The Fresh Market weighs in on what it sees as important developments in food and beverage retail
Specialty food curators at The Fresh Market have to make buys months in advance of when consumers will see the products on the shelves, so it is imperative they stay ahead of the curve and know what guests will be shopping for well in advance.
Factoring into their buying decisions are what is trending at restaurants, innovative cuisine, health and wellness movements, as well as growing practices, ingredient quality and traceability. Once the products or categories of interest are determined, the merchandisers then hold "cuttings" of various brands or suppliers within that product area to find those that are the best tasting, highest quality in that category.