By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh, Industry Relations, FMI
More households today are buying valued-added fresh foods. According to Power of Produce 2020, 94% of U.S. households have bought at least some value-added produce, meaning produce that is cut, halved or pre-washed. Value-added produce represents 23.1% of total produce sales when including value-added lettuce. But produce isn’t the only fresh category seeing an increase in value-added sales. The Power of Meat 2020 finds 23% of households frequently purchase value-added meat, meaning pre-marinated, cut or seasoned. This portion has more than doubled since 2016.
Value-Added Shopper Demographics
For both meat and produce, value-added shoppers tend to be younger, live in urban areas and have a higher number of weekly trips and spend on groceries. Produce value-added shoppers also tend to purchase organic produce. Interestingly, shoppers who frequently prepare plant-based meat alternatives also frequently purchase value-added meat.
The Value of Value-Added
Particularly for value-added produce, we find the presence of children in the household to be key to entering into frequent value-added purchases. This makes sense since new families are often more health conscience and time strapped. Proving to be a value-add for these young families can be a big win for food retailers and suppliers and help build long-term loyalty and brand familiarity. Think of it this way, if you can help a family get a fresh dinner on the table tonight, they’ll rely on you for future meals.
Possibilities for Value-Added Fresh in the Era of COVID-19
When we conducted and launched this research, cornonavirus, social distancing and stay-at-home orders were not on our radar. We’re living in a new era, but some things still hold true. Grocery stores are open, and shoppers are still seeking ways to put a meal on the table nightly—maybe now more than ever before. There is a rebirth of cooking going on in America and as newcomers develop their culinary skills and veteran chefs push their limits there is room for value-added fresh foods to support their needs. So, keep shoppers entertained in your store with experiences and value-added fresh offerings to help them through these changing times.
Download Power of Produce 2020
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