1 planetretail.net FOCUS ON FRESH MEALS Keeping up with shopper demand October 2013 RICH MITCHELL Senior Retail Analyst

2 1.Planet Retail’s View  Retailer implications  Supplier implications 2.Fresh Meals Overview 3.Evolving Fresh Landscape 4.Further Reading Contents

2. Fresh Meals Overview

4 Shoppers put the brakes on their long-time trend of eating more food away from home. Factors such as the Great Recession, a sluggish economy and greater interest in healthy eating have all contributed to an upswing in at- home eating.

5  Valued-added selections, including kabobs, seasoned hamburger patties, packaged salads and pre-cut vegetables, are intended to appeal to time-conscious shoppers who are willing to pay more for convenience. Whole Foods’ emphasis on fresh foods is helping to fuel growth. Perishables accounted for 67.0% of sales in 2012, up from 66.2% in Total revenues increased 15.7% last year with 8.7% comparable store growth.