Looking to the cloud for
real-time produce visibility
As consumer demand
for fresh produce grows,
so do the distribution
challenges for suppliers
and retailers. Third-party
logistics specialists with
advanced produce
monitoring and tracking
capabilities can help
ease the pain.
CONSUMER DEMAND FOR MORE WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS, AND
convenient foods continues to fuel the expansion of fresh-food options at
retailers. Witness the explosive growth of prepared chilled foods, encompassing soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées, sauces, and beverages, with food
retailers supporting this trend by providing an ever-widening array of new
selections. But as popular as these chilled prepared foods are, it is fresh produce that is the biggest draw for consumers both in stores and in foodservice
venues.
According to the 2018 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends Report, sponsored by
the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), 80% of respondents ranked high-quality
fruits and vegetables as the most important attribute when selecting a primary grocery store. Compare this with 53% of respondents who indicated that
freshly prepared deli foods were their prime draw.
Clearly, fresh, quality produce is top of mind with health-conscious consumers. And particularly with millennials who, according to the USDA’s
Economic Research Service, devote a larger percentage of their grocery bills
to fruits and vegetables than Generation X and baby boomers. Indeed, fruits
and vegetables are not only healthy options, they can often be consumed with
minimal to no preparation, which fits into the lifestyle of all age groups.
