United States-Recession hits food retailers.

UNITED STATES-RECESSION HITS RETAILERS.

After struggling through slow sales in February,

grocers across the U.S. are hoping for an early arrival of spring-like weather

and increased backyard grilling activity to spark more meat purchases.

For now, as has been the case in recent weeks, grocers are offering shoppers

a broad mix of protein options. This week, they included seafood and fish for

the Lenten season along with several cuts each from the beef, pork and poultry

categories.

Some supermarket chains also featured more processed meats such as smoked

sausages, cold cuts and hot dogs as lower-price options for families on a tight

food budget.

Widespread concerns about the economic crisis have led to a general lack of

confidence among consumers, and that is being reflected in what they buy at the

grocery stores and how much they are willing to spend, analysts said. Consumers

are purchasing less of the higher priced meat cuts by trading down to cheaper

alternatives in an attempt to stretch their food dollars.

The slowed movement of meat and poultry products overall has caused grocers

and secondary suppliers to be cautious buyers and hold smaller inventories.

This has contributed to the slowed pace of sales at the wholesale level.