2017 Top Trends in Fresh: Holistic Health

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

According to 2017 Top Trends in Fresh, 230 million individuals will be living with chronic illnesses by 2030, and it’s no surprise to hear, that healthcare premiums are also soaring. In response, consumers are focusing on self-care and holistic foods. Now when I visit my doctor the conversation is usually around what foods will benefit my health. It’s amazing how many choices in the Fresh Department help consumers prevent and manage disease states, increase nutrition needs, and increase vitamin intake without the need to swallow a handful of supplements. Food is powerful and it’s proving its ability to prevent specific illnesses.

By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, Food Marketing Institute <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/fresh-foods58c80b0324aa67249237ff0000c12749.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Fresh Foods" title="Fresh Foods" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />I can remember, not too long ago, when I would walk the aisles of a grocery store and simply think to myself, “what am I hungry for tonight?” On a summer weekend, I would walk by the meat department and perhaps buy the biggest, thickest steak I could find to put on the grill for dinner. Clearly, my sense of taste was driving my purchasing decision. Fast forward a dozen years or so, I am more conscientious of my health and the related issues that come with growing older. My doctor now kindly reminds me to, “Watch what I eat.” I still walk the aisles of the grocery store, but now I wear a slightly different lens, and my purchasing decisions are driven by my health and wellness needs. According to <a href="http://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/fresh-foods">2017 Top Trends in Fresh</a>, 230 million individuals will be living with chronic illnesses by 2030, and it’s no surprise to hear, that healthcare premiums are also soaring. In response, consumers are focusing on self-care and holistic foods. Now when I visit my doctor the conversation is usually around what foods will benefit my health. It’s amazing how many choices in the Fresh Department help consumers prevent and manage disease states, increase nutrition needs, and increase vitamin intake without the need to swallow a handful of supplements. Food is powerful and it’s proving its ability to prevent specific illnesses. Like many consumers shopping for health, I ask myself, “What tastes good AND is good for me?” FMI and IRi presented research that shows food can have a significant impact on your health. Shoppers are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, especially foods that can prevent/manage disease and chronic illness, according to <a href="http://www.fmi.org/industry-topics/fresh-foods">2017 Top Trends in Fresh</a> research. Broccoli, garlic, beans, citrus fruits, and tomatoes all are known to prevent diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart conditions. In the age of holistic health, retailers are well-positioned to help shoppers meet their health and wellness goals. Research from <a href="http://www.fmi.org/research-resources/u-s-grocery-shopper-trends">2016 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends</a> reports, 45 percent of shoppers say their grocery store is working to help them stay healthy. In-store resources and signage engage consumers to better understand their holistic health needs and support their shopping journey. I enjoy seeing tons of holistic health choices at my local supermarket and health benefits listed on many of the fresh food items. Shopping the aisles will never be the same as holistic health plays a bigger role in consumers’ shopping habits. To learn more, access FMI and IRI’s <a href="http://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/webinar-recordings-public/2017/02/23/top-trends-in-fresh-holistic-health">Top Trends in Fresh: Holistic Health webinar</a>. This is the first of a five-part webinar series. Other topics include <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/view?id=45619000000A3A">Social and Cultural Alignment</a>, <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/view?id=456198000001F7">Personalization</a>, <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/view?id=4561A1000003A3">Hyperlocalization</a>, and <a href="http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/view?id=4561AC000000D0">Retail Response</a>.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.