“Ready-to-eat meals” to anyone who has served in the military in the last couple of decades conjures up thoughts of MREs (meals ready to eat)—certainly not a tantalizing image. But for supermarkets competing against the big-box supercenters, the consumer versions of ready-to-eat meals are presently the fastest-growing merchandising trend among chains of all sizes. The very largest chains are placing even greater focus on natural foods and organics, followed closely by ethnic foods. These are the latest trends forecasted in a leading trade publication’s grocery industry report.*

Supermarkets continue to recognize the need for busy families’ needs for healthy, convenient prepared foods and are investing in the food equipment necessary for serving hot, to-go meals. To promote these types of meals, supermarkets more and more are turning to in-store demos and free sampling.

Many chains continue to devote increased attention to meat and seafood, produce and the service deli to attract consumers.

The report reveals that retailers face the continuing challenge to modernize stores, improve customer service and elevate merchandising, while keeping prices reasonable and managing operations expenses. Supermarket chains are increasingly concerned with rising fuel and energy costs along with other typical factors that affect rising costs such as benefits, wages and retail prices.

Emphasis on new technology is also a major focus for medium to large chains.

Hobart and Traulsen offer products that enable many of these merchandising trends, from weigh-scale systems that enable meat and seafood merchandisers to improve their consumer marketing and to grow sales, to cooking and refrigeration equipment that enable grocers to prepare and serve hot, ready-to-eat meals. Whatever you are trying to achieve, Hobart is uniquely positioned to help enable you to realize your goals. Our products are designed to deliver the results you need, while delivering durability, dependability and long life.

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*Progressive Grocer -- 73rd Annual Report of the Grocery Industry