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THE 411 ON FRESH

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.

November 5, 2020

1 Min Read
fresh prepared foods
Photograph: Shutterstock

The Fresh Perimeter Has Been Turned on Its Head

Fresh food

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

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.

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Jonna Parker, principal with IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence.

"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."

Animal Proteins Triumph in Recent Months

Meat

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

The pandemic has driven a return to the bedrock of American cuisine.

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30.1%

Increase in overall meat dollar sale from March 15 through Sept. 6, according to IRI data

Produce Takes a Back Seat to Beef

Produce

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

Fruits and veggies have played second fiddle to carnivorous inclinations in 2020.

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$66.6 million

Total dollar sales of combined random- and fixed-weight produce in multi-outlet retail, according to IRI

Prepared Foods a 'Mixed Bag' as Demand Changed Overnight

Prepared food

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

As the pandemic continues, the deli has become a new destination for refrigerated grab-and-go.

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Jonna Parker, principal with IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence

“Consumer demand changed overnight, and the lack of a lunchtime crowd threatened to single-handedly decimate the category.”

Finfish, Shellfish Suffer Initially at Start of Pandemic

Seafood

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

Seafood sales didn't start to grow until May, according to IRI.

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Pete Swanson, senior consultant with IRI's Fresh Center for Excellence

"We didn’t see seafood sales growth until May, when people felt it was OK to go back and buy."

In-Store Bakeries Go From Occasion-Based to Everyday-Based

Baked goods

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

Department pivoted amid the pandemic, putting forth items such as breads and rolls.

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4.2%

Increase in sales of breads and rolls, according to IRI

Cheese Thrives During Pandemic

Cheese

By Jennifer Strailey on 11/04/2020

Total dollar sales of deli cheese up over 12%.

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$6.9 billion

Total dollar sales of deli cheese, according to IRI

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