Progressive Grocer - April 2009 - (Page 91)

Fresh Food GREEN ISSUE THE Premium Possibilities While most consumers are struggling to stretch their hard-earned food dollars, the conscientious meat-eating movement remains alive and well. By Meg Major A www.progressivegrocer.com mid the gloom-and-doom financial forecasts, consumers are clearly thinking far more carefully about how their food dollars are being spent these days. But with almost as much time given to informing consumers about eating healthfully in a recession, there’s a growing percentage of the population thinking equally carefully about what they’re eating as well. As a result, while nearly everyone is feeling the pinch and seeking solutions to stretch essential, everyday purchases like food, the volume — and value — of natural and organic proteins are maintaining their status as one of the most dynamic segments of grocers’ long-term fresh food strategies. That’s great news for the increasing number of people who are steadily becoming more empowered, encouraged and excited about eating healthfully on a budget — particularly aging baby boomers and their decade-younger counterparts who are aiming to take greater control of their lives by purchasing products that they trust offer extra value in the form of wellness attributes, higher quality standards and a reputable environmental track record. Several retail executives in attendance at the recent Annual Meat Conference in Denver echoed those sentiments. “Even though many consumers are trading down, many others are becoming more selective about their food choices by wanting to know where their food comes from and how it is produced,” which has become increasingly important in the wake of food-safety scares and negative exposure about animal handling, according to a senior retail meat executive who requested anonymity. “The natural meats consumer typically hails from a higher demographic bracket, and is thus more insulated to pricing concerns,” the meat director continA H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T ued, noting that it’s primarily the same consumer segment that’s become more confident and demanding about food expenditures. Consequently, he added, “Sales of our signature all-natural meat line and premium-priced seafood are doing really well in our stores that draw from higher-income households.” Interestingly, while much of what’s being writ- Wegmans Food Markets has added a grass-fed beef line sourced from Uruguay to its fresh meat offering. ten and said about purchasing patterns during the current economic downturn has revolved primarily around budget-friendly offerings, the retail executive said it’s been nearly taboo to acknowlProgressive Grocer • April 2009 • 91 http://www.progressivegrocer.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Progressive Grocer - April 2009

Progressive Grocer - April 2009
Contents
Nielsen's Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight: Salty Snacks/Variety Snack Packs
Market Snapshot: Cleveland, Ohio
Independents Report: How Jax Markets' MacAloney Triumphed Over Adversity
Lempert Report: Consumers in Command
Nielsen Report: Keeping Up With the Economy: Insights and Opportunities in Uncertain Times
Store of the Month: Close to Home
Sustainability Best Practices: It's Not Easy Being Green
Give Green, Get Green
Store of the Month: The Collection
Household Cleaners: Green Clean Is Growing
Meat Conference: Annual Meat Conference Rustles Up Retailers, Vendors to Denver
Produce: Organic Opportunities
Meat: Premium Possibilities
Reusable Bags: Paper, Plastic or Yours?
Technology: Priced to Sell
Equipment: A Flash of Green
What's Next: Editors' Picks for Innovative Products

Progressive Grocer - April 2009