inStore - September/October 2013 - (Page 3)

editor’s note GEAR UP FOR SPRING Convenience More often, the convenience factor is underestimated as a purchasing Darren Seifer, NPD’s food and beverage industry analyst, says that driver for bakery and deli shoppers. While some might expect that a convenience is an expectation for Millennials, so it is vital for retailers vast majority of consumers still prefer the quality of a food offering to to provide “dinnertime value while creating excitement and new expe- the speed in which it is delivered, this statement is less likely to reflect riences. You’ll catch their attention.” the truth anymore, particularly among younger shoppers. Snacking is another important area to consider when looking at the The need for speed, for instance, is a key driver of the dinner choices future of convenience foods. Competition for the snacking dollar is for Millennials, who consume more than two-thirds of their dinner fierce and, according to NPD’s snacking research, convenience stores meals from home, according to The NPD Group. Millennials are not represent five times their fair share when it comes to grab-and-go willing to invest more than 15 minutes preparing dinner main dishes. snacking occasions, beating out grocery stores and even discount Additionally, their significant cutback in restaurant visits (49 visits stores. NPD’s research also finds that consumers choose a sweet grab- less in 2013 than in 2009) make them long for an in-home dinner meal and-go snack twice as often as a salty snack. that looks and tastes like a restaurant meal, according to NPD food and beverage market research. Grab-and-go snacks represent 12% of all snack-oriented convenience foods and are typically eaten between meals rather than replacing This presents an enormous opportunity for the instore deli and bakery. meals, according to NPD’s SnackTrack. This “on-the-go” snacking Savvy retailers like The Fresh Market are addressing this pressing behavior typically occurs in the morning or midday and least often in need for convenience with creative and enticing meal deals. During the evening. Young adults, ages 18 to 24, are the most inclined toward the Sept. 4 opening of Fresh Market’s newest store in Overland Park, KS, the instant gratification these types of snacks offer. I witnessed a wide range of interesting examples. One sign in the deli featured four options of chicken dinners (split breast, rotisserie, fried Once again, it is vitally important to monitor the consumption chicken or wings) that ranged in price from $6.99 to $18.99. Each dinner habits of younger shoppers who are reshaping the landscape of how option includes two 1 lb side dishes and cornbread or a yeast roll. America eats. John Unrein JUNREIN@SOSLAND.COM instore • SEP + OCT 2013 • 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of inStore - September/October 2013

inStore - September/October 2013
Editor's Note - Convenience
What's In store for March & April
Table of Contents
On Our Radar
Consumer Insights - Cookies
Pizza
Sugar-Free Shoppers
Spring
March Madness
Department Spotlight - Cake
Sandwiches & Burgers
Beverages
Pies
Product Trends - First to Market
Bizarre Holiday - International Waffle Day
Ad Index
Next Up - Gear Up for Graduation

inStore - September/October 2013