I recently met with leading supply chain and disaster response experts, decision makers and other stakeholders in Florida to share our experiences in preparing, responding and recovering from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017. Hosted by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Post-Hurricane Supply Chain Adaptability, we discussed critical areas – including food, fuel, water, pharmaceuticals, and medical goods – as case studies for a national response.

The food retailing industry often touts the strength of the perimeter, namely, produce, meat, bakery or deli/prepared foods. But there’s a contender in the ring; a heavyweight that boasts $57 billion in retail sales that’s conditioning for a strong comeback: Frozen food.

When the government issued a nationwide consumer advisory on all romaine lettuce just days before the biggest food holiday of the year, the operational impact was massive, and the repercussions continue today. Compounding the situation, this was the second consumer advisory to affect Romaine in one year.

Each year at the FMI Foundation’s signature fundraising event, Stir It Up!, we replicate the culinary adventures that shoppers can experience every day in food retail stores across the nation. The 2019 Stir It Up! competition winners exemplified these trends, and each category highlights the experiences that customers want out of their grocery store trips.