When today’s consumer walks into the supermarket, more than not, he or she will head directly to the right or the left. Consumers are scaling the perimeter prior to entering the center aisles, but why? Not only are consumers today busy and seeking faster, more convenient choices, they are also seeking fresher options with cleaner labels and higher quality. According to an article from Food Business News, “two key needs articulated by consumers when shopping across retailers are fresh, less processed foods and convenience.”
The attraction to the grocery deli department is rapidly growing – there is a noticeable shift in the demand for fresh/refrigerated foods and beverages over frozen. Retailers must recognize and supply this shift in consumer demand in order to succeed in the industry today and going forward. However, many companies fear this change – fresher products usually require a trade-off for a shorter shelf-life, resulting in more grocery shrinkage, food waste, and revenue reduction. Is there a solution for retailers to meet the consumer needs and still be sustainably profitable? High pressure processing (HPP) is paving a way to the store’s perimeter.
High pressure processing (HPP) is making waves in the food and beverage industry, providing a way for companies to transition from the frozen aisle to the store perimeter. HPP uses only cold water and extreme pressure to inactivate foodborne pathogens. The main attraction of this growing technology is its ability to drastically increase shelf-life, allowing products to remain in their most natural, ready-to-eat, state while awaiting purchase and consumption.
In a recent survey conducted by Universal Pure, 85% of retailers said their companies are affected by the fresh food demand, and 78% go so far as to say they’re favoring companies that produce fresh product options. The survey results demonstrate that HPP is a preferred technology for food safety, food quality and shelf-life extension. A recent report from Persistence Market Reseach suggests that, “leading food companies and retailers are tuning in with the evolving shopping behavior and purchase patterns of consumers to improve their brand identity and sales.” At Universal Pure, we are proud to be North America’s largest HPP service provider and are excited to partner with food producers and retailers to help enable safe, fresh food and beverages for perimeter supermarket shoppers.
