While having a wide array of attractive selections is essential if deli operators are to boost or maintain meat and poultry sales, just offering such options is not enough. Merchandisers must also effectively spotlight the options to consumers if the sector is to thrive, analysts say.
“It's all about communication and ensuring consumers can easily find either the products they are looking for or discover new items,” says Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters, an Arlington, Vt.-based food industry consulting firm. She notes that retailers also must “think a bit like online shopping sites” by determining how they can get current customers to discover and sample new products.