Optimise the beverages category with efficient product presentation

The beverages category is one of the biggest product categories in European grocery stores, and a major driver of footfall for convenience formats.

When it comes to beverages, one size does not fit all: the three big sub-segments – beer, wines and spirits (BWS), on-the-go beverages and bigger family sizes – represent different shopper needs and, as a consequence, pose distinctive merchandising challenges.

While shopper inspiration and the avoidance of broken bottles are a priority for BWS products, the key challenge for on-the-go beverages is to ensure chilled products are always ready for shoppers to pick up and enjoy immediately, even when turnover is high during peak hours. In the case of products with shorter shelf lives such as smoothies, avoiding waste is an additional issue.

Catering to different shopper missions without increasing the time store personnel spends in the category requires simplified shelf maintenance.

Efficient merchandising for a better shopping experience – and higher profit

Efficient merchandising is essential in the beverage category. Solutions like pushers, gravity feeds or rotating shelves enable staff to refill and align faster and automate front-facing, which saves labour time without compromising product visibility. For products with short shelf lives, look for solutions that support the ‘first-in-first-out’ principle to reduce the risk of shrink.

While neatly organized shelves will help shoppers navigate the category, adding category and shelf signage will improve their shopping experience further.

Brand suppliers can ensure they stand out on shelf with communication solutions such as branded trays and shelf liners, conveying branded messages and helping to protect shelf space.