Progressive Grocer - May 2009 - (Page 92)

Grocery Bean Counters In good times and bad, American consumers continue to turn to coffee for a quick pick-me-up. By Bob Phillips hile Starbucks may have created an on-premise coffee culture that lasted throughout the ’90s and into the new millennium, after the economic bubble burst in 2008, austerity measures began to take hold, even among formerly free-spending, affluent consumers. Earlier in the year, Starbucks announced that it would close 200 of its U.S. stores in 2009. Without a doubt, the recession has resulted in many consumers questioning the need for daily coffee beverage purchases, normally in excess of $4 per cup. As coffee aficionados began cutting back on trips to their favorite restaurant or coffeehouse, and brewing more of their hot beverage of choice at home, one might have expected to see a corresponding bump in take-home bean sales in the grocery channels. But, to date, that has not occurred, at least in the mainstream. According to data provided by The Nielsen Company, dollar sales of coffee in supermarkets with $2 million or more in annual sales — primarily ground coffee, bulk beans and instant — have continued to increase in each of the past four years. And, in fact, the $3.3 billion generated during the 52-week period ending March 21, 2009, represents the all-time high-water mark for the category. However, concurrent with the dollar surge has been a corresponding decrease in unit volume. According to 92 • Progressive Grocer • May 2009 A H E A D O F W H AT ’ S N E X T www.progressivegrocer.com W http://www.progressivegrocer.com

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

Progressive Grocer - May 2009
Contents
Nielsen's Shelf Stoppers/Spotlight: Candy/Chocolate Candy
Market Snapshot: Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.
The 76th Annual Report of the Grocery Industry: Opportunity Knocking
Industry Ranking: The Super 50
Independents Report: IGA's Stores Down Under Are Experts at Giving Back
Lempert Report: Sustainable Agriculture is the Key to Feeding the World
Store of the Month: Angels in the City
United Fresh Product Forecast: Save-A-Lot Savors Suite Life at United Fresh
Meat/Seafood: A Signature Cut
Show Preview: IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake 2009
Beverage Alcohol: A Heads-Up for Hops
Confectionery: Eye Candy
Hand-Held Frozen Entrees: Holding On
Coffee: Bean Counters
Private Label Trends: Private Practice
HBC: A Healthy Boost
Technology Case Study: Employ Automated Hiring
Equipment: Reach for Safety
What's Next Editors' Picks for Innovative Products
General Merchandise Taking Stock

Progressive Grocer - May 2009