From the growth in grab-and-go to the success in meat and seafood, WGB's annual report, with data and insights from IRI, takes the pulse of the perimeter.
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock
Fresh Food
The Fresh Perimeter Has Been Turned on Its Head
Perimeter trends of the past five years—convenience, health and wellness, and healthy indulgence—will continue in some respects, but what consumers crave today has changed.
"It’s impossible to look at 2020 and say the pandemic didn’t change everything. Sales of meat, seafood and cheese all increased in demand and consumer experimentation."
Meat
Animal Proteins Triumph in Recent Months
The pandemic has driven a return to the bedrock of American cuisine.
30.1%
Increase in overall meat dollar sale from March 15 through Sept. 6, according to IRI data
Produce
Produce Takes a Back Seat to Beef
Fruits and veggies have played second fiddle to carnivorous inclinations in 2020.
$66.6 million
Total dollar sales of combined random- and fixed-weight produce in multi-outlet retail, according to IRI
Fresh Food
Prepared Foods a 'Mixed Bag' as Demand Changed Overnight
As the pandemic continues, the deli has become a new destination for refrigerated grab-and-go.
“Consumer demand changed overnight, and the lack of a lunchtime crowd threatened to single-handedly decimate the category.”
Fresh Food
Finfish, Shellfish Suffer Initially at Start of Pandemic
Seafood sales didn't start to grow until May, according to IRI.
"We didn’t see seafood sales growth until May, when people felt it was OK to go back and buy."
Bakery
In-Store Bakeries Go From Occasion-Based to Everyday-Based
Department pivoted amid the pandemic, putting forth items such as breads and rolls.
4.2%
Increase in sales of breads and rolls, according to IRI
$6.9 billion
Total dollar sales of deli cheese, according to IRI