Get your shelf-stable product in front of grocery buyers ready to say yes
Center-store grocery is where most emerging brands start, and where competition for facings is toughest. Buyers want proof of velocity, a margin structure that works after trade, and a clear reason your item earns space over what's already there.
What grocery buyers look for
- Velocity versus the category median
- Retail margin after promotions
- Incremental sales, not just switching
- Supply reliability and fill rate
Grocery & Shelf-Stable category guides
Salty Snacks
Chips, pretzels, popcorn and puffs live in one of the busiest sets in the store, with national brands, private label and a new better-for-you launch every month.
Crackers & Cookies
The cracker and cookie aisle rewards brands that bring a clear occasion, whether that's lunchbox, entertaining or better-for-you indulgence.
Nutrition & Protein Bars
Bars are crowded, fast-moving and heavily promoted.
Rice, Grains & Beans
Rice, grains and dry beans are staple categories with loyal shoppers and thin margins.
Pasta & Pasta Sauce
Pasta and sauce sit in a promotional category where premium jars have grown alongside value brands.
Condiments, Dressings & Marinades
Hot sauce, dressings, marinades and specialty condiments are where flavor-forward brands break in.
Spices & Seasonings
Spice sets are tightly planogrammed and often managed with a category captain.
Baking Mixes & Flour
Baking is seasonal and promotion-heavy, with big peaks around the holidays.
Cereal & Granola
Cereal is a big, slow-growing aisle where better-for-you and protein-forward brands are taking share.
Nut Butters & Spreads
Nut butters and spreads have moved well beyond peanut, with seed butters, flavored spreads and squeeze packs.
Canned & Jarred Goods
Soups, beans, vegetables and specialty jarred items are staples where private label is strong.
International & Multicultural Foods
International aisles are growing as retailers chase multicultural shoppers.
Candy & Confectionery
Candy lives at the checkout, in the aisle and on seasonal displays.
Jerky & Meat Snacks
Meat snacks sell across grocery, convenience, club and sporting goods.
Baby & Toddler Food
Baby food buyers are cautious by design.
Questions
What do grocery buyers look for?
Buyers in this category focus on velocity versus the category median, retail margin after promotions, incremental sales, not just switching, and supply reliability and fill rate.
Which retailers should a grocery brand target first?
It depends on your price tier, shopper and proof so far. Many emerging brands start with natural, specialty or regional grocers to build velocity data, then move to mass and club. A free retail readiness audit shows which retailers fit now.