The document provides information on food merchandising trends and best practices for visual displays. It discusses the importance of the five key elements of merchandising - landscaping, color, texture, communication, and décor. Additional sections cover color theory, using local ingredients, bold flavors, and signage best practices. Current trends highlighted include simple, minimalist displays, locally-sourced foods, and smaller portion sizes meant for sharing.

1. food merchandising
TRENDBOOK

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. MERCHANDISE YOUR MERCHANDISE
2. THE FIVE KEY ELEMENTS
3. HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE ELEMENTS
4. LAY OF THE landscaping
5. [ trend watch ] SAY HELLO TO SIMPLE
6. LET'S TALK texture
7. [ trend watch ] CLOSE TO HOME + HOME GROWN
8. color ME INTRIGUED
9. COLOR THEORY:101
10. [ trend watch ] SAVOR THE FLAVOR
11. communication: A SIGN OF THE TIMES
12. [ trend watch ] SMALL MINDED
13. WHAT'S IN STORE FOR décor
14. [ trend watch ] CUSTOMIZABLE CONCEPTS
15. THE FINAL SCORE
food merchandising
TRENDBOOK

3. In a world where technology puts information and
data at our fingertips and consumers are researching,
planning and seeking value in their food buying
experience, does visual merchandising really make
a difference?
On-location decision rates are at an all-time high of
76%. Consumers either made purchases where they:
• Had a general idea of what they were looking to buy,
but weren't brand specific
• Made a substitution of brand or product once they
were on location
• Made a purchase completely on impulse
Merchandising food displays in an appealing way
captures consumers' attention and influences their buying
decisions. Opportunity exists to influence consumer
buying behavior through effective merchandising.
MERCHANDISE YOUR MERCHANDISE
"Are you investing enough in
merchandising to influence
your customers' behavior?"

4. 5
Buying decisions are made three to four
feet away from a display so the display
must be impactful enough from a distance
to draw in the consumer.
What makes a display impactful? The
incorporation of the five key elements.
landscaping: the ups and downs of merchandising
The shape, form and elevation of an area.
1
color: the soul of merchandising
Used to attract attention, create associations and
command emotional responses.
3
3
communication: the storyteller of merchandising
Sharing information or knowledge through a common
system of signs, symbols or photos within a display.
4
texture: the touch and feel of merchandising
An item’s physical structure with respect to size,
shape, appearance and feel, actual or implied.
2
1
2
décor: the finishing touches of merchandising
The enrichment of displays by the addition of elements
that contribute style and interest.
5
4
THE FIVE KEY ELEMENTS

5. 1 START WITH A FOUNDATION ADD RISERS FOR texture & landscaping2
INCORPORATE color3 FINISH WITH décor PIECES & communication4
HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE ELEMENTS
One way to create an effective visually
merchandised display is through the
use of a Progressive Set.
Progressive Sets ensure that each
element is represented throughout the
display in a coordinated way.
MERCHANDISING TIP
Progressive Sets, which are
step-by-step guides for creating
a display that effectively
implements the 5 Elements of
Merchandising, are great tools,
especially for businesses with
multiple locations.
DESIGNED TO TURN passive lookers INTO active buyers

6. LAY OF THE landscaping
ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE
An asymmetrically designed display
may be considered unbalanced or
free formed while still having a sense
of organization or harmony through
the repetition of certain elements.
BALANCE
Balance is the distribution of the visual
weight of objects, colors, texture, and space.
The concept and implementation of
landscaping can increase consumer interest
by creating an intriguing composition.
Landscaping works in all dimensions - lateral,
vertical and longitudinal. A variety of
configurations can work within a display:
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Symmetry is found when all
elements of the design are equally
divided. Both sides of a display
share the same shape, form, height,
grouping, etc.
REPETITION
The repetition of elements
of design creates unity
within a display.
Turkey
Wrap
Shrimp &
Salmon Cakes
Quiche
Greek
Cucumber Salad
Dill Poached
Salmon Brussels
Sprouts
Pasta
Salad
Gri
Chicken

7. SAY HELLO TO SIMPLE
Simplistic displays work best when the products you're
merchandising are bold enough to be the star.
Think of the customer buying experience – don’t overwhelm their
senses. Simple color palettes, textures and display pieces can work
together to build the perfect display.
[ trend watch ]

8. LET'S TALK texture
ROUGH/COARSE
• Reflects less light, feels warmer
• Gives an object more weight
• Feels more rustic
SMOOTH/SHINY
• Reflects more light, feels cooler
• Makes an object feel lighter
• Feels more modern
Another consideration when it comes to texture is
deciding what types of materials will account for this
element. Will it be wire, which has an industrial feel or
plastic, which exudes optimal efficiency?
Texture is an element that can
work to add interest to a display.
MERCHANDISING TIP
Food can do double work
and be both the merchandise
and the textural element
within a display.

9. CLOSE TO HOME
+ HOME GROWN
The NRA’s “What’s Hot Culinary
Forecast” for 2015 surveyed more than
1,300 chefs and these were their top
trends to watch for in 2015:
• Locally sourced meats and seafoods
• Locally grown produce
• Environmental sustainability
• Natural ingredients.
Local as an expectation isn’t new, but
it’s expanding. Diners are wanting to
know the origins of their food.
[ trend watch ]

10. color ME
INTRIGUED
COMPLEMENTARY CHORDS
A complementary scheme is comprised of two
colors that are opposite one another on the wheel.
Complementary schemes work best when warm
colors are paired with cool colors and one is
dominant while the other is for accent.
SPLIT COMPLEMENTARY CHORDS
Similar to complementary, this scheme pairs one
color with two opposing colors on the color wheel.
TRIADIC CHORDS
As the name suggests, this scheme uses three
colors that are evenly spaced out around the color
wheel. Visual contrast is present, but there’s still a
level of balance and harmony.
MONOCHROMATIC CHORDS
Monochromatic schemes are created by using
variations of one color.
HARMONIOUS CHORDS
Harmonious schemes are created using colors that
are adjacent to each other on the color wheel.
Typically one color is more dominant in the display
and the other color or colors are supporting.
Color can help to set
a specific mood, draw
customer attention or even
make a strategic statement.
It can be one of the most
powerful merchandising
elements if used correctly.
Color chords show the relation of colors across
the color wheel that combine to make a successful
merchandising display. Dive deeper into color
theory on the following page.
COOL
WARM

11. COOL
WARM
TINT:
When a color is made
lighter by adding white.
SHADE:
When a color is made
darker by adding black.
TONE:
When a color is adjusted
by adding gray.
Color can also be used
to attract certain types
of shoppers and change
buying behavior.
Impulse Shoppers
• Red/Orange
• Black
• Royal Blue
Shoppers on a Budget
• Navy Blue
• Teal
Traditional Buyers
• Pink
• Sky Blue
• Rose
PRIMARY:
Red, Yellow, Blue
SECONDARY:
Green, Orange, Violet
TERTIARY:
Colors created by mixing
primary and secondary colors
WARM VS. COOL COLORS
The color wheel can almost be divided
between warms and cools. Warm colors
are energetic and enhance a display.
Cool colors create a calming and
soothing environment.
red
Energy. Increases heart rate.
Creates urgency often seen in
clearance sales.
green
Associated with wealth. The
easiest color for the eyes to
process. Used in stores to relax.
blue
Creates the sensation of trust
and security.
purple
Used to soothe and calm.
black
Powerful and sleek. Used to
market luxurious products.
pink
Romantic and feminine.
orange
Aggressive. Creates a call
to action.
yellow
Optimistic, youthful. Often used
to grab attention of passersby.
Tap into the customer's unconscious mind by strategically
selecting colors associated with a certain mood or theme.
TINTS, SHADES, TONESTHE BASICS
COLOR ASSOCIATIONS
COLOR THEORY: 101
THE COLOR WHEEL
The color wheel is a visual representation
of colors arranged according to their
chromatic relationship.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sir Isaac Newton developed
the first circular diagram of
colors in 1666.

12. SAVOR
THE
FLAVOR
[ trend watch ]
From sweet heat to bitter bites,
consumers, especially millennials,
are craving adventure in their
eating experiences.
After years of suffering
from restless palate
syndrome, consumers are
looking for items that use
bold flavors and have
multicultural influences.
Sweet and spicy, pickled and
pungent, smokey and savory
– flavor innovations are taking
center stage.

13. communication:
A SIGN OF THE TIMES
At its core, display signage has one purpose: to
communicate with the customer. Keep this in mind when
developing communication pieces for a display.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The placement of signage within a presentation assists
in the customer buying experience. Strategically placed
signage can guide the shopper through the display from
start to finish.
THE RIGHT LOOK
Select signage that fits the presentation’s overall theme.
Rustic displays with weathered wood fixtures would need
more casual signs and sign holders. Think handwritten
chalkboard signage. An elegant dessert display set up
at a catered event might call for more clean, modern
signage options.
Signage can also serve as an opportunity to reinforce
brand concepts. Whether it’s for a private label product
or more general merchandise, communication pieces help
to maintain a certain level of consistency throughout your
location in order to strengthen brand messaging.
MENU LABELING: 101
Americans consume one-third of their
calories away from home.
Clearly displaying this information on
signage at a salad or hot food bar
will soon be a requirement.
Get a head start and help your
customers make more informed choices.
Visit fda.gov to learn more.

14. SMALL
MINDED
[ trend watch ]
Little is big and petite plates present the perfect portion size. Dishes
that fall between an appetizer and an entrée are on the rise. One
reason for the smaller sizes? Sharing. Younger customers enjoy the
more experiential way of sharing plates. Another reason for the
downsize is that Americans are looking for healthier options and
smaller portion sizes are a step in that direction.
MERCHANDISING TIP
Make the most of your
mini entrées. Stack them to
provide added elevation
to your display.

15. WHAT'S IN STORE FOR décor
Effectiveness of decorative items add perceived value for your customer
and subtly persuades them to purchase. Décor elevates the display
experience by putting the cherry on top of your theme.
Gone are the days when décor was considered to be only an
enhancement. Décor pieces are playing a more integral role in displays
by having a dual purpose: fashion and function. Retro bread boxes
turn into displayware when merchandise is housed inside. These items
are able to act as attention-grabbing elements that captures the passive
looker’s interest while also serving a functional purpose.

16. clean glam fresh
CUSTOMIZABLE
CONCEPTS
[ trend watch ]
Choosing merchandising options that allow for varying levels of
customization will work in your favor. Base display pieces that can
easily be transformed by adjusting secondary elements (color, texture,
décor, communication) make merchandising that much easier.

17. Merchandising Score Card
Meets Areas of
Elements Expectations Improvement Neutral Notes
Landscaping _______ _______ _______ _________________________________
Color _______ _______ _______ _________________________________
Texture _______ _______ _______ _________________________________
Communication _______ _______ _______ _________________________________
Décor _______ _______ _______ _________________________________
Completed your assessment and need assistance or recommendations for improving visual
merchandising? Contact a merchandising specialist at 800.543.7374 or sales@hubert.com
THE FINAL SCORE
Now that you have a better
understanding of the five elements
of merchandising, you can
evaluate your displays using the
Merchandising Score Card.
Grade each display based on
the incorporation of each element
and whether or not it meets your
expectations or if there’s still room
for improvement.