Overview
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The U.S. food marketing system links farms to consumers via food
manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing (food stores and
foodservice facilities).
Food wholesaling consists of that part of food marketing in
which goods are assembled, stored, and transported to retailers,
foodservice operators, other wholesalers, government, and other
types of businesses. The retail food industry has changed
significantly over the past 2 decades, as warehouse club stores,
drugstores, and other nontraditional foodstores have increased
their share of food sales. Changes in consumer food choices are
reflected in food retailing, including the introduction of new
products to meet new consumer demands.
ERS conducts research on:
- trends in wholesale sales by type of outlets, wholesalers, and
products,
- sales and sales growth of traditional and nontraditional retail
foodstores,
- retail industry competition and organization,
- trends and developments in various types of foodstores,
and
- public policy topics such as access to affordable and
nutritious food and the development of local food systems.