Merchandising Food

Merchandising is a great marketing strategy. Marketing involves the four (4) Ps namely:
 Product
 Place
 Promotion
 Price
Merchandising speaks to the promotional aspect of marketing. Factors that affect promotion
are timing, cost of the market entry and competition from others. A new product will require
customer education strategies to increase awareness and to convince potential customers to
purchase. If finance is not a problem, an extensive promotion and advertising campaign is
possible. With financial constraints, word- of- mouth advertising is an alternative. Satisfied
customers will tell others about the product.
Merchandising Techniques

Merchandising food products involves various techniques to attract customers, highlight

product features, and drive sales. Here are some common techniques used in the
merchandising of food products:
Eye-catching Food Displays:
 Use visually appealing displays to attract attention. Create vibrant and colourful
arrangements that showcase the freshness and variety of the products.
Sampling and Demonstrations:
 Allow customers to taste or experience the product through in-store sampling or
demonstrations. This helps build awareness, confidence, and encourages immediate
purchases.
Interactive Displays:
 Create interactive displays that engage customers, such as touch-and-feel
stations or digital screens with product information and recipes.
Aesthetic Packaging:
 Invest in appealing and functional packaging. Unique and attractive packaging
can make the product stand out on the shelf and convey quality.
Influencer Collaborations:
 Leverage social media influencers or local celebrities to promote specific food
products. Their endorsement can have a significant impact on consumer perception.
Loyalty Programs:
 Implement loyalty programs that reward customers for repeat purchases. This can
build brand loyalty and encourage customers to choose your products consistently.
Signage and Point-of-Sale Materials:
 Use clear and concise signage to communicate product features, benefits, and
promotions. Point-of-sale materials like banners, posters, and shelf talkers can
also be effective.
Price Promotions:
 Highlight discounts, special offers, or bundle deals to attract budget-conscious
consumers. Use visible price tags and signage to communicate savings.
Educational Merchandising:
 Provide information about the product's origin, nutritional benefits, or unique
qualities. This can help consumers make informed choices and adds value to
the shopping experience.
Effective food product merchandising often involves a combination of these techniques,
tailored to the target audience and the specific characteristics of the products being promoted.
 Merchandising Strategy Planning Template

Product Overview:
 Product Name:
 Category:
 Target Audience:
 Packaging Details:
Market Analysis:
 Target Market:
 Competitors:
 Strengths:
 Weaknesses:
Merchandising Objectives (What do you want to achieve from merchandizing your
product?):
 Increase Brand Visibility
 Boost Sales Volume
 Introduce New Products
 Build Brand Loyalty
Visual Merchandising: (How do you plan to show potential customers your product?
Display Concepts:
 Seasonal Displays
 Themed Displays
 Interactive Elements
Pricing: (How do you plan to use pricing to your advantage?)
Pricing Strategy:
 Regular Pricing
 Discounted Pricing
 Bundle Offers
Promotion: (What promotional activities do you intend to utilize?):
 Limited-Time Offers
 Loyalty Programs
In-Store Sampling and Demonstrations:
 Schedule for Sampling Events
 Sampling Materials and Setup
Educational Merchandising:
 Informational Signage
 Nutritional Benefits
 QR Codes or Digital Screens for Additional Information
Online Presence:
 Social Media Campaigns
 Influencer Collaborations
 Online Exclusive Promotions
Packaging and Branding:
 Packaging Design
 Labelling Information
Contingency Plan: (Identify potential challenges)
 Develop contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.