Can Amazon Gain Momentum in the Food Sector

As the summer temperatures soar, so does the fierce competition for shoppers' wallets in the grocery industry. Enter Amazon Fresh, touting massive price cuts on a wide range of grocery items both in-store and online. But don't be fooled by the shiny discounts – beneath the surface lies a betrayal of fundamental values. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® ask how did Amazon let the fresh food opportunity slip away?

Amazon Fresh's aggressive price-slashing strategy promises up to 30% off on 4,000 grocery products. Sounds like a shopper's dream, right? Not so fast. Peel back the layers, and you'll find a dangerous precedent: short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and quality. 

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

Price Matters

As a grocerant guru®, I've always championed fair pricing that reflects product value. Quality ingredients, ethical sourcing, and fair wages – these are the bedrock of a thriving food industry. Amazon's relentless pursuit of rock-bottom prices threatens these principles, shaking the very foundation of our food system. 

Amazon claims to offer "great prices on quality items every day." But let's call it what it is: a thinly veiled disguise. Their price-slashing frenzy isn't about affordability; it's a race to the bottom, leaving quality and integrity in the dust. 

Amazon's Prime members get an extra 10% discount on hundreds of grocery items. Sounds sweet, but it perpetuates the discount-driven mindset, blurring the true value of food. 

Amazon Fresh isn't the only player. Target and ALDI have also joined the fray, promising thousands of price reductions. But saving money shouldn't mean compromising quality or sustainability. 

As consumers, we must ask: What's the price of these discounts? Are we willing to sacrifice our food system's integrity for a few dollars at the checkout? Let's say no. 

It's time to hold retailers accountable. Let's champion businesses that prioritize quality, sustainability, and fair pricing. True value isn't just about discounts; it's the nourishment and joy food.  

Amazon’s 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 participation, differentiation 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 

The Grocerant Guru's Guide to Navigating the Memorial Day Meal Maze: How Restaurants and Grocerants Can Save the Day

As the Grocerant Guru®, I've seen how the lines between grocery stores and restaurants have blurred, creating a new dining paradigm that's perfectly suited to solve the Memorial Day meal dilemma. As we approach this long weekend, families across the United States are preparing for celebrations and gatherings. Yet, the perennial question looms: what to serve at these festivities? According to recent survey data from Numerator, 57% of Americans are planning to celebrate Memorial Day, with food and alcohol topping their shopping lists.

For those wrestling with meal plans, the answer may lie not just in restaurants, but also in the burgeoning world of grocerants. These establishments can alleviate the holiday meal stress, offering convenience, variety, and a welcome departure from the traditional cooking routine. Here's how grocerants and restaurants can become the superheroes of Memorial Day weekend:

Convenience: With packed schedules and the desire to maximize leisure time, convenience is paramount for many families during holidays. Grocerants and restaurants can offer ready-to-eat meals, catering services, and meal kits that simplify the cooking process and eliminate the stress of planning and preparation.

Variety: Memorial Day celebrations range from backyard barbecues to intimate dinners. Grocerants and restaurants can cater to diverse tastes and preferences by offering a broad range of menu options, including classic American fare, international cuisines, and dietary-specific dishes to accommodate everyone at the table.

Community Gathering: Memorial Day is a time for uniting with family and friends, and grocerants and restaurants provide the ideal setting for communal dining experiences. Whether it's a casual brunch, a festive lunch, or a lively dinner, these establishments offer a welcoming atmosphere where loved ones can relax, connect, and create lasting memories.

Supporting Local Businesses: By choosing to dine out or order from local grocerants and restaurants, consumers can also contribute to the vitality of their communities. Supporting local businesses not only fosters economic growth but also celebrates the unique flavors and culinary talents that make each neighborhood special.

Flexibility: For those who prefer to enjoy the holiday festivities at home, many grocerants and restaurants now offer delivery and takeout options, allowing customers to enjoy restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own surroundings. This flexibility ensures that everyone can partake in the celebration, whether they're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in.

As consumers gear up for Memorial Day weekend, the pressure to plan and prepare meals can be daunting. However, by turning to grocerants and restaurants for assistance, families can reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones and honoring the spirit of the holiday.

With their convenient services, diverse menus, and welcoming environments, grocerants and restaurants have the power to transform Memorial Day weekend from a culinary challenge into a delicious and memorable celebration for all.

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

How Convenience Stores Are Winning at Beverages: Leaving Restaurants Playing Catch-Up

 

Convenience stores have become an integral part of our daily lives, with over 152,000 stores across the United States. These stores play a pivotal role for consumers, and their impact extends beyond just quick snacks and essentials. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, wants explore just how convenience stores are dominating the beverage market, leaving restaurants scrambling to keep up. 

1.      Fact: According to Lori Buss Stillman, vice president of research and education at NACS, 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes of a convenience store. 

2.       Insight: Half of the U.S. population over the age of 14 shops at a convenience store every day. When people treat themselves, they often seek a snack as part of their convenience trip. 

3.       Fact: The No. 1 trip driver for convenience store shoppers is a carbonated beverage. Insight: Shoppers are not only looking for their favorite soda but also something to complement it. 

4.       Fact: 75% of salty snack shoppers visit a convenience store once a week.

5.       Fact: One in five salty snack shoppers are in a c-store every day. 

6.       Fact: 48% of candy shoppers visit a convenience store once a week. 

7.       Fact: 25% of candy shoppers are in a c-store every day. 

8.       Fact: 11.8% of all inside sales come from the candy and snacks category. 

9.       Insight: Media, Pa.-based Wawa Inc. aims to become a go-to food retailer. They encourage customers to pick up not only foodservice items but also candy bars, energy bars, or bags of chips. It's about building a complete shopping basket. 

10.   Insight: La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip Inc. capitalizes on candy and snacks. Their bakery offerings and private-label line position them well. Additionally, their loyalty program, drives sales—especially among Generation Z. 

11.   Insight: Manufacturers and suppliers must make it easy for retailers to introduce innovative products. Listening to retailers' needs and understanding their stores is crucial.

12.   Trends: Freeze-dried candy, mashups, and Asian-infused brands are exciting innovations that bring customers back to the category. 

13.   Insight: Finding space for new products can be challenging. Data plays a vital role in making informed decisions. It removes emotion and ensures efficient merchandising. 

Think about this, convenience stores continue to evolve, offering more than just convenience. As restaurants strive to catch up, these stores remain at the forefront of beverage sales, meeting consumer demands effectively. Whether it's a quick soda or a snack, convenience stores have mastered the art of satisfying our cravings. The next time you grab a candy bar or energy drink, you’re part of a larger trend, one that convenience store have perfected.

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

CVS: A Fresh Perspective on the Grocerant Niche

At the intersection of ‘better for you food’ and fresh prepared food, Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believe CVS Pharmacy can find incremental customer relevance. One trend that's impossible to ignore is the rise of ready-to-eat and heat-n-eat fresh prepared foods. This "grocerant" niche is rapidly growing, and it's time for CVS to take a bite out of this lucrative market. 

The Current State of CVS 

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, recently launched Well Market, a new store brand consumables line offering snacks, beverages, and groceries. This line brings 40 items to the shelves of CVS Pharmacy stores across the country and online. The products range from flavor-infused sprouted almonds to probiotic-boosted popcorn. Most items in the Well Market line are priced between $2.99 to $8.99. 

While this is a commendable step towards expanding their food and beverage portfolio, CVS is missing out on a significant trend in retail food: the grocerant niche of fresh prepared food. 

The Grocerant Opportunity 

The grocerant trend, a blend of grocery and restaurant, involves supermarkets offering fresh,Ready-2-Eat, and Heat-N-Eat meals and meal components. This trend caters to the busy consumer who is looking for convenience without compromising on health or taste. 

By incorporating fresh prepared foods into their offerings, CVS could drive top-line growth and bottom-line profits. Here's how: 

Catering to Consumer Preferences 

Consumers today are increasingly seeking out fresh, healthy, and convenient food options. By offering fresh prepared foods, CVS can cater to these preferences and attract a wider customer base. This could include busy professionals looking for a quick lunch, families seeking a convenient dinner solution, or health-conscious individuals wanting nutritious, Ready-2-Eat meals. 

Enhancing the In-Store Experience 

Adding a fresh food section could enhance the in-store experience for customers. It could transform CVS from a traditional pharmacy into a one-stop-shop for health and wellness needs. This could increase foot traffic and encourage customers to spend more time (and money) in the store. 

Driving Profitability 

Fresh prepared foods typically have higher profit margins than packaged foods. By offering these products, CVS could increase its profitability. Additionally, offering a unique and appealing range of fresh foods could differentiate CVS from its competitors, potentially driving customer loyalty and repeat purchases. 

The Path Forward 

To capitalize on this opportunity, CVS could consider partnering with local chefs or food suppliers to offer a range of fresh prepared foods. They could also explore creating an in-store dining area where customers can enjoy their meals. This could create a more engaging and enjoyable shopping experience, further driving customer loyalty. 

Just think about this, by embracing the grocerant trend and offering fresh prepared foods, CVS has the potential to drive significant growth and profitability. It's an opportunity that's too good to pass up. 

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 participation, differentiation 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