#pardontheinterruption

Pardon the Interruption

From artificial intelligence to blockchains to mobile app enhancements, food retailers are exploring fascinating new technologies that promise to make the grocery shopping experience as frictionless as possible.  Supermarkets are continuing to enlarge their e-commerce presence, investing in technology for more-efficient operations and smoother, more-encompassing online encounters for shoppers.  From interviews with some of the experts, FoodDive.com has identified five technology trends for the grocery marketplace in 2018.

Artificial Intelligence – Large retailers are turning to machine learning for improved inventory management and store deliveries.  

Voice Ordering – As online shopping increases, grocery retailers will start taking advantage of the power of voice ordering.  The technology could allow shoppers to easily reorder from lists and add products simply and seamlessly.  

Blockchain – From a more-transparent and efficient supply chain to improved store distribution and promotional benefits, blockchain technology has the potential to have the food industry’s players speaking the same language – making data management more uniform, more secure and speedier.  

Rapid Checkout – Scan-and-go systems are being adopted in small increments by some of the industry’s biggest players, which, if successful, will only lead to more-widespread usage.  

Pardon the Interruption

Pardon the Interruption

Competition in the frozen food category is growing, thanks in large part to millennials with children, according to a new report by sales and marketing firm Acosta. The report, which was recently detailed on SupermarketNews.com, states that 43% of millennial shoppers surveyed said they have purchased more frozen foods this year compared to 2016. Millennials with kids have been spearheading the rise, the study indicated.

Pardon the Interruption

Global flavors, superfood ingredients and Instagram-ready dishes are predicted to be among 2018’s prevailing food themes, according to Sterling-Rice Group’s insights, which recently were recapped on BakingBusiness.com. The brand consultancy’s trend forecasts, which include input from more than 175 chefs, restaurateurs and food experts across the globe, include these observations:

Spices in coffee are set to increase in popularity. Using coffee as the base, spices and herbs are being layered in, to add flavor and health benefits.

Savory flavors in breakfast foods are whetting the American appetite for Chinese street food, such as jianbing, an exotic crepe. It also should not be surprising to see soy- or miso-based sauces accompanying breakfast fare around the country.

Moringa will emerge as a superfood, similar to matcha green tea leaves or the earthy turmeric powder. Ingredients derived from the dried leaves of the moringa, aka the “drumstick tree” or “vitamin tree,” are rich in protein, fiber, potassium, calcium and vitamin A. Look for moringa to be an essential ingredient in packaged nutrition products.

Foods that promote gut health have hit the mainstream. Consumers are seeking out functionally probiotic products that are easier to digest, like pinsa (an ancient, Roman-style pizza) and sourdough.

Far East cuisine is injecting new intrigue into fine dining and other formats. Burmese specialties, for instance, mix already-popular Asian cuisines together with sour and savory flavors. Fermented tea leaves, light curry and chickpeas are all expected to be part of this trend.

Pardon the Interruption

Three of the most-popular bakeries in the United States are donut shops, according to Instagram data cited by Travel + Leisure magazine in a recent article on BakingBusiness.com. Players across the industry have taken note of this development and are making donut innovation a priority in the kitchen. Retailers already have been capitalizing on this trending dessert, with supermarket sales of fresh donuts rising by an average of 5.2% annually over the past four years.

While traditional glazed or iced donuts will remain a cornerstone of the category, retailers and suppliers have noticed how donuts with enhanced taste or striking visual appeal can catch on through social media, and they are evolving their offerings in response. Not only are consumers looking for new donut products, they also are more willing than ever to pay a premium for creativity. No longer regarded merely as bargain items, donuts are now commanding a higher price, thanks to interesting flavor combinations, quirky toppings, and specialty concepts.

Pardon the Interruption

A new study executed by ChargeItSpot (a provider of cell phone charging stations for retailers) and published in the industry newsletter Food Dive reveals that a clear majority of millennials consider store associates to be “extremely important” to their shopping experience. Although younger, tech-savvy shoppers certainly are not opposed to digital advancements, they also place great value on store associates who are accessible when assistance is needed.

When millennials opt to visit a brick-and-mortar store rather than utilize e-commerce, they expect a certain level of customer service involving human interaction, the study says. Supermarkets should take note of these findings and continue to invest in their workforce, Food Dive suggests. Store associates who feel they are a valuable piece of the company will help create the positive shopping experience millennials prefer.