Dive Summary:

• A new study released by SymphonyIRI Group perimeter departments such as meat and produce have been getting grocers' attention in recent years, individual product categories, including coffee and energy drinks, have seen sales gains.
• The report showed that center store sales accounted for 70% of unit sales at stores, out-performing industry averages over the last two years.
• Meanwhile, grocers held a 38% share of beverage sales, while  center store's share grew to 31%.

From the article:

"Consumers are turning to home-based eating and self-reliant health and beauty care to save money, and the center store has benefitted greatly from these consumer rituals," said Susan Viamari, editor of Times & Trends, SymphonyIRI, in a statement. "It's no surprise that competition is heating up, so differentiation will be the key to ongoing success. This is difficult in the center store, but it's not impossible."