Winsight Grocery Business

Dec 13, 2023 | winsightgrocerybusiness.com | Christine LaFave Grace

Charcuterie boards are still going strong in all of their meat and nonmeat variations, and have been Exhibit A for the sales-spurring potential of thoughtful pairing. But that kind of sampling-inspiring creativity doesn’t have to be limited to whatever can be sliced up for a sausage-and-cheese board, says Roerink. She points to one retailer that, for the holidays, debuted a classic shrimp ring that also featured smoked-salmon bites.

Dec 13, 2023 | winsightgrocerybusiness.com | Christine LaFave Grace

To be fair, it’s not only grill-ready steaks or a pork shoulder waiting to be turned into carnitas that can inspire dinner daydreams. Consumers’ most popular picks in the meat department can win fresh attention with thoughtful merchandising and promotion, Roerink and Parker say. Take meat grinds.

Dec 13, 2023 | winsightgrocerybusiness.com | Christine LaFave Grace

Who says that holidays that appear on a regular calendar are the only ones worth celebrating? Certainly not consumers, who have embraced marketer-made days like National Pizza Day (Feb. 9), National Margarita Day (Feb. 22) and National Hamburger Day (May 28)--as well as all of the special deals that fast-food restaurants and their favorite local bars offer in conjunction with these not-quite-official holidays.

Dec 13, 2023 | winsightgrocerybusiness.com | Christine LaFave Grace

“At the end of the day, most people love meat, and we don't lean into that enough,” says 210 Analytics’ Roerink. For many consumers, there’s an emotional connection to meat–a connection that can light up sales in a way that “What can I buy to make for dinner tomorrow night?” can’t, Roerink suggests.

Oct 10, 2023 | winsightgrocerybusiness.com | Christine LaFave Grace

Is everything old new again? Maybe not quite, but in 2023, U.S. shoppers—a nostalgic bunch to begin with—have embraced everything from the resurgence of Birkenstock sandals and boy-band reunification to the much-hyped return of certain classic McDonald’s characters.