Consumer preferences are evolving rapidly, and for grocery stores, the race is on to keep up with them. Several significant trends are reshaping the grocery industry, reflecting a shift toward more personalized, sustainable and technology-driven shopping experiences. As we enter 2025, we’ve highlighted five key trends poised to redefine grocery retail – along with innovative strategies for stores to adapt and stay ahead of the market.
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Growth in “Free-From” Products
As awareness of dietary restrictions, preferences and food sensitivities grows, so does the demand for gluten-free, allergen-free and other “free-from” foods. The gluten-free market specifically is forecasted to grow by 8-10% in the next five years. Grocers should consider segmenting these products into easily accessible zones, highlighted by informative signage that educates and guides consumers. It’s important to remember that family members and partners of those with restrictions often consume some foods that are free-from products to meet their needs. This means if your significant other is gluten-free, you may also eat primarily gluten-free foods around the home. This leads to faster growth of free-from products and lessening sales of non-free-from products.
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Further Demand for Plant-Based Options
In addition to free-from foods, consumers are also embracing plant-based diets, with a significant rise expected in 2025. The global plant-based food market is anticipated to reach $77.8 billion in 2025. That’s a lot of black bean burgers. Grocers can capitalize on this trend by creating dedicated plant-based sections within their stores including snacks, meat alternatives and convenient frozen plant-based meals. Strategic placement using versatile shelving solutions like Retail Space Solutions’ ShelfHero can enhance product visibility and accessibility of frozen, plant-based products encouraging purchases. See how ShelfHero can help grow frozen food sales at your store.
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Expansion of Private Label Brands
As consumers continue to feel the squeeze of inflation, private label brands, with their promise of high quality at lower prices, are expected to only continue to gain popularity, providing grocers opportunities for higher margins and greater customer loyalty. Enhancing the display of these products using effective merchandising strategies, such as those discussed in this guide to elevating private label products, can drive sales significantly.
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Emergence of Ultra-Fast Delivery Services
With the rise of services promising incredibly fast grocery delivery times, traditional grocers must rethink their layout and checkout processes to enhance in-store efficiency. Implementing streamlined layouts that facilitate quick shopping trips can help stores remain competitive. The ability for shoppers to get in and out faster means less congested aisles but also may reduce overall impulse purchasing.
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Integration of Technology in Shopping Experiences
Technology will continue to be more deeply integrated into the shopping experience. Grocers can leverage this by incorporating digital tools that enhance product interaction in-store, such as smart labels and augmented reality applications that provide detailed product information and suggested recipes. To make checkouts fast and reduce long lines—especially during peak shopping times—stores are adopting smart shopping carts, such as the Shopic device from Marmon Retail Solutions. With the Shopic device, stores can transform their existing cart fleet into an easy-to-use smart cart that both shoppers and grocers can enjoy.
“Effective display is crucial in navigating these trends,” notes Joe Crum, President at Retail Space Solutions. “It’s about creating an environment where the product is the hero, easily accessible and impossible to ignore, which drives sales and customer satisfaction.”
Grocers that adapt their strategies to these evolving trends and invest in the right display solutions will not only meet but exceed consumer expectations, ensuring their store remains a preferred shopping destination as the landscape changes. For displaying free-from products, plant-based favorites and enhancing the overall in-store experience, browse retail store fixtures from Retail Space Solutions.