Foods For Trade
Food Industry Definitions

Click on the letter below to view a list of all terms in the glossary beginning with that letter.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


EANEuropean article number.
early bird allowanceA manufacturer's incentive offered to retailers who order seasonal or promotional items before the season or event begins.
earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)A performance indicator.
EASElectronic article surveillance.
EBITEarnings before interest and taxes.
EBTElectronic benefits transfer.
economy storeA no-frills food store that features a limited selection of low-priced merchandise. High-volume sales and lower operating costs offset a smaller profit margin.
ECREfficient consumer response.
EDIElectronic data interchange.
EDLCEveryday low cost.
EDLPEveryday low pricing.
EDPElectronic data processing.
EEOCEqual Employment Opportunity Commission.
efficient assortmentAn ECR method to maximize store volume and gross margins. Its key drivers are category and space allocation targeted by store, quicker adjustments of product in response to changes in customer purchases, identification and emphasis on higher volume/margin
Efficient Consumer Response (ECR)A collaborative industry strategy to reduce the costs of goods throughout the system by automatic replenishment shipments to control inventories and better maintain store conditions. Distributors and suppliers work cooperatively with the goal of reducing
efficient product introductionsAn ECR initiative used to accurately time the introduction of new products. that are more directly related to consumer needs.
efficient promotionAn advertising strategy that causes an increase in sales and an improved competitive position for the retailer.
efficient replenishmentA core ECR strategy that integrates data throughout the food distribution system to automatically reorder, transport, and restock products.
EFTElectronic funds transfer.
egg washAn egg-based glaze brushed on bakery items to produce a gloss.
EISExecutive information system.
electric jackA pallet jack, equipped with a battery that operates under its own power to move pallets within a warehouse or store.
electronic article surveillance (EAS)An electronic loss-prevention system that signals if a product has not been de-activated at a cash register. Used on high-ticket items, such as alcohol and cigarettes.
electronic benefits transfer (EBT)A system utilizing a debit card for food stamp recipients to use to purchase products in a retail supermarket.
electronic cash register (ECR)A stand-alone, point-of-sale terminal used by a cashier to check or scan customer's orders.
electronic coupon clearingScanning coupons for faster processing and control.
electronic data interchange (EDI)The use of telecommunications to exchange business information between companies using standard formats.
electronic data processing (EDP)The use of computer and other peripheral equipment in all areas of the store and headquarters to assemble, calculate and store information. See buying, ordering; accounting and controls; checkout operations; electronic funds transfer system.
electronic discounts (clipless coupons)A discount price for the future purchase of an item printed on a customer's receipt.
electronic funds transfer (EFT)The use of telecommunications systems and debit and credit cards to move funds. Paperless system used with credit and debit cards.
electronic mail (e-mail)An electronic communications system using a computer that enables the user to generate and transmit messages to other locations/addresses via the internet.
electronic marketingThe use of shopper programs to reward frequent customers for their loyalty. Uses a scan card to monitor customer purchases and provide electronic discounts on special products.
electronic shelf labels (ESL)Liquid crystal display (LCD) shelf tags linked to a backroom computer and POS system that automatically display price changes.
electronic shoppingDigital shopping via the World Wide Web (WWW) on the Internet.
electronic signature captureA liquid-crystal touch screen that records a signature as a digital image, which reduces paperwork.
end aisle display, end cap, end display or endsA massive merchandise display at the end of an aisle which is a prime selling location for high margin, impulse items.
end of month (EOM)An accounting term that designates the last calendar day of a month as the final date for payment of bills.
endsThe last part of whole loaves of meat and cheese in the Deli Department.
EOMEnd of month.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)A U.S. government agency that enforces federal legislation, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace.
ESLElectronic shelf labels.
estimated inventoryA physical inventory method used to calculate the total cash value of a store's inventory. A product count is multiplied by the retail price. The estimated gross-profit margin is subtracted from that figure to get an estimate of the worth in dollars of it
ethernetA local area network (LAN) used to connect computers, in contrast to a network used to connect computers in a larger area, a wide area network (WAN).
ethnic foodsProducts that a particular ethnic (racial, national) or cultural group favor, such as Mexican, Chinese or kosher foods.
european article number (EAN)A European, 13-digit bar code that identifies products and shipping containers, which is compatible with U.S. and Canadian UPCs, although there are differences in format.
event merchandising/event marketingA store or community wide promotion of targeted products through a series of related activities or using a particular theme.
every day low cost (EDLC)A manufacturer's pricing strategy in which the cost of goods is consistently low.
every day low price (EDLP)A retail pricing strategy in which the product prices are kept consistently low. See high-low pricing.
exception countA physical inventory verification procedure to identify stock conditions outside predetermined limits. These limits generally relate to shelf capacity and back stock, i.e., too much, too little or out-of-stock.
executive information system (EIS)Computer software used to summarize operational data and prepare executive reports.
exotic/ethnic sectionsUnique products from all over the world. Special sections may feature Asian, Spanish, Italian and other foods or products.
exotic produceFruits and vegetables not grown in North America and considered "exotic", such as, kiwi fruit and ugli fruit.
expenseOverhead costs that include salaries, supplies, advertising, depreciation, and maintenance.
expert systemsSoftware used to interpret data and highlight key events, enabling a category manager to focus on the most relevant problems.
expiration dateA manufacturer's "sell by" date stamped on products to indicate shelf life.
express laneA lane used to check out customers with a limited number of items.
extended dating or extended termsAn accounting term that allows longer than usual payments for products.
extendersShelves, tables or baskets used along with permanent fixtures to increase display space in a department.
extraordinary itemsAll infrequent or unusual financial events, including net operating loss carryforwards to the current period.
eye levelA merchandising strategy to increase sales of a product by placing it at a customer's eye level.

Foods For Trade

Advertising    Privacy    Legal    Safe Trading Tips    Links    Top

Copyright © 2001-2009 . Foods For Trade . All Rights Reserved