Monday, October 31, 2022

Kroger New Technology Enables Shopping Carts to Double as Check-out Lanes


 

In case you have not heard, Kroger has some new technology that they are testing. They are KroGo carts powered by Caper, which debuted last week in Ohio, include scales and cameras for a seamless shopping trip.  Think about it, no waiting in line at Kroger.  Hard to believe but it may be coming to a store near you according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, Kroger Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony late last week at a Monroe, Ohio, location to unveil the grocer's “store of the future” featuring KroGo carts—a tech-savvy shopping cart that looks to make checkout-free grocery shopping even faster.

KroGo is an enhanced shopping cart that features a built-in scale and camera for shoppers to quickly shop and check out from their cart, through a partnership with startup tech firm Caper.

Kroger spokeswoman Erin Rolfes, stated, “We think it’s going to be game-changing.”… “What customers are going to see that’s very different from other stores is that front end where they check out.”



Kroger’s has a goal of a seamless shopping experience the grocery retailer said the KroGo cart allows shoppers to complete their transaction all within the cart and exit quickly through the self-checkout area.

Launching the high-tech carts is not a labor-saving tool, Rolfes said. Instead, the store is hiring even more workers.

Rofes continued, “With this store we not only didn’t reduce labor costs, we hired additional associates to help us manage the carts and help get customers interested in using them (and) explaining to shoppers how to use them.”  Are you looking for ways to save your customers time?

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Does your messaging look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.



Sunday, October 30, 2022

7-Eleven Halloween Deal Buy 1 Large Pizza and get 1 Free

 


Happy Halloween from 7-Eleven.  They are offering 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty members a buy one, get one free deal on any large pizza on Oct. 31., as well as a $5 large pizza all Halloween weekend long. Both offers are available at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores.

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, stated, “this is the best C-store Halloween offering.”

Make it your way, the 7-Eleven Halloween Deal offer you a variety of toppings and mouthwatering sauces, 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes’ pizzas come in flavors like Cheese, Pepperoni, 7-Meat and even Breakfast pizza.

7-Eleven’s Senior Director of Hot Food Vareesha Shariff, stated, “Halloween is the second-highest day for 7-Eleven’s pizza sales all year, which we attribute to its ability to feed families, neighborhoods and communities quickly at a great value,” ... “And what does 7-Eleven have that other pizza places don’t? Candy. With a variety of flavors for everyone to enjoy, 7-Eleven’s oven-baked and ready-to-eat pizzas are the most perfect complement to every sweet treat. You could say it’s love at first bite!”



In case you did not know, 7-Eleven recently dropped Halloween-themed apparel on 7Collection, the brand’s online merchandise shop. Featuring a variety of tees and hoodies, this collection was specially curated for spooky season’s fans and stans and only available through the end of October.

Halloween’s sweetest treats and savory deals are available via 7-Eleven’s 7NOW delivery app. And with the 7NOW Gold Pass subscription delivery service, customers can get their delivery fee waived on more than 3,000 of their favorites 7-Eleven products for just $5.95 per month.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participationdifferentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter




Saturday, October 29, 2022

Is Wendy’s Waging War Over Breakfast

 


In retail foodservice, price is a key driver of value, and tool used by many chain restaurants to garner market share of a daypart.  The old formula for the price, value, service success was: Price + Quality + Service + Portability = Value

Now according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA base Foodservice Solutions®, that formula has evolved with Gen Z and Millennials today.  Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru® has once again retooled, reevaluated, calculated then evolved the formula and here is the new formula:  Price + Quality + Social + Portability = Value.

It looks to the team at Foodservice Solutions® that Wendy’s is using price to garner share of the AM daypart. Wendy’s has recently been offering a $3 breakfast deal.  That deal will run through November 20.

Get this for just $3, you can get a Wendy’s Bacon or Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant and a small order of Seasoned Potatoes.  


The details:  

· Bacon, Egg & Cheese Croissant & Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant: A fresh-cracked grade A egg and Applewood smoked bacon, or grilled sausage, covered in creamy swiss cheese sauce on a flaky croissant bun.  

· Seasoned Potatoes: Natural-cut, skin-on potatoes cooked to perfection and seasoned with cracked black pepper and garlic powder. 

Not only that but you can get the meal fast with technology. As Wendy's breakfast fans will be able to order online, via the Wendy's mobile app or head to their nearest Wendy's restaurant. 

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the leader in the grocerant niche.

Want A Larger Share of Stomach

Price Matters








Friday, October 28, 2022

Are Restaurants Prices Turning Consumers to the Frozen Food Court



Consumers are walking the aisle of the grocery store looking for a meal that is less expensive than eating out.  Delivery charges, price increases, slow service, inconsistent quality are but some of the comments gather in Foodservice Solutions® latest round of grocerant scorecards, according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Struggling with year over year customer count declines and inflation restaurant have to consider just here are their customer getting their next meal.  By all accounts more and more consumers are visiting the frozen food court at their local grocery store. Is your brand on the aisle, on the shelf, or in the basket of the consumer tonight?

Consider this, price is top of mind for consumers, frozen food sales have exceeded $70 billion over the past year, according to NielsenIQ – a 7.6% increase over 2021 and 31% increase over 2019 pre-pandemic sales. Now are your sales up 7.6%?  Are your sales up 31% over 2019 pre-pandemic sales?


In a new report from Acosta, titled Frozen Food Trends & Insights study, done in conjunction with the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Convention. With price top of mind for consumers, frozen food sales have exceeded $70 billion over the past year, according to NielsenIQ – a 7.6% increase over 2021 and 31% increase over 2019 pre-pandemic sales. According to the research, there are three key drivers for consumers' frozen food purchases this year: value, convenience and healthy options. Comfort weighs in as an ancillary driver to purchase.

Kathy Risch, SVP, Consumer Insights and Trends at Acosta, stated, "Two years ago, our research attributed frozen food sales growth predominantly to the pandemic and the resulting evolution of consumer demand with more people cooking at home," ... "Today, even as the average unit price for frozen products has risen 15% over 2021, consumers continue to select frozen as a key part of their food shopping experience," she stated. "We've found that criteria for purchase are balanced between the requirements of affordability and value, healthy choices that meet dietary or lifestyle needs, convenience of preparation and a bit of comfort."  

Pay attention to these numbers, 98% of households purchasing frozen foods, 86% of those shoppers are visiting the frozen section on all or most of their grocery visits. Innovation is driving flavorful options to meet multiple dietary needs and lifestyle choices with numerous new entries taking key positions on freezer shelves. There are ongoing opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to influence purchase decisions.



Value is Key

·         67% of consumers believe that frozen sometimes provides a better value than non-frozen, listing the categories of vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and pizza

·         93% of shoppers are noticing higher prices on frozen foods and 40% of shoppers are spending more time looking for deals

·         Shopping for frozen foods at club stores has jumped 5% this year, with 52% of households reporting they're buying in bulk to save money

Understanding Frozen Foods Shopping Habits 

·         When it comes to frozen food purchases:

·         91% purchased desserts – comfort, convenience and indulgence

·         89% purchased prepared foods and 59% of consumers had a frozen main dish recently as a replacement for eating outside the home 

·         75% purchased vegetables, as frozen vegetables are often perceived as "healthier" than fresh, and a better value   

·         72% said frozen purchases are planned vs. impulse

·         Consumers continue to prefer purchasing frozen foods in-store vs. online, citing handling concerns and preference to select as the key barriers



Acosta's Insights for Manufacturers and Retailers

·         Clearly communicate the value proposition of frozen foods, especially bulk items and entrees that help shoppers stretch dollars, with clear marketing and packaging

·         Frozen foods are undergoing a health-centric rebrand – educate consumers on the healthy nutritional content preserved in frozen foods and continue to elevate options with healthier innovation, such as plant-based options

·         Highlight the convenience of meal solutions and communicate dinner meal solutions that mix and match frozen with fresh items

·         Strengthen the freezer section shopping experience to make it more fun, enjoyable and engaging

"There is an opportunity to do more to engage with customers and drive excitement and purchase in the frozen section, in-store and online, through targeted omnichannel marketing, sales promotions and experiential retailing. Understanding the consumer mindset in frozen will play an important role in supporting anticipated growth and driving purchase decisions," said Risch.

For more information, visit www.acosta.com/news or email insights@acosta.com.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869 




Thursday, October 27, 2022

Can’t Wait for Thanksgiving Order Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey

 


Cooking at home is the number one hobby in the United States.  Now that said, it is a hobby not what everyone wants to do every day. Cooking, doing dishes, buying all of the spices you need to a ‘special’ meal.  No that is not what everyone wants to do.

There is a better way to get through the Holiday season according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  That way is to buy a grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared meal.

Now consider this according to a recent survey conducted by Popeyes of over 500 people, more than 50% of respondents feel stressed to host Thanksgiving dinner at their own home and think that the turkey is the hardest dish to cook as part of the meal.


Thanksgiving just got a lot easier this year, thanks to a “Cajun Fix” from Popeyes. 

Once again, this year Popeyes is bringing back its fan-favorite Thanksgiving dinner staple, the Cajun-Style Turkey. Marinated with our signature blend of Louisiana-style seasonings, the Cajun-Style Turkey is slow-roasted and then flash-fried to help guarantee a crispy, flavorful coating. Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey is a “Cajun Fix” for any stressed-out Thanksgiving host as it’s a high-quality option, pre-cooked and only needs to be thawed, heated, and served. 

The best part? You can order your Turkey right now and you will have the choice to preorder Popeyes signature turkey from their local restaurant for pickup by calling or visiting in person while supplies last, or online at thecajunfix.popeyes.com for delivery direct to their doorstep. Delivery will begin on October 24 with the turkey arriving one to three business days after the order is shipped.

Popeyes is the one-stop-shop for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving celebration with family meals and traditional southern sides such as mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, biscuits and more.

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Does your messaging look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

 



Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Coffee and Breakfast Treats McDonald’s Focusing on AM Daypart

 




Can you believe that McDonald’s is expanding another Co-Branded product?  That’s right after testing McPlant with Beyond Meat they are now testing selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  The morning daypart once owned by McDonald’s has become the envy of most every other food retailer from Convenience Stores, Fast Food Taco Chains, Burger Outlets, even Wendy’s is back in the breakfast game.

According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® it will be very interesting to see if branded doughnuts drive an increase in check average, return visits during the AM Daypart, and incremental sales as in a dozen at a time?

McDonald’s in Louisville, Ky., said that it will start selling three varieties of Krispy Kreme doughnuts at nine locations in the market in what is described as a limited-time operations test of the concept.

In a page out of the Krispy Kreme operating playbook, McDonald’s will not be making the doughnuts. Rather, Krispy Kreme will make the doughnuts at one of its large doughnut-making shops and will deliver them daily to those locations.

McDonald’s will sell Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed, a Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles and a Raspberry Filled Doughnut. The doughnuts will be available all day starting Oct. 26.

The small-scale test will help McDonald’s understand how offering bakery items from a company like Krispy Kreme would impact operations. The nine locations are all company-operated units.



The center point of the test will be on the operating impact of the sale. So, it’s uncertain how revenues would be split between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme. It’s also not certain how this would impact franchise restaurants.

It’s also a rare move. McDonald’s generally does not sell other brands’ items inside its restaurants outside of beverages yet it does that. Now for instance, its McPlant burger does not feature the name of Beyond Meat, even as its competitors have branded their plant-based burgers with one of the fake-meat making companies’ names, but if they thought it would help.  Might they?

This is all about the AM Daypart the McDonald’s once owned.  McDonald’s has been pushing more into sweet treats that make natural companions to its coffee beverages. Regular readers of this blog know that they added an apple fritter, blueberry muffin and cinnamon roll to its menu in 2020. However, let’s face it the product was average at best.  These doughnuts will be much fresher.


This test could prove a much bigger for Krispy Kreme, which is eager to expand the availability of its doughnuts in the U.S.

Regular readers of this blog know that Krispy Kreme operates a hub-and-spoke model where it makes doughnuts at 245 large retail shops in the U.S. and Canada. It uses those shops to supply more than 5,500 kiosks inside grocers and other retailers, which it calls “DFD Doors,” or delivered fresh daily doors.

Yes, Krispy Kreme is hoping those doors can anchor a network of more than 10,000 points of access in the U.S. The company is also hoping to have 50,000 points of access globally. So, McDonald’s, with more than 13,000 U.S. locations and 40,000 global restaurants, could certainly help them get there.

What are you testing?  How will you drive new customer into your restaurants?

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participationdifferentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Want to Grow

Focus on Consumers

Target a Larger Share of Stomach



Tuesday, October 25, 2022

At Little Caesars Customer Relevance is a 'Call of Duty Combo' with MTN Dew

 


Driving new electricity into your brand is hard work.  Leveraging a branded partnership, no matter the size of you company, can drive top-line sales and bottom-line profits when you are focusing on the consumer and attributes that your consumers consider relevant.

Developing interactive participatory consumer focused branded marketing programs is discipline many food marketers overlook.  Looking a customer ahead is an important step to building long term relationship with consumers.   

So, just what kind of partnerships matter today? According to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food products in combination with new avenues of distribution all of which are the platform for the new electricity.” 

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, smaller footprint, developing brands, fresh flowers, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.


All retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable according to Johnson. 

So, both Little Caesars and MTN DEW are always looking to keep their fans fueled up and ready to go. That's why the brands are joining forces ahead of the release of the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, helping fans across the U.S. elevate their gaming experiences and excite their taste buds.

Now through Saturday, December 31, gamers who order from Little Caesars can get their hands on unique codes that unlock Dual 2XP for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. They can also purchase the "Call of Duty Combo" which includes a Large Slices-N-Stix pizza featuring half a Classic pepperoni pizza and half Italian Cheese Bread, Crazy Sauce and a 20 oz. MTN DEW, all for $7.99. Order online at littlecaesars.com or purchase in-store and save your receipt for a code to unlock Dual 2XP as well as access to other bonus in-game items including a player card, emblem, and weapon charm, and the chance to win free prizes such as customized PlayStation 5s, wireless controllers and other swag to take your game to the next level.

Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, stated, "We know that DEW Nation and the gaming community are on the edge of their seats with anticipation for the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,". "Joining forces with our partners at Little Caesars gives us the opportunity to up the ante for fans by creating a meal combo that's designed to elevate their gaming experience."


Now if you want to unlock Dual 2XP and in-game rewards for all consoles and PCs, gamers simply need to visit www.LittleCaesarsCallOfDuty.com  to upload their in-store receipt or enter the unique code on their digital receipt. The Dual 2XP and in-game rewards will be linked directly to the gamer's Modern Warfare II account.

Greg Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Little Caesars, stated, "Little Caesars pizza is a perfect enhancement to a night of gaming," … "Our Slices-N-Stix and Crazy Sauce alongside a refreshing MTN DEW is a sure-fire way to fuel gamers while they unlock in-game features and swag with our exclusive offerings."

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participationdifferentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter