Food Industry Glossary

Like every industry, the food industry has special terms we use to describe aspects of our business. This glossary can help newcomers learn terminology and help seasoned food industry experts keep up to date.

TERM DU JOUR

general merchandise (GM)

Non-food packaged goods sold with relatively low price points and high usage rates sold through most mass-market retail channels. Categories include health and beauty care, cleaning products, stationery and toys.

FACTS & FIGURES
The supermarket industry employs

5.5 Million people

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Latest Additions:

  • center store

    Literally, the large middle portion of a supermarket in which the majority of packaged goods are merchandised (in contrast to the perimeter, which typically houses fresh-food departments). The term is also used to identify the categories and product merchandised there. The product is also refered to as dry goods meaning ambient temperature.

  • sell in

    The process of gaining retail approval to conduct an in-store marketing campaign.

  • drained weight

    A term used to describe weight of product with all liquid drained off.

  • Season or Seasonal

    A period in which the major activity is conducted over not more than five consecutive months in a calendar year; for example, harvesting and packing during the apple season.

  • warehouse withdrawal

    The shipping of products to a retailer from a distribution center.