B2B | Shopper Connection | October/November 2010
Kids in the kitchen build independence, memories
Family-centered activities such as cooking around Holiday time build memories, but can also become teaching and bonding moments—with a purpose. Moms want to teach kids to prepare foods simply, make intelligent choices, and gain a sense of independence.
The holidays are prime time for Kids in the Kitchen with extended family and friends around, especially for older kids (age 10+), who like to make their versions of family favorites. How can retailers build on this dynamic?
- In categories like canned pasta and convenience meals, have a Kids’ Only section from which they can select. “If microwavable, Moms are very comfortable letting even younger kids warm up the food,” says Tim Miller, senior director-shopper insights, ConAgra Foods.
- Distribute Kids’ Only ConAgra Foods/retailer-sponsored cookbooks with “no fail” recipes or tips for after-school snacks, dinner for Mom or weekend breakfast. Also, sell kid-sized utensils.
- Suggest seasonal, Mom-approved ideas for super simple treats.
- Host kids’ cooking demos or run local recipe contests on weekends.
- Devote an area of website where Moms and kids can focus on nutritional balance and fun foods.
“The more interactive and kid-friendly you can make the store, the better you can appeal to younger households and potential long-term future customers,” added Miller.
Ultra-convenient meals, the ultimate shopability in center-store
Retail performance in test stores this year suggests that the Ultra-Convenient Meals (UCM) destination center could become a center-store hub in 2011. The unique design of this 16-foot set showcases the quick, convenient, value appeals of a wide array of shelf-stable microwavable meal solutions—all in one place.
Grow categories in a SNAP
The addition of 3 million U.S. households to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) during October raises the number of eligible households to 18 million and creates new retail opportunities to synchronize promotional and merchandising efforts with the early-in-the-month dollar flow.
Missed the last issue? View all articles »
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Moms want quick, easy meals during Holiday season |
Chief household shoppers are of two minds during the holiday season. They certainly think about the big gatherings, but they also need to be as expedient as possible in meeting their family food needs every other day of the Holidays
Read Full Story »
ConAgra Foods' 2010 Corporate Responsibility Report
As a business partner, we’re committed to doing the right thing. This report shows how ConAgra Foods employees, from production to marketing to sales, adhere to the company’s’ goals to do what is right for our communities and the environment, while delivering solid business results.
SNAP Shoppers Spend More in Early Part of Month
Retailers can capture SNAP shoppers at the beginning of the month, by doing the following:
- Move food category events that index high to
SNAP households - Utilize in-store displays to ensure in-stock levels
- Adjust inventory levels on key categories and brands to address increased consumer needs
*Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program
Source: Government Assistance/Food Stamps In-Depths Fusion 4/10, Retailer SNAP tender data
Soup
Soup's popularity has simmered with both dollar and unit sales down across food, drug and mass channels.
Home Use
Supermarkets posted strong sales in cookware/bakeware during the recession; now the challenge is to keep the cook-at-home momentum going
Bringing Fresh Ideas to Shelf Stable
Since 1988, traditional grocery stores have lost 53 percent of their market share to other classes of trade...
SNAP Still an Opportunity, Even as Economy Grows
Most businesses would rather forget that 2008 and 2009 ever happened. But it's now a new year and a new decade, and many economists are predicting that the United States...
Giant-Carlisle Receives SNAP Award
Giant Food Stores here on Friday said it has received the Golden Grocer Award in recognition of the chain's successful operation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Retailers Rethink Ad Strategies
THE UNUSUAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT of the past year has made some retailers take a new approach to their pricing and promotional strategies...
Rfg. Side Dishes
When moms or dads are putting together an entree for their family, it helps to have someone else take care of the sides.
Hope for the Holidays
For the 2009 holiday season, food retailers expect more of the same.
Beef Up
With cattle inventories at 50-year lows, retailers should prepare for the return of beef price inflation this year.
Produce Manager Makes Merchandising Fun
Whether it's the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day or Christmas, Lequitte Perry, produce manager at a Food City store here, makes good use of upcoming events to bring customers into her department.
Kowalski’s Boo Bash Attracts Thousands
Kowalski’s Markets’ Boo Bash, a Halloween event for kids, attracts bigger crowds each year, officials said.
Schnucks Launches New Cooking School
Schnucks' newest store opened here yesterday, featuring the St. Louis-based company’s first Schnucks Cooks Cooking School.
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