Retail is a key channel through which consumers see, hear and learn about food. The way food products are presented and marketed to consumers in a retail setting also heavily influences their perceptions and knowledge about food. Here’s what we can expect to see on the retail market with food this year.

• Health Foods
  The health and fitness craze isn’t set to slow down any time soon, and neither will its related food products. As Australians grow busier and busier, they demand healthier, more nutritious food that is convenient to obtain and consume. Expect to see increasing health food brands that offer ready-to-go nutrition.

• Open Plan Outlets
  The whole idea of aisle shopping will soon be a thing of the past, with an increasing number of supermarkets and retail stores opting for open plan approaches. These may incorporate the likes of sushi and seafood bars, bakeries and roast carveries to keep consumers in store for longer. Rather than being a place where you go to shop, food retail will be a place where you can hang out.

• Grocery Delivery
  Just like the explosion of online shopping over the past few years, food delivery is also set to pick up speed. Food delivery services (not limited to groceries) will continue to expand, growing more prominent in terms of offering same-day delivery, subscription boxes and the like. In the US, retail giants such as Walmart are already experimenting with taking on food deliveries, so it’s only a matter of time before it hits our shores.

Finding it hard to keep up to the latest trends? Visit Fine Food Australia in Sydney this September to access the latest industry trends and products to help maximise your business. Register now for free entry.