The World in 2023
Despite doomsday predictions about the end of physical retail, we still find that people enjoy shopping at stores. Though 38% say they are shopping more online compared to 2-3 years ago, 31% indicate they shop more in-store than online. Many brands that began online are taking notice and opening physical retail locations to expand their presence and connect with customers in more meaningful ways. The influence that brick-and-mortar and eCommerce has had on one another has been beneficial for both shoppers and retailers, even as there is room to further improve. In-store shopping experiences are becoming more personalized and tech-enabled, with sophisticated retailers leaning into data and analytics to better understand shopper behavior and preference.
This information creates more tailored experiences, such as personalized product recommendations and promotions, but also provides new opportunities for retailers to learn and adapt their own strategies with greater confidence and speed. But with increased integration of
technology-powered brick-and-mortar experiences comes some tension, such as the reluctance of many shoppers to share their personal data with companies. However, there is a split in attitudes – 28% of shoppers claim that they can imagine a world where they would share data with brands in exchange for benefits, however, more than half (52%) still have concerns about sharing their personal data. 40% of shoppers would only go to a physical store if something unique was offered there.
Would you like to discover more? RPE offers best-in-class products and strategies through our sales, category management, and E-commerce teams. RPE is here to be your partner in both in-store and online purchases.
Planting Update
The 2023 crop season has come for our partners in the Midwest. After a long winter, glimmers of heat and sunshine gave our growers a perfect few days to officially start the potato planting season. A huge shout-out of thanks to our growing partners—we can’t wait to see the crop come to life over the next few months.
Photo Credit: Jason Davids
Onion Market Update
The overall onion demand is excellent in all growing regions. Idaho is limited in availability and is mostly finished for the season. Storage crop in Washington and Oregon is still available but remains tight as the season starts to come to an end.
Next week, a new crop of onions will be available in California in all three colors. Texas’s new crop has been experiencing rain, so the supply has been intermittent in that growing region.
Getting Potatoes On Every Plate!
Chef RJ Harvey, Culinary Director at Potatoes USA, joined the RPE Marketing Team’s weekly Wednesday Huddle on April 12 to chat up the latest in potato industry highlights, specifically what’s important to Gen Z and effective ways to reach them where they are.
Gen Z, those born between 1995 and 2012, is the generation whose spending power is on the rise. This group was raised on the internet and spends a significant amount of time using phones and other mobile devices to connect with friends as well as brands.
Some key takeaways from the discussion:
- Gen Z seeks out information in different ways
- Looks to social media first (as opposed to a someone with specific training or credentials)
- Likes to be ‘guided’ rather than ‘boxed in’
- Looking for customizable experiences
- Where to meet Gen Z
- Connect potatoes to an overall ‘well being’ and plant-based way of eating
- Efficiency!
- More connection with where their potatoes come from, who grew them, how they were grown
- Potatoes at the center of the plate, throughout the day
- Try potatoes as the base for eggs benedict in the morning
- The Spudwich – were two hashbrown patties are swapped in for bread
The learning, sharing and inspiring continues with Potatoes USA!
