Food Industry Glossary
Like every industry, the food industry has special terms we use to describe aspects of our business. This glossary can help newcomers learn terminology and help seasoned food industry experts keep up to date.
TERM DU JOUR
cut-case display
A method of merchandising and stocking products that uses the original packing case, with the top and/or sides removed, to display products.
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trailer
A mail-in incentive attached to a product to increase the sales of a slow-selling product in an otherwise fast-moving category.
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machine readable
A scannable bar code.
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exposure – qualified
A display or video impression that meets the minimum onscreen pixel and time threshold, or a valid click for CPC and search units.
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tie-in items
See related items.
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institutional advertising
Advertising conveying a company's general image or philosophy as opposed to specific product information. Also known as image advertising.
Additional Food Industry Knowledge
Personality Types Among Grocery Stores
May 20, 2026
Every year, our U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report focuses on a question that is worthy of our consideration. For our 2026 report, we decided to concentrate on the in-store experience—Why do shoppers still go to the grocery ...
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
