comes to sales of refrigerated side dishes, with servings much larger than the competing drug store and combined food, drug store and mass merchandiser channels. For the 52 weeks ending June 13, the supermarket channel sold nearly $403 million worth, up 2.8% from calendar year 2003, when sales were $402 million. Calendar year 2002 sales were also strong; likewise, unit sales grew at double digits for 2002 and 2003.
In the drug channel breakout, sales for the 52 weeks ending June 13 did not even break $40,000. Indeed, sales for calendar years 2003 and 2002 continued to hover around that same amount. However, unit sales are growing, from 11,600 in 2002 to just under 20,000 for the latest reporting period. Given their size and format, drug stores are more likely to reserve premium refrigerated space for faster-moving items, such as individual beverages. Sales of refrigerated sides likely occur in those formats that offer a more extensive food selection, operate larger footprints, and promote their food items more heavily than nonfoods.
Dollar Sales Latest 52 Weeks Ended June 13, 2004; % Change; Dollar Sales Calendar Year Ended Dec. 28, 2003; % Change; Dollar Sales Calendar Year Ended Dec. 29, 2002; % Change