US retail giant The Kroger Co. has reportedly opened its biggest-ever Fresh Fare store in Cincinnati to tap further into the eat-at-home and natural foods markets, which are set to flourish as the financial crisis continues.
The 82,000ft2 outlet, based in the suburban Kenwood area of Cincinnati, features natural and organic foods, grocery products, high-end meats and seafood, gourmet cheeses and chef-prepared meals to take home, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Kroger officials predict the company’s Fresh Fare banner will “do well” in a worsening economy as people cut back on eating out and sales slow for specialty food chains.
“Prepared meals are increasingly being pushed by Kroger and other grocers offer people quality food with convenience as well as lower prices than restaurant dining,” said Marcia Mogelonsky, a senior research analyst in Chicago for Mintel International.
“Lots of people forgot how to cook on purpose or never learned because it was so easy to eat out,” she added. “Most people can microwave something or fry an egg, but they aren’t equipped to make a full-course meal at home.”
Kroger said it expects to open a further Fresh Fare outlet in Dayton early next year, with additional store openings also in the pipeline.
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