TOP 10 SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS OF THE PAST 50 YEARS

Rank & Year

Specific

1) 1954

First frozen TV dinner

Introduced by Swanson

2) 1955

First home model of microwave oven

Introduced by Tappan

3) 1962

First in-store pharmacy

Opened in Baltimore by Giant Food

4) 1963

First case-ready fresh poultry product

Introduced by a cooperative wholesaler in Mississippi for delivery to local stores

5) 1972

First use of scanning

At a Marsh supermarket in Dayton, Ohio

6) 1976

First membership warehouse club

A Price Club in San Diego

7) 1987

First loyalty marketing card

Issued by Ukrop's Super Markets, Richmond, Va.

8) 1987

First Wal-Mart combination food and discount store

Opened in Dallas

9)1994

Food labeling in its present form is mandated

By Food and Drug Administration, Washington

10) 2002

First chain to offer irradiated fresh ground beef

as a private label in all its locations

Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester, N.Y.

Source for list: Compiled by SN editors from extensive industry research and feedback.