Analyzing U.S. supermarket sales to understand opportunities for Italian companies

American consumers' tastes are changing, and demand for Italian food products in the U.S. market continues to grow. Made in Italy food and beverage enjoys excellent appeal among Americans, with supermarkets being the preferred channel for specialty food purchases ( 69% of the total). The potential for U.S. market penetration is still enormous for the Italian food and wine industry, especially in certain areas of the U.S. where interest is high but shelf availability is still insufficient, there is less crowding and competition, and therefore there is a real possibility for Italian companies to position themselves in the market.

Supermarket sales data in America

• Number of employees: 4.8 million;
• Total sales: $765.98 billion = ONE THIRD OF ITALIAN GDP!
• Sales per employee: $159583
• Number of supermarkets with sales over $2 million (2018): 38307;
• Profit after tax: 2.9% growth;
• Average total store size: 51507 sq.ft.;
• Average weekly sales per supermarket: $638756;
• Average number of references per supermarket: 35829;
• Percentage of disposable income spent on meals at home: 5.2%;
• Percentage of income spent on meals away from home: 5.1% up;
• Weekly sales per sq.ft. of sales area: $18.41 = in line with major Italian supermarkets;
• Sales per in-store transaction: $42.07;
• Sales per online transaction: $113;
• Sales per labor hour: $182;
• Percentage of total online food sales: 6.5%;
• Percentage of transactions at the automated checkout: 30%.

Sources: John Dunham & Associates, US Census Bureau, Progressive Grocer Magazine, USDA, Food Industry Association.

FDA registration to export and sell food products in the USA

Becoming compliant with the country's specialty food guidelines and registering the company with the Food and Drug Administration are essential to placing products on U.S. retail shelves. Without an FDA registration, no product can be sold in the United States, and the company exporting non-compliant food goods risks not only having their shipments blocked at customs but also being blacklisted by the FDA. ExportUSA performs all FDA compliance services.

Entering American supermarkets: huge growth opportunities in the U.S. market for Italian companies

American buyers are constantly looking for Italian specialty food products to launch in the market. To successfully enter into negotiations, however, it is advisable to rely on experts in the U.S. market who have adequate knowledge of the logistics of American distribution in the Food & Beverage sector, as well as the products, packaging and brands that work well. ...And that's where we come in!