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How has the rising cost of fuel affected customers’ purchases?

Paul Ferrari, A.G. Ferrari Foods, San Francisco
Not a week goes by that we are not hit with a price increase; we’ve seen a 30-40 percent jump in plastics affecting items we pack, such as olives and olive oil. So far, we are trying to absorb these prices and not pass them on to the customer. Consumers are looking for high-quality fresh items like cheese. My picks include:
• A.G. Ferrari pasta
• Fresh Burrata cheese from Puglia
• Ruggeri Prosecco

Lisa Santos, Southport Grocery, Chicago

We did not slow down in volume but fuel prices are causing me to take a closer look at pricing and where my suppliers are. I haven’t changed prices yet, but as shipping costs go up and people tack on fuel charges, our prices will inevitably increase. Coffee prices were raised across the board but it has not stopped people from purchasing in the category. My pick includes:
• Intelligentsia coffee
Chuck Richards, Reid’s, Charlotte, NC

Our most significant price changes have occurred with acrylics and plastics—all petroleum-based products—which we use for private-label items and in-store foodservice. We have raised some prices to offset this. With shipping charges up 10-15 percent, we’ve increased the prices of new catalog items. Buying patterns have not changed and we are consistent with the following best sellers. My picks include:
• Robert Rothschild Farm Raspberry Salsa
• Hubs Peanuts
• Dewey’s Bakery Moravian Cookies
Diane Knight, Diane’s Gourmet Luxuries, Little Rock, AR

We have not increased prices but had to add $1 more to our delivery charge to make up for higher gas prices. Customers’ wallets are not affected. They are buying items that are non-perishable, such as gift packs and high-end balsamic vinegars. Prepared foods from salads to lamb stew are big sellers. My picks include:
• Diane’s Lamb Stew
• Sister’s Gourmet Chocolate Overload Brownies
• Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Breakfast Collection
Janet Ostrow, Premier Gourmet Kenmore, NY

Sales are up about 20 percent but customer counts have been down. People are not making extraneous trips but, when they come out, they spend more time and money in the store. In October, customer counts inched back up. Shoppers come out for exclusives and look for new products not available in supermarkets. My picks include:
• Ritrovo Casina Rossa Truffle Salt
• Vosges Haute Chocolat Aztec Elixir Cocoa
• DiCamillo Bakery Peaches Niagara