Progressive Grocer Grocerant Summit: Talent Matters

Not only is fresh prepared at supermarkets the fastest growing segment of the foodservice industry, it’s also one of the fastest growing segments within the grocery channel. “Grocerant,” as fresh prepared at retail is called, can be a game-changer. But without embracing a grocerant mindset and demonstrating a willingness to re-write traditional grocery rules, efforts will miss the mark, and consumers will stick with traditional foodservice for meal solutions.

Grocerant Summit, hosted by Progressive Grocer, provides qualified retailers at all levels of engagement some key insights and strategies to help them navigate this high-potential space. Grocerant Summit will take place Oct. 20-21, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook (Ill.) Hotel. The event is designed by and for grocery retailers, and supported by CPG and solution providers who speak to fresh prepared foods. In addition to helping retailers define their strengths and gaps, it also provides actionable insight into some areas already challenging for grocer retailers, including recruitment, training and retention.

Janet Hoffmann, president of HR Aligned Design, is a foodservice human resources executive who understands the needs of grocery retail operations. Hoffmann will address the challenge of recruitment, training and retention – an ages old issue for traditional grocery retail, but an even bigger hurdle in grocerant, where a diverse array of skills is required.

"Attracting, training and retaining the right talent is the most important use of a leader's time,” says Hoffmann. “The right talent is a company's competitive edge."

Hoffmann explains that the recruitment landscape has changed, and it’s important for retailers to be able to define the new skills – both technical and attitudinal – required, and learn where they might find talent that can meet and exceed expectations. Along with appropriate training, Hoffmann says that retention strategies should be built into every management playbook.

Grocerant Summit is an exclusive, invitation-only event for qualified grocery retailers. The one-and-a-half-day event is focused on the unique foodservice needs of grocery retailers, addressing the challenging topics that will make or break a successful program. In addition to Janet Hoffmann’s presentation on talent, the event will feature a future-looking assessment of food, shopper insights, the competitive landscape, case studies, and much more. The event also includes valuable discussion and networking opportunities, so that retailers can learn what solutions are best for their audience and formats.

To receive an invitation to Grocerant Summit, grocery retail executives should email Joan Driggs at [email protected], and CPG solution providers should email Jeff Friedman at [email protected].