Top Trends in Fresh: Preparing for a New Decade and Beyond
The 2010s were a roller coaster for fresh food sales. The decade started with fresh departments outpacing center store growth by more than double, but it ended with perimeter sales flatlining in retail outlets.
Competition and complexities from every side of the retail environment reflect the reality that consumer expectations have changed. Marketers and retailers in fresh foods and across the store need to adapt to the new normal – an era of personalization, connectivity, sustainability and transparency.
Since 2016, IRI has tracked the Top Trends in Fresh. As a new decade dawns, it is imperative to understand the evolution of these trends as they relate to health, technology, convenience and more. These trends are not disparate but an intertwined mosaic that reveals opportunities for suppliers and retailers who can adapt to today’s disruptive market. Embracing the rapidly changing fresh foods retail environment is key to reigniting growth in the new decade and beyond.
During this short, TED-style talk introduction to the 2020 Top Trends in Fresh series, we demonstrate how the trends are as imperative today as they have ever been and lay out a roadmap for this year’s study. We also provide actionable takeaways for both retailers and manufacturers of fresh foods as well as those connected to the critical departments of meat, produce, deli, bakery, seafood and floral.
Speakers:
Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, Food Marketing Institute
Sally Lyons Wyatt, Executive Vice President and Practice Leader, IRI
Jonna Parker, Principal, Fresh Center of Excellence, IRI