There’s little that gets the internet and blogosphere humming quite like a new food presentation trends (OK, there’s always Hollywood divorces and Oscars mistakes – but you’re hardly likely to come to Mills Display for your fix of Tinseltown tittle-tattle!). So back to food, food retail and food display… and it’s clear that the ongoing popularity of food-as-entertainment, food television, meals-on-the-go and boutique, local providers has shown that the New Zealand food retail sector is still booming.

At Mills Display, we have years’ worth of food presentation experience working in every link in the food chain.

From manufacturing and transport, to retail and restaurant. And that means that we’re not only keen to stay on top of fresh global trends, but also to help roll them out in the New Zealand market to help boost an economy that thrives on growing and creating the best products and then serving them up to homegrown consumers and the ever-increasing numbers of tourists.

So what’s caught our eye recently – and how can you tap into the Mills Display team’s enthusiasm for food presentation and display solutions to help your business boom?

Food Presentation Trend 1: Novelty

The sushi donut – “is here and it’s blowing the internet’s mind”

Already this year we’ve seen the birth of the sushi donut – “they’re here and they’re blowing the internet’s mind”, according to USA Today – and a school lunch service in New Plymouth has sparked a few headlines with its “frushi” mashup of sweet rice and fruit. In other words, the consumer doesn’t mind whether they’re in a store or a restaurant or a school canteen, they are equally as happy to jump on board the novelty train.

Ever since the cronut took the world by storm in 2013 – and turned New York bakery owner Dominque Ansel into a food celebrity – businesses all over the world have looked to create novelty signature dishes in an effort to go viral and attract fame (and a little fortune). You don’t need an onsite industrial bakery or ranks of food scientists working in development laboratories – just a bit of flare, some imagination, and the right tools. Then simply put them on display and try to talk Seven Sharp or Breakfast into featuring them on television!

Food Presentation Trend 2: All-in-one Menu Designs

Grocery delivery companies, online shopping and firms offering all-ingredients-in-one-bag meals have certainly changed the landscape when it comes to food retail, presentation and display in New Zealand. But for stores that need to compete with these new players, there are plenty of ways in which the shopping experience can incorporate shoppers’ new expectations.

For example, grouping displays around set menus or organising ingredients around a week’s worth of meals can help reduce customers’ browsing time as well as boosting your own authority around your products. Themed displays around geography (Mexican or Indian foods, for example), or novel uses for homegrown Kiwi products (local cheeses, meats or wine-matches, for example) can also play into the hands of time-poor shoppers.

Food Presentation Trend 3: Less is more

The star-studded South Beach Food Festival in the US attracts some of the biggest names in the world of food and hospitality and they’re always keen to push their latest ideas for what’s hot and on trend. Among the predictions for a resurgence in items such as ramen noodles, saki, ancient African grains and regional Indian dishes, one of the comments that caught our eye was from Jose Andres, the chef-owner of ThinkFoodGroup and the man credited with bringing the concept of small-plate dining to the US.

Jose predicts “that more and more dishes will have less and less ingredients – the four-ingredient dish is the next big thing!” In order for this to work, retailers need to think about spotlighting their key, star ingredients and providing a good story and pedigree for what’s on offer.

Food Presentation Trend 4: Boutique Producers

For a few years now, New Zealand consumers have been developing a keen taste for understanding where their food is coming from and this has sparked a rise both in boutique producers and in stores creating food presentations and displays that play into this “think local, buy local” theme.

As well as the wooden barrels, crates, block and stands that can really help give any food display that “farmers’ market” feel, there are plenty of other natural and natural-look products (from wicker baskets to melamine slates) to help create a cohesive design for any food presentation.

Food Presentation Trend 5: Food on the Go

What certainly hasn’t changed over recent years is how time-poor we all are – and that has led to a huge jump in the amount we snack, or eat on the go, as opposed to sitting down with friends and family. While at the one end of the spectrum, the slow food movement is calling for braising and roasting less tender cuts of meat, there’s also a huge market for ready-made and prepared food that can be eaten on the go.

Deli counters are turning into one-stop shops for working lunches, while well-designed produce counters and displays can be used to push healthy snacks.

Get in touch for more information

If you want to keep up to date on our food presentation and display products, items and systems, or you’re interested in finding a customised solution to a particular trend or challenge, you can get more information by downloading a catalogue, emailing us or by talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

Free eBook – The Seven Hottest Trends in Retail Right Now =>

For our Latest Promotions and NZ Retail Trends join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Sign up to Our Monthly Deals and RetailHub Newsletter!

The Gen Z Shoppers or “future consumers” favour shopping instore over online, according to the latest research by AMP Capital. “Ultimately, they’re the future consumers who will influence the direction of retail…”

In its annual retail practice report, the global investment manager found that 87 per cent of Gen Z shoppers like or love shopping in store compared to 79 per cent who like or love to shop online.

AMP said future shoppers – adult Gen Z Shoppers – are the next generation of shoppers who are between 18-22 years of age, already earning an income and one step away from starting their full-time careers.

“Ultimately, Gen Z Shoppers are the future consumers who will influence the direction of retail.”

The Gen Z Shoppers report said that the future of traditional shopping in bricks-and-mortar stores remains strong but retailers need to adapt their in-store experience to continue to engage with their changing consumers, particularly the tech-savvy future shoppers.

“The research highlights the importance of developing fun, social experiences in-store and the opportunities that emerge once brands and retailers align their online and offline offerings,” said Mark Kirkland, MD of AMP Capital Shopping Centres.

According to the report, 53 per cent of Gen Z Shoppers feel more confident when shopping with others compared to 27 per cent of current shoppers, while 61 per cent of Gen Z Shoppers research while in-store compared to 36 per cent of current shoppers.

Meanwhile, Male future shoppers represent a ‘whole new ballgame’ according to AMP.

Last year, the RRP report found that men love shopping and that this year, 46 per cent of male future shoppers have said they are more interested in staying ahead of popular trends than 36 per cent of their female counterparts.

Male shoppers prefer to shop in groups, with most stating that shopping is a social experience (51 per cent) versus only 36 per cent of male current shoppers.

The research found 56 per cent of male Gen Z Shoppers are more confident when shopping with others compared to 29 per cent of male current shoppers.

“The continued popularity of shopping in store provides a positive outlook for retailers,” said Kirkland.

“It’s important that, as an industry, we constantly evolve to adapt to the current trends that engage our future shoppers in order to stay relevant.

“It’s vital that retailers and shopping centres engage with the digital world to deliver a seamless online and offline experience that will create new and exciting avenues to connect with their customers.

“Trailblazing Australian retailers such as Mecca Maxima and Culture Kings have captured the attention of future shoppers by creating a personalised customer experience that’s exclusive to instore.

These are just a few representations of the future of retail although we look forward to seeing more bold ideas from retailers within this innovative space.”

The report also found both future and current shoppers are both highly engaged with global issues and value strong ethics and companies with a purpose that goes beyond just selling.

Approximately 70 per cent of both generations prefer brands that give back to society, while 59 per cent of future shoppers agreed they would pay more for sustainable products compared to 48 per cent of current shoppers.

“It also provides useful insights that can be shared across our industry, inspiring innovation and creation of engaging experiences that attract both current and future Shoppers and ensure the continued success of our sector,” said Kirkland. Article source: insideretail.co.nz

Free eBook – The Seven Hottest Trends in Retail Right Now =>

For our Latest Promotions and Retail Trends join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Sign up to Our Monthly Deals and RetailHub Newsletter!

Total online retail spending by New Zealanders in February was up 14 percent compared to February 2016, according to the latest BNZ and Marketview monthly report. 2017 is off to a very good start…

According to the report, this can be considered a solid performance.

Especially when considering that last year was a leap year. An extra days shopping in February can boost the month’s spending by more than three per cent, depending on factors such as the day of the week the extra day falls on.

Purchases from offshore online retailers in February were up 16 per cent on February 2016.

Key trends were similar to January, with clothing and computer stores again responsible for approximately half of the year-on-year increase. Pharmacy and Cosmetic purchases from offshore sites also saw strong growth, up more than 40 per cent.

Spending at local online retailers was up 12 per cent on February last year, significantly stronger than the year-on-year growth rate at bricks and mortar stores (approximately 0.1 per cent). Food categories were responsible for over 40 per cent of the increase in online purchases at local merchants since last February. Article source: insideretail.co.nz

Free eBook – The Seven Hottest Trends in Retail Right Now =>

For our Latest Promotions and Retail Trends join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Mills Display has launched two new, innovative products just in time to help food and produce stores cash in on customers’ change to summer buying habits.

We’re always on the lookout for fresh ways to show off deli items, fruit and veg and butchery, and we think our recent products offer interesting new ways for stores to showcase their goods – at both ends of the price scale.

Managing director Rosemary Fowler says end of spring and start of summer is the perfect time to revamp food displays as it ties in with shoppers changing their eating habits to include al fresco dining, barbecues and picnics as well as meaning they’re well prepared for the inevitable Christmas rush.

“Most of our customers don’t want to put anything new in at Christmas because, at that time of the year, they’re really under the pump,” she says. “So now is the time to be planning, and within our retail areas many customers are looking at changing their produce or serve-over delis because that’s where shoppers are looking for ingredients for their barbecues and for when they’re entertaining. It can be good to have a change in those areas to spark a bit of interest.”

New product #1: The Pod Shelf System

This is a major new product designed to let supermarkets make the most of their produce merchandising.

Because of their modular design, they are flexible and can work alongside any existing display cases while enhancing the shopping experience by attracting and holding attention and adding eye-catching tiered displays.

This system is perfect for a large store trying to give the impression of a boutique market and is made up of:

The Pod Shelf: Hooks in to a standard produce wall case to create one of multiple mezzanines or to a multi-deck case to increase merchandising options. Its unique one-piece shelf design and wire front fencing creates a visually impactful and upscale look while the perforated front allows for water drainage, preventing build-up of mould and bacteria. Each shelf includes baffle kit to ensure the lowest possible product temperature and is made from black powder-coated steel with rust-resistant undercoat.

Modular pod display fixtures: This creative solution to displaying products creates a dramatic landscape to draw customer attention and increase sales. The height, multiple configurations and customisable layouts adds dimension and is perfect for highlighting product categories, but also controls inventory and reduces shrink.

Mod Pos for Direct Hook-In Shelf: The aluminium construction is rust-resistant, strong and suitable for misted areas making these the perfect addition to the produce aisle in any supermarket. And because they’re designed to work alongside the rest of the modular shelf system, they are appealing, easy to install or remove for cleaning, and fit the overall consistency of an all-in-one display system.

New product #2: Melamine skillet

Instead of having to deal with the weight and difficulty of cleaning a cast iron skillet, we have found this brand new melamine version. It won’t rust but has all the detailing and look of a real cast-iron version.

It looks great in a butchery section for displaying meat or in a deli are for displaying ingredients for one-dish meals such as paella.

The rustic charm of cast-iron evokes feelings of farmers markets and outdoors barbecues to give your marketing and merchandising team a new toy to play with while its melamine construction means it’s extremely durable, dishwasher safe and break and chip resistant. It comes in one size at the moment – of 33 x 276 x 35mm.

The key to successful merchandising is to add interest and variety to your displays which is why at Mills Display we have developed years of experience working alongside Kiwi businesses to understand what their customers like and which new trends they can tap into.

If you want to keep up to date on our new products, items and systems, or you’re interested in finding a customised solution to a particular display challenge, you can get more information by downloading a catalogue, emailing us or by talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

When the annual trumpeting of New Zealand’s December retail figures arrived in early January, it did so with very little fanfare. Sure, we’d all spent $5,936.8 million during the month, according to the Paymark press release, but even they were forced to describe the increase over November as “modest”. The National Business Review went one better quoting Westpac Bank senior economist Satish Ranchhod as saying it seemed “New Zealanders had a frugal Christmas” and the total take was “much weaker than market expectations for a bounce following a similar-sized fall in spending in November”.

So should retailers tighten their belts and prepare for the end of the boom time that has seen four straight years of strong growth up to 2016’s 6.7% growth rate (as rated by Paymark) for processing 1.2 billion transactions for $57.4 billion of goods and services? The answer is most probably no. Last year, the average Kiwi spent $12,230 in 255 transactions – that’s 4.5% more spending per person and 6.1% more transactions per person. And just because things got a little flat in the run-up to Christmas, doesn’t signal a sea-change in retail behaviour. Boxing Day, for example, saw the usual frenzied run on the tills with Paymark saying they’d processed a record $152.7 million – up 1.9% on last year. (Again, they called it a modest increase – but an increase is an increase!)

And, besides, there’s a lot of other statistics that will be music to the ears of retailers. An overall growing population (the year to June saw the fastest growth rate since the 1960s and is tipped to hit 5 million around 2020) and fluctuations in where those people live (Tauranga has just passed Dunedin as the fifth largest city in the country) means that there’s simply more people out there looking to spend their money. There’s also been a rebound in the dairy industry pumping a bit more of the nation’s milk money back into the economy, and the surging tourism sector is bringing plenty of overseas currencies on to our shores and into our tills.

So how do retailers tap into these changing times? The rising population does present some challenges – for example, it’s probably not enough to simply sit back and wait for returning expats and new immigrants to search you out. Instead retailers will need to look for products, retail displays and store layouts that customers might have been more used to where they used to live. And different regions are growing in different ways – the huge rise in Auckland’s population, for example, has had a knock-on effect for surrounding regions such as Waikato and Bay of Plenty, where retailers might now look to the changing face of their typical customer.

Tapping into the tourism dollar also needs some forethought. There’s been a marked increase in the number of visitors from China, for example, who now travel independently as opposed to in group tours. And this means that more retailers in holiday hotspots, cruise ship stop-offs or well-travelled routes between cities and frequently visited areas can expect to have tourists through their doors. (This is no fantasy either – as of February 2017, there are five separate airlines flying direct between China and New Zealand.) Regardless of where visitors come from, they offer a specific opportunity for retail – for example, the Countdown on Waiheke Island, which is a popular spot both for international tourists, returning expats and immigrants, has an “International Aisle” selling specific, hard-to-get products from England, Asia, South America and Europe.

So if you’re scratching your head wondering why your business is still making a profit while sections of the media are talking about a “modest” or “frugal” Christmas season, it’s worthwhile looking at where the spending is coming from. Retail is a rapidly changing industry worldwide at the moment and although some of the most exciting technology is yet to find its way to our shores, there is still plenty of ways to move with the times.

Mills Display has more than 25 years’ experience of working alongside retailers to find the right food display, point-of-sale display, signage and printed products to help them maximise their customer experience. If you are keen to create the right customised solution, you’re interested in our off-the-shelf display products or if you simply want to talk through options with our friendly and knowledgeable staff, you can get more information by downloading a catalogue, emailing us or by talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.