Grocery Retailers in Europe Key Terms

Learn more about the European grocery retail business through key terms

Grocery retailers in Europe sell many gourmet items that appeal to the American market. Belgian chocolate, compotes and foreign cheeses are just a few of the tasteful goods that are sold in European style grocery stores. Grocery retailers distribute an array of French, Italian, Turkish, English, Dutch and Spanish foods. Coffee, tea and wine are other top selling items in European retail stores. Get acquainted with the European food market by reviewing the following key terms.

 

Hypermarket

Hypermarkets are the largest grocery stores in Europe. Hypermarkets sell jewelry, audio equipment and toys as well as basic groceries. Hypermarkets usually have their own gas station on site and parking is abundant. A hypermarket will have cheaper prices than a regular supermarket and is usually located outside of a city or town.
Try: Eurapart defines and compares hypermarkets to supermarkets.

Functional food

Functional food is food that claims to have disease-preventing properties or health benefits. After Japan, European markets were the first to sell functional foods.
Try: Die Akademie Fresenius gives on overview of managing functional food in the European market. EUFIC explains functional foods and their benefits.

Envirosax

Envirosax are reusable, environmentally friendly shopping bags originally created in Australia. Envirosax claims to be the strongest, compact and most fashionable bag on the market today.
Try: Envirosax answers frequently asked questions about its product. View several different styles of Envirosax in Au Marche, European market.

Foie gras

Foie gras is a pate made from goose liver. It is a popular food item in European markets. The geese are fed a fattening diet to purposely enlarge the liver. This process is somewhat controversial in the United States.
Try: Marky's describes French foie gras and displays foie gras products.

Rahat lokoum

Rahat lokoum, best known as Turkish delight, is a popular item in European grocery stores. Rahat lokoum is a sweet treat made from vanilla, lemon juice, sugar and nuts.
Try: View a few concoctions of lokoum on display in the Euro Food Mart. World Recipes tells you how to make this favorite sweet confection.

Kosher food

Many retailers in Europe sell kosher food. Kosher food is cuisine that meets Jewish dietary laws. Many other religions and even vegetarians also choose kosher foods today, due to the belief that kosher means a healthier and safer food.
Try: wiseGEEK.com explains kosher food. FAS Worldwide discusses France's role as the leader in the European market for kosher foods.

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