High inflation might limit discretionary spending and travel for many this summer. Still, consumers are making the most of their pandemic investments in outdoor spaces, grills, and smokers. Now it’s time for retailers to rewrite their summer playbook and merchandise for a new generation. Uncover tips and tricks from Jonna Parker, principal of Circana’s Fresh Center of Excellence, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics.

Highlights:

• Meat is still king of the grill, but it’s increasingly sharing space with vegetables, plant-based meat alternatives, and other proteins.
• Brands that promote convenient solutions across categories and retailers see a bigger sales lift. Consider opportunities to educate and inspire consumers with products throughout the store that build bigger baskets around different themes, such as grilling.
• Too many retail channels competing in fresh sell the same products and traditional price promotions aren’t delivering lift. Consider digital ads and targeted messaging to connect with shoppers and get them to the store.
• Retailers don’t necessarily need to change their assortments, but they should rethink how they merchandise. Consider different colors and merchandising strategies to position products in new ways.