Andy Nelson

As Americans’ culinary spirits get more adventurous, demand for flatbreads, wraps and other alternatives to traditional breads continues to climb. And a host of new products shows that producers and their retailer partners are committed to diversifying the category.

BFree’s award-winning flatbread portfolio includes gluten-free Tortilla Wraps — High Protein Carb Savvy Tortilla Wraps, Sweet Potato Tortilla Wraps, Quinoa and Chia Seed Tortilla Wraps, Original Tortilla Wraps, Multigrain Tortilla Wraps — Stone Baked Pitas and Pita Pockets and Stone Baked Naan.

Almost 40% of consumers notice and seek out cross-merchandising, with 65% buying other things to go with their cheese.

MADISON, WIS. – Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin ( DFW ) conducted a study of what Mike Edge, the group's marketing director, called the shopper journey of heavy specialty cheese buyers.

Highline Mushrooms has been excited about its decision to promote mushrooms on the grill all summer long, said Devon Kennedy, the company’s national marketing manager.

TC Transcontinental Packaging’s pioneering Hot N Handy rotisserie pouches provide supermarket delis with an alternative to the conventional rigid plastic dome package commonly used for rotisserie chicken.

Sourcing high-quality product is crucial for the success of a grocery specialty cheese program. But it’s only half the battle. Making sure you have the right merchandising plan in place is just as important.

Rotisserie chickens continue to be an instore deli workhorse, not only selling well but bringing in shoppers who might not otherwise enter the department. And crucial to a successful program is getting the packaging right.

When it comes to technology and consumers, retail giant Albertsons Companies is focused on providing its shoppers with connected, digital experiences that align with the company’s purpose to inspire well-being and bring people together around food, according to a spokesperson.

Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies are arriving sooner than many of us expected.