Study identifies merchandising cues that communicate freshness
Whilecleanliness and presentation are significant, transparency also plays an important role in defining freshness.
A new study from Culinary Visions, Chicago, explores consumer perceptions of freshness and purchasing habits of fresh food at home and away from home. The study uses in-depth consumer insights to understand the contributing factors that define freshness. Results revealed that merchandising cues signifying freshness were crucial in shaping consumers' perceptions about a food's freshness.
"Freshness is affected by a long list of different factors beyond the food itself. These factors include packaging, store perceptions and service style," says Sharon Olson, executive director of Culinary Visions. "Consumers gravitate toward fresh merchandising cues such as clean and fully-stocked display cases. Uncluttered shopping, dining and ordering spaces are also important aspects to consumers' perceptions on freshness."