Freshfirst A new report forecasts more strong perimeter growth By Andy Nelson t's no secret that the success of the perimeter departments often determines whether a grocery store thrives or falters. A new study by FMI - The Food Industry Association proves in detail just how true that is - and says that the perimeter is more important than ever. " Fresh food departments are central to retail differentiation, driving significant consumer engagement and loyalty. Food retailers are catering to shopper's needs by expanding space allocation for fresh grab-and-go options, and nearly all food retailers offer local assortments throughout their stores. " In FMI's annual Industry Speaks poll of US grocery retailers, operators overwhelmingly cited fresh departments when asked about their current priorities. Fresh is a big driver in retailer differentiation strategies related to both products and services, according to the report, which was written by FMI's Steve Markenson and David Orgel of David Orgel Consulting LLC and sponsored by Upshop. " Many of the major issues impacting fresh are of central importance across all segments and categories in the food industry, " according 18 - OCTOBER 2024 supermarketperimeter.com I 42% of food retailer sales in 2023 came from fresh departments: 11% Meat 11% Produce 8% Dairy 4% Deli 3% Fresh prepared 3% In-store bakery 2% Seafood 11 58 2 3 4 8 11 WavebreakMediaMicro, viperagp - stock.adobe.comhttp://www.supermarketperimeter.com