Nearly a year into the pandemic, we can more clearly see the new trends that are emerging for 2021 and beyond.
Long-lasting impacts of the pandemic will be the focus on in-store safety for workers and customers, the emergence of new supply chains to keep stores stocked, the rise of technology to meet the needs of curbside pickup and delivery, and a shift in fresh categories such as deli, foodservice and bakery to prepackaged, ready-to-go offerings.
Written by Michael Browne, Executive Editor
Prepared foods will see a sales resurgence in parallel to restaurants as regulations relax and customers are once again able to dine safely.
More supermarkets and other grocery retail stores will be redesigned to incorporate omnichannel elements, such as automated picking spaces, curbside pickup sites and storage of pending online orders.
Online grocery sales will account for at least 10%-15% of industry sales in 2021. Before the pandemic, online grocery represented just low to mid-single digits of overall sales.
Vibrance remains as some converts across demographics stick with their new skills/using their purchased equipment.
Hard discount grocers, wholesale clubs, warehouse-style supermarkets — will remain strong players as the U.S. economy and consumers recover from the pandemic.
As a result of the resurgence, supermarkets will use their learning to re-evaluate their space, products and presentation.
Personalized digital offers and more advanced marketing to customers in order to retain market share gains from increased food-at-home spending.
New year always brings a focus on consumers health, but there will be a second wave of personal wellness as we come out of the pandemic and back to a more normal routine.
