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DELI & SMALLGOODS FROM PAGE 41 constitutes families with kids and/or young adults \\\[Quantium data\\\],” he said. Deli shoppers are visiting the department less frequently, he adds. “Although there’s evidence that some shoppers are exiting smallgoods, most are transitioning towards the dairy,” he said. Addressing this, Mr Herriot says retailers need to attract these lost shoppers by developing the deli proposition to make it more appealing. “Freshness and convenience are important factors for deli shoppers,” he said. “Retailers need to consider their deli offers and planograms to make the section more engaging. “Improving consumer knowledge about the products and engaging them during their shop are other aspects that retailers can focus on to drive category growth.” Plumrose: quality is in the can The canned meat category is performing “well” compared with this time last year (IRI data, 2/2/20, supplied by Plumrose). Dollar sales and units sold have both increased. Plumrose is one player within the category reaping the rewards of this performance. According to the company’s marketing team, Plumrose is seeing “some steady gradual growth” in line with the category. “We’re known for excellent quality products that deliver on taste every time,” Plumrose said. “Our products are produced with the highest quality-control measures in place \\\[and\\\] the production process complies with international standards, ensuring every Plumrose product meets the requirement of great quality and taste.” In terms of category challenges, Plumrose notes the African swine flu (ASF) effect, which it says is impacting both supply chains and in-store prices. “However, as Plumrose source their meat in the Netherlands, where their parent company lives, the ASF doesn’t affect our products,” the company said. Its marketing team says Plumrose is supporting retailers by extending the range to suit a wider audience, supporting diversity in taste and lifestyle choices. The company believes this “brings more consumers down the aisle”. Looking ahead, Plumrose says its goal is to keep innovating the canned meat category, hoping to ensure it “always keeps up” with its consumers’ wants and needs. “Freshness and convenience are important factors for deli shoppers. Retailers need to consider their deli offers and planograms to make the section more engaging.” 42 RETAIL WORLD MAY, 2020