For restaurants, the leap to retail-ready products (RRPs) — bottled sauces, frozen entrees, pre-packaged desserts — is a chance to leverage brand equity and culinary prowess in a whole new market. But navigating this transition demands more than a catchy label; it requires a laser-focused assessment of readiness and a strategic deployment of resources. Cashing […]
Americans are showing a growing interest in preventative health, which has led to a greater demand for nutritious options when dining out. They’re willing to pay a premium for healthier options, especially when they’re perceived as high-quality or if they offer specific health benefits. However, the word “healthy” means different things to different people. Customers […]
In-store signage is a powerful, yet often underestimated, tool for influencing consumer decision-making and purchasing behavior. In this article, we look at one effect signage has on customer decision-making called “priming.” Attention and Information Processing Grocery stores are information-rich environments where the goal of signage is to capture shopper attention and direct their information processing. […]
Want to upgrade your buffet without the hassle of disassembling your existing infrastructure or learning a complex new system? In this article, we’ll share an easy way to give your buffet a much-needed visual and functional refresh. Why You Need a Buffet Refresh, From a Consumer Perspective In the age of fast fashion, tech trends, […]
The topic of inclusion is now at the forefront of American discourse. Yet we have overlooked, forgotten, or were completely unaware of one population: the millions of people with disabilities that are not able to use standard public restrooms. Imagine a child not being able to go on field trips with their classmates, because the […]
Brick and mortar grocery stores are undergoing a transformation, driven by a heightened consumer focus on health and wellness, as well as new competition from the C-store segment and online retailers. In this article, we provide ideas for retailers who are interested in strategically pivoting their product offerings and services to cater to this growing […]
Behind vibrant aisles of supermarkets and bustling foodservice kitchens, an important, often unseen force orchestrates the flow of food: the food broker. These individuals, or companies, act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers, playing a vital role in bringing the products we love to our plates. Understanding their history, function, and current landscape sheds light […]
In grocery stores, perfectly shaped, blemish-free fruits and vegetables dominate the produce aisle, while others are discarded for purely aesthetic reasons. However, consumers, the foodservice industry, and celebrity chefs like Massimo Bottura, Dan Barber, and Jamie Oliver have begun to challenge this wasteful practice by embracing the beauty of “ugly produce.” In this article, we […]