The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) released its latest COVID-19 Impact report.
This week’s report found that total store sales, including the fresh perimeter, gained 18.3%, down just slightly from the very strong late April performance. Dairy has emerged as a sales powerhouse ever since the onset of the Coronavirus in the United States, and the week of May 3 was no different. Deli cheese continued to have double-digit increases, whereas deli meat dropped back down to the gains seen in late March and early April. All areas within the packaged baked good aisle saw sales gains during the week of May 3.
“This is an important indicator week,” says Jeremy Johnson, vice president of education for IDDBA. “To see double-digit increases for the fresh perimeter for eight weeks running is incredible. Now, we need to work on keeping engagement with dairy high and bringing in-store bakery and deli-prepared back online. I’ve been greatly encouraged by seeing many retailers reach out to consumers at home through social media ideation and online cross-merchandising with all the items for Mother’s Day brunch, homemade brownies, etc. With many other holidays and summer celebrations in the next few months, we have ample opportunity to encourage consumers to enjoy across our categories.”
