In this issue

The festival of Diwali – the most anticipated and eagerly looked
forward to occasion by the retail industry, when Indians pull
out all the stops to binge on shopping and buying gifts – is just
round the corner. While big festivals come in a regular rotation
and every day is a holiday on some level – from birthdays to
promotions to farewell parties, to name just a few – putting the
“special” on special occasions generally means elevating the
foods and beverages experience for celebrating such milestones.
Retailing and business opportunities are signi􀃀 cant on these
big occasions. Retailers can attract shoppers by providing and
promoting gourmet offerings, including both packaged products
and store-made or private label choices. Consumers purchase
specialty foods for a special occasion like a dinner party,
birthday or holiday.
Many parts of the store can be a draw for occasion-minded,
gourmet-seeking shoppers, meaning that basket lift can occur
in several spots. In the perimeter, for instance, the in-store
bakery, deli, prepared food area and produce section offer a
variety of products for parties or gatherings of different scales
and sizes. Meanwhile, in center store, specialty foods can be
merchandised for everyday consumption or for days that mean
something more to a shopper.
Carrying specialty foods and beverages is a signal to
shoppers that a store provides items for both “regular” eating
occasions and occasions that mean something more.

How Supermarkets Can Sell More

Retail industry experts offer five ways to grow business.

6 mins

From A Staid Consumer Co-operative To A Modern And Eco-Friendly Grocery Chain

Sahakari Bhandar is Mumbai’s most visited and preferred grocery store for more than 50 years. With 24 branches strategically located from Colaba to Virar, it offers convenience, good quality, safety and consistent availability of products to its customers. The legacy of trust continues since 1966, servicing more than millions of happy families. Sahakari Bhandar, although a co-operative, is an exciting blend of modern retailing with deep understanding of daily needs of its customers. Progressive Grocer spoke to Sanjay Shete, Chairman – Sahakari Bhandar, about the metamorphosis of a once sleepy stateowned cooperative retail chain into a bustling, bright and swanky neighborhood store chain today, which sells everything from groceries and frozen foods to household care and with a pleasant ambience and hygiene that have the stamp of professionalism everywhere.

5 mins

Ready or Not

Growth in away-from-home eating means supermarkets must continue to improve their fresh prepared food offerings.

9 mins

Challenges In Addressing The Problem Of Food Allergens

Food allergens management is becoming very important in the food industry globally. Several national regulations are addressing the allergen management by putting regulations in place for food manufacturers. But the confusion between food allergies and food intolerances and also a lack of awareness on the type of allergies that a consumer experiences, creates challenges in addressing the problem.

6 mins

Keeping Center Store Relevant

5 ways to reinvigorate an underappreciated section of the store.

6 mins

Creating Safe Eating Environments With Smart Technology

Robust economic growth, rising incomes, increasing urbanization and greater penetration of technology are driving consumption and fuelling the growth of the Indian food and beverage service retail industry. As such, there has been an increased focus on food safety, especially in terms of its preparation, packaging and distribution.

4 mins

Read all stories from Progressive Grocer

Progressive Grocer Magazine Description:

PROGRESSIVE GROCER has been the voice of the food retail industry for over 80 years in the USA. Serving a wide audience in the Indian market, Progressive Grocer India's readers are top management at headquarters and top decision makers at store level. By anticipating, reporting and interpreting important data and trends, PROGRESSIVE GROCER fulfils its mission of identifying and highlighting insights and opportunity for leading grocery retailers, thereby accelerating brands and sales success for leading manufacturers