Elsevier Food International
Volume 11, No. 1 February 2008
EFI Special
Shop fitting suppliers now offer shelf systems that enable retailers to display products better and place more items in the same floor space. Not only that, the new constructions available can help to enhance convenience, be more economical and create a greener, more sustainable, supply chain.
Pushing frontiers in shopping convenience and green technology
ECR
The “more is less” adage, witnessed for years on car assemble lines, is starting to be adopted by the food industry. Turning the supply chain to be lean, ultra-efficient fighting machine means providing what’s wanted, where its wanted at exactly the time the customer wants it.
How well fresh food travels can make the difference between success and failure. No wonder that the cold chain is in the spotlight and temperature integrity is the buzz word. As technology and efficiencies improve, the volume of perishables moving through the supply chain over large distances will only increase.
Instore
Fresh prepared-food departments are becoming more prominent as the emphasis changes from providing commodity ingredients to meal components. Consumer needs vary immensely so retailers need to effectively communicate and present their fresh foods to capitalise on all the opportunities.
Deli, dairy, meat: Practical issues of layout, design and marketing
Store profile
Tesco has started a invasion into the US. The UK company is planning to open 200 of its 10,000-square-foot Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets by the end of 2008. The ‘convenient’ store format is bringing new dynamics to the market and a format which others are likely to copy.
Retail profile
Odd Retain is the self-proclaimed Major of retail chains in Scandinavia. Based in Trondheim, Norway, the Reitan Group specialises in franchise stores. Current expansion is through petrol station stores and the confidence which surrounds the head of the group means than success is inevitable.
German retail giant, Metro, underwent many changes last year. Can consolidation or even French know-how solve some of its problems? Certainly the company’s speed of conquering new countries, especially in emerging Asian markets, could generously blanket unsatisfying performances – such as those in Germany.
Metro's mission: the sprit of commerce
Country profile
Poland’s economic boom makes it one of the leading investment markets in Europe. Falling unemployment, rising wages, soaring consumer optimism and political confidence means that it is likely to remain one of the most interesting markets within CEE.
Food Watch
CPG manufacturers face fierce competition and slim margins. How can small manufacturers survive? It becomes increasingly necessary to have in place systems which reduce costs and improve customer service and at the same time focus on new product development. If not, manufacturers will be relying
on smaller retailers or private label.
R&D
Shelf-ready packaging may revolutionise in-store logistics. Because it can cost-effectively and safely improve availability of product, it is gaining momentum but consumers are not yet wholly convinced. The universal design which also takes into account people, profits and planet, may be the way forward.
(In)convenience through convenience packaging?
Industry profile
PepsiCo’s portfolio of fizzy drinks and potato snacks has been savagedly criticised over the years by policy makers, health experts or consumer groups. The company has responded through
innovation, launching a range of “healthy” snack products which make you feel good in both mind and body. The strategy is paying off.
Now online
May 2008
In print
September 2008.jpg)
Terms of Use and Privacystatement.