Report: Offering convenient meal solutions is good way to increase sales

A report from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy offers findings that could just as easily apply to fresh-cut produce.

Through pilot testing, the center said it proved that creating innovative displays that provide meal solutions for consumers can garner significant sales increases.

According to the report, research shows that:

• Home-prepared meals are resurging, but consumers do not necessarily plan ahead.

• Almost half of all grocery trips are quick.

• Convenience is king. People don’t have a lot of time and want to create a home-prepared meal without all of the work.

• More than ever, food and beverages are being looked at as critical factors in health and fitness.

“Meal solution merchandising can serve as an important tool that satisfies the shopper’s need for solutions and hits on key consumer drivers including health and wellness benefits and a desire for homemade meals and convenience,” the report states.

The report cites some examples of product mixes for merchandising. For breakfast, an endcap might include pineapple, yogurt, milk and juice for smoothies. For snacking, it suggests a co-merchandiser in produce with monthly rotations including fresh fruit, yogurt and snack cheese. For dinner, retailers might consider a dedicated endcap with new recipes weekly and corresponding ingredients, say, the makings for burritos including fresh produce, meat and dairy.

“Meal solution merchandising provides retailers the ability to leverage key consumer trends while providing shoppers with a convenient option,” the report concludes.

To read the full report, click here.