Retail Reinvention: The New Grocery Store

The grocery industry is one that is continually evolving. Every year, a new trend, focus, or outlook for the coming months means big changes for retailers on the ground. This year is no different, and several major grocery retailers are meeting new consumer demand with changes in their stores. One of the most visible changes: the ‘New Grocery Store’ - a reinvention of the total shopping experience.

What is this new grocery store? Well, it isn’t really new, just different - but in a big way with regard to how stores are branding, or rather rebranding, their image.

Sobeys is one such retailer. Their rebranding: The Affordable Better Food Movement. Recognizing the demand for fresher, healthier options, Sobeys has taken that demand and is running with it, not just with their on-the-shelf offerings, but with the whole look and feel of their store.

And these stores are not just for taking home food to cook anymore. Sobeys has introduced ‘Our Kitchen’ - which offers a wide range of ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meals. According to Senior VP of Merchandising and Commercial Programs at Sobeys, Mary Dalimonte, this new ‘grocerant’ concept “will continue to challenge traditional ‘eating-out’ and redefine what it means to shop and eat at your local grocery store.

In a recent CanadianGrocer interview, Farm Boy’s CEO Jeff York agreed, and he sees the ‘grocerant’ as an important avenue in his stores as well: “We feel it’s a lot easier to get a sales increase taking sales away from restaurants than Walmart,” says York. He sees Farm Boy’s kitchen offerings as a way to tap into what people want: there’s no tipping or waiting for their meal to be prepared, and they’re not slaves to the portions a restaurant would serve to them.

So what do we learn from this? Are people going to forego their regular restaurant visits in the hopes of killing two birds with one stone at the grocery store? Probably not, but it does mean far more competition for those products listed on the shelf. With a focus on certain products, others seemingly get lost when customers are racing down the aisle. Unique, eye-catching, custom packaging now plays an even greater role in consumer purchasing behaviour. To get noticed your product has to stand out.

It also needs to hit those targets that Sobeys and Farm Boy are running with. Buzz words like fresh, healthy, or quick, as well as packaging that is eco-friendly, are things that speak to customers - you need to harness the power of these things.

At PTI, we stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry, and deliver an end product that uses these trends to their fullest potential, thus translating to sales on the store floor. For a complete redesign or just a pick-me-up for your packaging, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883. 

Custom Packaging Trends: Multi-Sensory Sensation

When it comes to custom packaging trends, multi-sensory packaging is a trend that seems to be sweeping the nation. Across North America, brands are looking to their packaging as a way in which to garner consumer attention and drive sales in store.

Here is a great example. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch introduced their tequila flavoured beer, Oculto. In an effort to entice, they included labelling which features pressure sensitive labels with mask motif and tactile ink typefaces. The reverse of the label also incorporates a thermochromics ink, which changes colour in response to variations in the temperature of the beer. Read more about it here: http://www.foodbev.com/news/anheuser-busch-inbev-adopts-multi-sensory-label-for-oculto-tequila-beer/.

According to VP of Marketing Jorn Socquet, “Oculto packaging is an innovation in itself. It brings to life a look that is premium, seductive and energetic. It features a multi-sensory experience, including multiple crown graphics, tactile printing and black-light inks.” Anheuser-Busch joins a slew of other brands taking their packaging to the next level.

What is the key takeaway here? Differentiation. Anything that helps you stand out in the crowd - and let’s face it, those shelves can feel pretty crowded - is a good thing. Presenting a fresh, innovative look, one that is designed to create a buzz and capture the attention of consumers, is great.

Is multi-sensory the only way to go? Sure, it is a fantastic approach, one we love, but there are other ways.

-         Innovation. A package that does more than just house a product, whether it acts as a platform for serving, can be reused, etc., seems to be one of the most popular custom packaging trends for 2015.

-         Authenticity. People seem to be really interested in more natural, raw packaging featuring a more authentic look. This means a more minimalist approach with a fresher, ‘less is more’ design.

-         Quality. Quality never seems to lose traction, and when your packaging is your voice, this is important. People equate quality with class, and so when you are using high quality inks and processes that ensure top-quality end product.

Custom packaging trends are changing all the time, and to stay competitive you have to stay up-to-date. Packaging Technologies Inc. can help you design and create a package that hits the target. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883.

Spinning Straw into Gold: Wheat Straw Paper Saving Forests?

When it comes to paper packaging, eco-friendly has become a trend that, for good reason, seems to be taking over. Consumers are far more aware of the environmental impacts of their purchases, opting more often for earth conscious packaging over plastic and non-recyclable materials. Manufacturers across North American are amending their processes to reduce their footprints, and improving the way things are done from the design stage through to final delivery.

As part of this drive for eco-friendly packaging, innovators are attempting to refine the process even further, looking for alternatives to reduce the overall impact. One such alternative? Wheat straw paper.

What is wheat straw paper? It is paper created using the straw left over after the food grain harvest is complete. This leftover straw, known as ‘agricultural residue,’ is typically disposed of by burning. 

However, when wheat straw paper is produced, instead of being disposed of, this material is used for that production, a potentially massive resource considering the 20 million acres of wheat grown in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Making paper with trees produces twice the ecological footprint compared to wheat straw - a major reason why this trend is set to make a massive impact over the next few years in North America.

Is this new technology? Not at all. Several other countries have been using straw to create paper for hundreds of years. In fact, 8-10% of the world’s paper is made from ‘agri-fibres,’ and China and India produce 20% of their paper using wheat straw, rice straw and sugar cane stocks. It has had a much slower uptake in North America though, but seems to finally be receiving the recognition it deserves.

So, is wheat straw paper saving forests? If it means less trees cut down, then yes, definitely. Is it the only way to do so? Of course not. Wheat straw paper manufacturing is still a niche market, so when you are looking to reduce your own footprint, here are some things to think about when sourcing a product packaging manufacturer:

-          Use of flexo water based inks

-          100% of waste paper trim recycled, and pallet reconfiguration to reduce transportation waste

-          Adherence to government regulations regarding BOD and suspended solids (well below those standards is ever better)

-          Design techniques that pay attention to minimizing material and maximizing structural support

-          Corrugated board material that is 100% renewable, recyclable and bio-degradable.

Every little bit counts, so making a conscious effort to find a manufacturer with a commitment to sustainability means you will also be doing your part.

Packaging Technologies Inc. is committed to sustainability, from the design stage right through to final delivery. Call us today for more information: 1-800-303-5883. 

Consumer Behaviour: Nielson Poll on Craft Purchasing Habits

We’ve spoken a lot on the topic of craft beer over the last few months, especially since the government announced their plans to increase exposure of craft brews in the LCBO. Over the last few years in particular, craft beer sales have surged in the province, and beer-drinkers are, now more than ever, opting more often for smaller local breweries for a taste of something different. 

Back in July, Nielsen released the results of a poll that examined consumer behaviour and purchasing habits with regard to craft beer. The results are pretty impressive. Here are just a few highlights from the poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 drinkers:

-         How many drink craft beer, and how often? 58% percent of those surveyed drink craft beer at least once per week. More than 25% drink craft beer several times per week, whereas the other 42% were identified as ‘less-than-weekly’ drinkers.

-         Does ‘craft’ matter? 30 percent of craft beer drinkers associate the word ‘quality’ with ‘craft.’

-          52% of respondents who drink beer said local production is at least ‘somewhat important’ when deciding which craft beers to purchase. This is compared to only 23% of those respondents who said being locally made mattered when they purchased spirits.

-         44% of regular craft beer drinkers reported drinking more craft beer than they did last year.

-         What prompts their purchasing decision? When choosing which craft beer to buy, 99% of respondents said flavour was important; 94% said freshness was important and 79% said aroma was a factor.

-         What to drink: When making a purchasing decision on-premise, 73% of craft beer drinkers surveyed said getting the beer on draft was important. 71% of drinkers said price was a factor; 67% cited local production as being important and 64% said product familiarity was important.

-         On average, craft beer drinkers purchase 3.6 brands per month, according to the survey. 15% of respondents also said they purchase 10 or more brands per month.

You can read more about the poll here: http://www.brewbound.com/news/2015/nielsen-poll-examines-craft-purchasing-habits?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=4baadd9b26-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-4baadd9b26-168857761.

So, when it comes to craft beer and consumer behaviour, what do these results mean? Firstly, competition is rising, and with more breweries opening up and more craft brew being purchased and consumed, buyers are becoming more selective. They know what they like and why they like it, but they are also willing to try new brands.

How to compete: aside from taste, your brand packaging is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to influencing consumer behaviour. As mentioned, drinkers are willing to try something new, and if your packaging is unique, engaging and eye-catching, people will be more likely to pick your brand over your competitor’s.  Your packaging carries your distinct message that sets you apart from your competition.

At PTI, we have experience designing and manufacturing custom packing for craft beer - packaging that grabs attention and influences consumer behaviour. We can help you compete. Call us today at 1-800-303-5883.