Plant-Based Food Trend Insights

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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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

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.

In a highly innovative, yet continuously developing market, comes the need for direction in how to follow changing consumer behaviors and best capture buyer dollars seeking plant-based alternatives. To achieve that goal, FMI produced a three-part webinar series on the plant-based topic that offers an in-depth analysis of the booming plant-based industry.

<p>By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh, Industry Relations, FMI</p> <p>As we enter the next decade, we enter a new era of food retail – sure to be packed with<img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/impossible-foods-pork-product.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=e275516e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Impossible foods pork product" title="Impossible foods pork product" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> as much innovation, growth, and restructuring as the last one. There is one sector of the industry that in 2019 achieved expansion not only onto store shelves but into the minds of consumers — plant-based. From hyper realistic plant-based meat products becoming staple menu items in fast-food restaurants, to non-dairy milk sales soaring, plant-based food products are key competitors and generating billions of dollars in revenue. </p> <p>In a highly innovative, yet continuously developing market, comes the need for direction in how to follow changing consumer behaviors and best capture buyer dollars seeking plant-based alternatives. To achieve that goal, FMI produced a three-part webinar series on the plant-based topic that offers an in-depth analysis of the booming plant-based industry. </p> <h5>Key Takeaways</h5> <h6><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2019/11/12/the-plant-based-tipping-point">The Plant-Based Tipping Point</a> webinar addresses factors driving increasing interest in plant-based foods, and how to capitalize on this consumer shift. </h6> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Most consumers of plant-based food products are pursuing a flexitarian lifestyle.</li> <li>Plant-based shoppers are valuable, spending 61% more than the average shopper.</li> <li>Plant-based meat is an $800 million category for both restaurant and grocery with significant potential for growth through increased category penetration, which can be driven by shelf placement adjacent to conventional meat.</li> </ul> <h6><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2019/11/19/the-surge-of-plant-based-foods">The Surge of Plant-Based Foods</a> webinar delves into what growing consumer interest in plant-based foods means for retailers and CPG manufacturers. </h6> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Key motivators for consuming more plant-based food products are health and weigh management, but also interest in reducing environmental impact and promoting animal welfare.</li> <li>Plant-based milk and meat substitutes are the largest categories, however, plant-based is rapidly expanding in creamers, protein supplements, yogurt and whipped toppings.</li> <li>Protein bars, meat substitutes, refrigerated milk, yogurt and ice cream are products with the newest items launched in 2019.</li> </ul> <h6><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2020/01/16/understanding-the-plant-based-food-consume">Understanding the Plant-Based Food Consumer</a> webinar provides insights into plant-based consumer demographic and purchase trends. </h6> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Dollar sales growth was seen across regions, with sales strength in the Northeast.</li> <li>Affluent Millennials and GenXers are more likely to purchase plant-based products, including those appealing to children.</li> <li>While dairy products are preferred for taste, family appeal and familiarity, barriers to purchasing include digestion and health perceptions. </li> </ul> <p>After a massively successful year for plant-based in 2019, it’s safe to say 2020 will see more even more growth. The earlier you inform yourself on the vast world of plant-based, the better you set yourself up for success.</p> <p><strong>Access the Free Webinars To Learn More: </strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2019/11/12/the-plant-based-tipping-point">The Plant-Based Tipping Point</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2019/11/19/the-surge-of-plant-based-foods">The Surge of Plant-Based Foods</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/events-education/webinars/webinar-recordings/view/webinar-recordings-public/2020/01/16/understanding-the-plant-based-food-consume">Understanding the Plant-Based Food Consumer</a></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo Credit: <a href="https://impossiblefoods.com/media/ces2020/">Impossible Foods</a></span></em></p>

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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.