The NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., is tracking consumer shopping habits, purchases and perceptions of the supermarket deli department through a new research service, DeliTrack.

NPD said it will collect information from an online consumer panel of more than 3 million registered individuals. The service will give processors and retailers consumer insights on key purchase measures, attitudes and needs related to deli and prepackaged lunch meat, cheese and prepared foods.

"DeliTrack will aid both manufacturers and retailers in developing more effective and profitable deli programs," says Ann Hanson, NPD director of product development. "The consumer insights . . . will benefit manufacturers in product development, marketing and sales and provide retailers with a better understanding of deli customers' needs and the means to gain a competitive advantage."