Last year, a handful of food items vanished from grocery store shelves, much to the dismay of their loyal fans. But fret not, as many of these once-lost goods have made a triumphant return. According to data from Nielsen, the average number of distinct products sold in supermarkets increased by 2.5% from the same period a year prior, ending at 19,285. Although the overall number of items decreased by 4.5% from 2019 to 2020, consumers can breathe a sigh of relief as their beloved treats make a comeback.
During the height of the pandemic, manufacturers scrambled to adapt to the surge in demand for essential goods. As a result, they prioritized the production and stocking of their most popular items while temporarily halting production of lesser-known items. This move, in turn, led to a decrease in product variety in many stores.
However, as we move towards normality, manufacturers are stepping up their game by reintroducing discontinued products and focusing on new product introductions. One of the companies leading the charge is McCormick, which resumed selling all discontinued products and introduced new lines of Frank's Hot Sauce, Cholula Wing Sauce, and Grill Mates seasonings.
J.M. Smucker, another major player in the food industry, is also back in the fold after temporarily halting production of some of its most popular items, such as Simply Jif, Reduced Fat, and Omega 3 peanut butter. Smucker has also added new products, like Jif Natural Squeeze peanut butter and Snack Uncrustables for kids, to its lineup to cater to changing consumer preferences.
General Mills followed suit, making room on its shelves for new products like Trix and Cocoa Puffs Cereal Crunch, as well as Nature Valley muffins. Feeling the pressure, Bumble Bee Foods, a well-known tuna manufacturer, has expanded its product offering by 36%, adding several new lines of snacks, Thunfisch, and even olive oil to its portfolio.
The return of product variety isn't just limited to the big names. Even small grocers are reporting an increase in options available to them from manufacturers. SpartanNash's Lauren DeVol credits the resurgence in "innovation and the product assortment" for the company's Family Fare, Martin's, and other supermarket chains in the Midwest.
The food industry's rekindled focus on product variety is driven by several factors, including the changing consumer landscape, market recovery, technology advancements, and strategic investments. Consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and ethically sourced products is pushing companies to offer a wider range of options to cater to their needs. The food industry's renewed vigor to regain market share and meet evolving consumer preferences is also driving the return of discontinued products and expansion of product lines.
In conclusion, with the help of advanced planning, digital tools, and next-generation technologies, major food companies are better equipped to manage their supply chains and meet the increased demand for a wider variety of products. Expect to see even more thrilling newcomers on supermarket shelves soon!
