What is the state of the food retail industry?

Food Marketing Institute's 68th annual The Food Retailing Industry Speaks report provides the food retail industry with important operational and financial benchmarks as well as insights into strategic and tactical decisions.

The food retail industry is riding a number of positive growth trends even as it grapples with unprecedented challenges. We've broken down the top-10 findings from the 2018 report, representing 33,300 stores.

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Financial Picture Improves

Same store sales advanced in the past year and retailers express a more optimistic sales and profits outlook going forward.

See More on Page 23

Health Care Costs Top Concerns

Costs of providing health care benefits is considered to have a negative impact by 92 percent of respondents, making it the top concern.

See More on Pages 5, 7 & 8

Tax Reform Expected to Lift Investments

The landmark tax reform law is likely to increase retailer investments for employees and store development.

See More on Page 24

E-commerce Gains Traction

Food retailers are widely experimenting with e-commerce and boosting space and labor allocations for online fulfillment.

See More on Pages 12, 13, 16 & 17

Wellness Cited As Positive

Consumer health and wellness proposition was cited as having the biggest positive impact on business.

See More on Pages 8, 9 & 18

Full Speed Ahead on Fresh

Fresh foods segments are
being tapped for bigger space allocations in the
next two years.

See More on Pages 14 & 16

Private Brands Raise Profile

Many food retailers forecast bigger space and SKU allocations for private brands in the next two years.

See More on Pages 14 & 16

Consumer Engagement Draws Investment

Food retail initiatives including community engagement, loyalty programs and consumer wellness will gain even more focus in the next two years.

See More on Pages 18 & 19

Product Innovation Key Area for Enhancement

Food retailers have an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of product innovations/new items, an area in which the level of investment is high, but the success rate only moderate.

See More on Page 14

Promotions Embrace The Digital Era

Email is a mature platform, but food retailers consider it an important promotions vehicle going forward. They also anticipate growth in vehicles including apps, text promotions/outreach, mobile marketing/ads, Instagram, and Facebook.

See More on Pages 18 & 19

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