Trends

Expo West, the largest natural, organic, and “healthy” products event in the U.S. is a time to see vendors and learn about new trends and innovative products that will be hitting the market in the coming months.

While consumers are increasingly interested in buying products that are better for themselves and the environment, they often lack information and trust, or are just plain confused.

Recently, I received a request to do a 30-minute interview about retail perceptions and promotions of Blue Foods. After understanding that it wasn’t a focus on foods that are colored blue, I was intrigued. I accepted the interview to learn more.

While shopping for groceries online has become an important convenience for many individuals and families, for those with food allergies or medical dietary restrictions, some of the current systems may be a cause for concern. From a lack of nutrition information to incorrectly selected product substitutions, shopping online could be risky. 

Chief household food shoppers pummeled by inflation and the pandemic have reacted by shifting more of their budgets towards healthier rather than indulgent choices. They’re spending far more on produce, meat and frozen foods than in summer 2020, well beyond what inflationary hikes account for, reported RDBA’s 2022 Samplefest® presentation, “Meeting the Needs of Price-Conscious Shoppers.”

They call themselves “Minnesota’s First Zero-Waste Shop” and are committed to helping “the everyday person live trash-free by providing package free and plastic free goods.” Given consumer interest in sustainability, food waste and related topics, there are viable ideas for implementation in traditional retail that can be assimilated from Tare Market.

While shoppers typically want information about the food inside a package, they are increasing making purchase decisions based on the sustainability of the food package itself.

The ongoing pandemic, shift to online shopping, product shortages, and supply chain issues impact departments of the grocery store in different ways. This article explores these departmental impacts.

Because comp shops to other retailers may not be in your travel plans right now, I’m highlighting here some health and wellbeing introductions at retailers across North America.

Communicating the nutritional benefits of a nourishing diet in relation to building an individual’s resilience to withstand the impacts of climate change are messages that may resonate with both older and younger generations. Here are three suggested ways to frame your messaging.