Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024 - 9

that can rival the highest-end foodservice channel sandwiches in the marketplace.
" Folks are looking for restaurant quality foods in our store, " Byers said. " It's definitely
something to strive for. "
Fresh food star
Sizing flexibility
On the bakery side at Hy-Vee, the increase in " my sizing " options is not only helping
shoppers maintain their health goals, it's also a great option in inflationary times.
" A 4-count is a great value for buns, " said Brandon Williams, Hy-Vee's vice president
of bakery. " You use all four, you don't throw two away. "
The principle works across the department, he added. Many Hy-Vee desserts sell
in not only 4- and 8-packs but also in 2-packs and even singles - " whatever size they
need, " Williams said.
" That customer who's dieting, they still indulge occasionally, but they do it in smaller
sizes. You buy 6 cookies instead of 36. "
Indeed, decadent deserts, single patisserie items, cannoli and other international
desserts, fruit cakes, savory breads, and other less traditional bakery items are all selling
well at Hy-Vee stores, Williams said.
For further savings, Hy-Vee shoppers can utilize not only the Perks Plus program but
also the retailer's Fuel Saver program.
Value perception is a major factor that's
really driving consumers' buying decisions,
and we're continually assessing the
best ways to deliver the value message. "
Abby Byers, Hy-Vee
" The fuel program works really well for bakery, " Williams said.
In addition to " my sizing, " certain items are playing a huge role in bolstering the
health halo in the retail ISB, which for so long has been maligned for containing foods
high in carbs.
" We've seen a lot of life in artisan breads, " Williams said. " Sourdough has seen great
growth. Our great have a lot of clean ingredients and are very simple, especially the
artisan breads. "
Bringing the restaurant experience home
" There's nothing like eating out to realize the efficiency of eating at home, " said Rick
Stein, vice president of fresh foods for FMI - The Food Industry Association. " You order
Instore deli was a bright spot in 2023.
That's in contrast to fresh as a whole
last year, where the " message is flat
sales, down in units, " said Rick Stein,
vice president of fresh foods for FMI -
The Food Industry Association.
Deli was up in both sales and units.
" Deli was a bright spot within fresh, "
Stein said. " It goes back to consumers
figuring out meal occasions. The idea
of cooking and eating is kind of here
to stay. "
People are still cooking a lot more
post-pandemic, but many need a
little help, with an item from the deli
prepared foods section that just needs
to be heated or cooked off, Stein said.
" Retailers are really investing in deli
foodservice. The focus this year is on
helping consumers with the solution.
They don't want you to just sell them
the rotisserie chicken, they want the
whole meal occasion. "
The next big hurdle for retail to get
over, Stein said, is getting the digital
part of retail foodservice right.
With restaurants, you can get on their
app, customize your food, order it,
maybe have it delivered.
" Not every retailer has that. It's
mostly done in the store, and there
needs to be a shift where it's done
more digitally. "
Stein said these and other issues will
be top of mind at FMI's annual Fresh
Forward event, tailored for retail
executives, Aug. 5-7 in San Diego.
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