Food service Merchandising Trends: IDDBA Model Store to Showcase Innovative Merchandising Trends

The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) will again present the Show & Sell Center Merchandising Pavilion, a model store featuring innovative and actionable concepts, at its upcoming 46th annual seminar and expo, Dairy-Deli-Bake 2010, June 6-8 in Houston.

Here are some of the merchandising trends that will be on display:

• The Frugal Shopper. They come in all shapes and sizes and have different definitions for value. For some, it’s price, for others it’s quality, and for still others it’s the thrill of the hunt. The one element they all share is a knowledge of values. The frugal shopper is an educated shopper who does her or his homework, comparison shops, and knows when to trade-up, trade-down, or pass on by.

• Back to Basics. Not to be confused with the frugal shopper, this shopper is looking for quality at a low price. They’ve changed their eating behavior by cutting back on dining out, doing more home cooking and entertaining, and eating more one-dish meals. While price is a factor, they’re also looking for ways to upgrade the basics by adding new flavors or upscale breads or a special dessert.

• Street Food. Whether it’s called meals-to-go, hand-held eating, one-hand eating, or snack foods, streets foods are here to stay. Specialty hot dogs (haute cuisine), meals or snacks in a cup or on a stick are still trend-setters.

• In the Moment. This is “experiential eating.” Today’s consumer uses food to create an atmosphere, teaching environment, or eating occasion. From everyday meals to special events to home entertainment, food preparation is front and center.

Show & Sell is half the equation at the IDDBA show. The other half is Teach & Tell where world class merchandisers will focus on teaching show-goers how to deliver the concepts by relating how they were conceived, designed, and executed.

For more show info, visit www.iddba.org.