Page 39 - Retail World March 2021

RANGE SHAPING FOR SHIFTING PREFERENCES The dairy case appears to have benefited from the impacts of Covid-19, but consumer preferences are shifting. Retail World finds out how retailers can make the most of their offering. RBy Nicholas Rider. etail continues to report “elevated sales” of dairy, according to Dairy Australia’s ‘Dairy Situation and Outlook’, with Nielsen Homescan data revealing sales of milk and yellow spreads up 4.6 per cent and 8.7 per cent, respectively (as of 1/11/20), and cheese and yoghurts up 6.4 per cent and 5.3 per cent, respectively (as of 27/6/20). Dairy Australia’s December-published report also notes that the reopening of foodservice operations in Victoria, and relaxed capacity limits in other states, have had a “positive impact” on dairy demand from non-grocery channels. While ongoing strength in demand is encouraging, says Dairy Australia, consumers are also leaning towards larger pack sizes, usually priced at a discount, with some premium lines coming under pressure. “As consumers start to come down from the ‘sugar high’ created by the easing of restrictions, and income pressures from the broader economic recession take hold, price-focused purchasing may become more dominant,” the national body said. In terms of favourite brands, coming out on top at Finder’s 2020/2021 Retail Awards were Riverina Fresh (top-rated fresh milk brand), Bonsoy (top-rated nut milk/plant- based milk brand), Woolworths (top-rated long life milk brand), Bega (top-rated cheese brand), Western Star (top-rated butter brand), Gippsland (top-rated yoghurt brand), and Yumi’s (top-rated dips brand). TO PAGE 38 DAIRY CASE MAR, 2021 RETAIL WORLD 37