Supermarket Perimeter - June 2024 - 23

WHAT IS MOST NOTABLE ABOUT BAKERY SHOPPING TRENDS
INVOLVING U.S. CONSUMERS OVERALL is that shopping at
mainstream retailers is shifting toward a preference for immediate
consumption, which bodes well for sweet goods. Consumers are
spending more on fresh bakery since 2019. The biggest change - they
are stocking up less and buying more on quick trips to grocery stores.
Instore bakeries are addressing this trend with unique merchandising
strategies. Star Provisions Market & Café, a highly acclaimed gourmet
market in Atlanta, offers an innovative instore program called " Bakery
To-Go. " Unique fresh bakery products such as a breakfast scone or
seasonal hand pie are offered inside the store and presented in style.
This leads to a positive experience for the shoppers - and best of all,
higher repeat sales.
Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor,
consumer goods and foodservice insights, Circana, points out that
" time is of the essence for Americans, especially when it comes to their
morning routines. "
Sixty-five percent of morning eating occasions are prepared in less
than five minutes, Circana reveals.
According to supermarket data from Circana, the true impact of
inflation in the current economic climate is " less food on hand. " What
this means is consumers are not stocking up on groceries at nearly the
same rate as pre-pandemic. In 2023, using all fresh foods before they
go bad scored higher than other methods for combatting food cost
inflation than other shopping or eating changes, according to Circana.
In annual eatings per capita, savory snacks and sweet treats are
trending up, while better-for-you snacks are creeping down over the
past three years, according to the latest Circana data.
" Snacking is still a lifestyle in the U.S., " said Jonna Parker of Circana.
" Snacking more doesn't mean snacking better. "
Crowd-pleasing treats
Supermarkets are rising to the occasion by transforming sweet goods
and desserts into scrumptious, crowd-pleasing treats.
Whether it's an intimate dinner for two, a Hollywood-style movie
party, or anything in between, the in-house catering department at
Gelson's can take the stress out of making a special event exceptional.
Under the supervision of corporate executive chef Tony Dang, the
Gelson's catering department recently introduced nearly two dozen
new items to increase its breadth as a one-stop solution for any
occasion - from birthday parties and anniversaries to backyard
barbecues and holiday gatherings.
And no event is truly special without decadent desserts such as
Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake Bites (new), Raspberry & Mascarpone
Mousse Bites (new), Apricot Pistachio Tart Bites (new), Lavender Honey
Cheesecake (new), Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, and, last but not
least, French Macarons.
" For decades, Gelson's patrons have turned to our in-house catering
department for beautiful and delicious cuisine options, so that they can
relax and enjoy the day with guests, " said director of hospitality Tyler
Williams, who is available to advise and assist with catering orders.
" I'm excited to bring my experience to the catering department for all
28 Gelson's stores and 17 Wine Bars to deliver a go-to solution for our
guests everywhere. "
Gelson's is a collection of premium food and beverage markets with
28 locations throughout Southern California featuring the full breadth
and amenities of a traditional grocer with the high level of personalized
service and tailored offerings of a neighborhood shop.
Shopping at a Lidl store, meanwhile, is unlike any experience in
America. As you walk to the bakery department, an attractive display
case features a lineup of well-lit glass-enclosed shelves, each filled
with four rows of unique breads and pastries. There are mini chocolate
croissants, maple pecan pastries, and one-of-a-kind creations like
cheese pizza bread.
The bakery products are unique because that is what today's
consumers demand. Around 80% of its products are private label - all of
which undergo rigorous taste, quality and sensory testing.
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards and Food & Wine
Magazine have both repeatedly ranked Lidl among the top grocers in
the country.
Market Force Information, a leader in customer experience
Star Provisions' Bakery-to-Go program is a great
model for how to generate repeat sales in ISB.
management, recently unveiled pivotal findings from its recent
extensive survey on casual dining preferences across the United States.
This comprehensive study highlights shifting trends influenced by
economic factors and evolving consumer tastes. Economic shifts have
significantly impacted consumer behavior, with 72.1% of diners noting
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Supermarket Perimeter - June 2024

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