JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Grocery prices have steadily increased for the past five years, alongside a recent spike in manufacturing and transportation costs. At the same time, both manufacturers and retailers feel pressure to drive sales at the lowest possible prices in a very competitive marketplace where shoppers have a wide range of options on what, where and how to buy. These factors combined have created a “perfect storm” for manufacturers and retailers, forcing the two parties to work together to mitigate the negative impact of price increases. The Pricing Conundrum, a new report from Acosta — a leading full-service sales and marketing agency in the consumer packaged goods industry — investigates this topic and reveals best practices for effective collaboration between manufacturers and retailers.
“At times, manufacturers are able to absorb, delay or minimize cost increases, but eventually it becomes necessary to negotiate price increases with retailers,” said John Clevenger, Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Strategic Advisors at Acosta. “Seventy-six percent of retailers have pushed back on or have been hesitant to accept price increases. However, we have found that increases are not necessarily a negative, as long as they are executed fairly and equitably across all channels of retail with full transparency.”
Acosta’s Pricing Conundrum report takes an in-depth look at the rising costs in the grocery industry and resulting changes taking place, highlighting:
Effects on Grocery Pricing by Department
- No grocery department has been immune to rising prices, but the degree of the increase varies.
- The meat, seafood, pet care, deli, baby care and household care departments are experiencing the highest degree of price increases.
- The dairy, alcohol, health & beauty, grocery, bakery and produce departments are experiencing below average price increases.
Price Increase vs. Reduction in Package Size
- Many shoppers and retailers prefer a price increase vs. a reduction in package size.
- Fifty percent of shoppers surveyed noticed size reductions.
- Eighty percent of shoppers accept food prices may go up when external cost factors rise.
Price Increase Statistics and Resulting New Retailer Practices
- Almost half of manufacturers surveyed processed a price increase in 2018, with an average increase of 7.8 percent.
- The trend is expected to continue for the next one to two years.
- Retailers are implementing new practices, including adding economists to staff, alignment with private brand costs, and protection/compensation until largest competitors move retail price.
Best Practices for Manufacturers and Price Increase Acceptance
- Know your facts. Understand price elasticity and be able to simulate the price increase. Identify the right level of price increase to avoid loss of market share or significant sales velocity.
- Be transparent. Include specifics on what is driving the increase, evidence that the increase is applied across the market/competitors and a plan to offset a price increase in the short term.
- Provide time. Ninety to 100 days of lead time is ideal. Ensure timing does not conflict with marketing programs in place for key promotions or seasonal periods.
- Confirm commitment. Reaffirm with the retailer that you are investing in the right ways to drive traffic to your brand, and in turn, the retailer.
Acosta’s Pricing Conundrum report was compiled using industry data and proprietary information sources including online surveys of the company’s proprietary shopper community. To access the full report, visit www.acosta.com/news.
About Acosta
Acosta is the sales and marketing powerhouse behind most of the trusted brands seen in stores every day. The company provides a range of outsourced sales, marketing and retail merchandising services throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. For 90 years, Acosta has led the industry in helping consumer packaged goods companies move products off shelves and into shoppers’ baskets. For more information, please visit www.acosta.com.
