures. Fortunately, several years later, with the advancement of technological innovations in the refrigeration industry, CO2 is now one of the most promising refrigerants being used in food retail today and in the future. Sustainable Properties In

Why Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain Relevant Amid E-commerce Proliferation

February 28, 2023

In a time of ultra-modernization, shopping for material things and groceries has been commonly conducted online. With the acceleration of the use of online platforms, such as e-commerce, online shopping has been the most convenient way for customers to purchase. However, despite the proliferation of e-commerce platforms in the food retail industry, brick-and-mortar stores remain relevant. As the rush of online ordering of groceries and other essentials slowly wanes, customers can once again be found shopping more in-store. Here are some of the reasons why physical stores remain relevant in today’s food retail era: Attract and Retain Customers As customers

Why Organic Food Sales are Booming Right Now and What’s in it for Food Retailers

October 21, 2020

The current environment has accelerated not just the adoption of technology in food retail stores, but also with the increase in consumer purchases of organic food. Organic labels have already seen an upward trend in 2019 with sales topped at $50 billion. Right now, it seems like several factors including health, sustainability, and the pandemic have pushed it even further. According to the 2020 Organic Industry Survey by Organic Trade Association (OTA), people are more conscious of eating more organic food and consuming organic products today more than ever. This holds true as Nielsen’s data reports organic food and drinks

“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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