Shoppers across the United States are spending more time on the supermarket’s periphery — home to meat, fresh produce and dairy goods — and less in the center aisles, where processed foods rule. They’re piling on protein, moving toward organics, buying more niche brands — all in the name of what the food industry calls “wellness.” General Mills and other packaged food companies are feeling the effect, as sales stagnate and profits come under pressure. While industry executives say the anemic U.S. recovery continues to sap consumer buying power, a fundamental change in customer tastes also looks to be at work. strib.mn/1E4d79U
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 23:38:00 +0000