Chicago, January 21, 2008, Business Wire – New research from foodservice consultancy Technomic found that nearly everyone enjoys burgers from time to time. In a recent survey of 1,200 U.S. consumers, the vast majority (85 percent) said they eat burgers once a month or more; only 6 percent say they never eat burgers.

These and numerous other findings are detailed in two new reports from Technomic—one that examines key consumer trends in burger consumption, and another that takes a closer look at the Top-25 chain operators in the burger segment. While limited-service chains dominate the burger category, the research confirmed that consumers tend to go to these venues when value, price, portability and speed of service are most important. When purchasing full-service burgers, however, variety and freshness are of greater concern.

Among the more interesting findings in the two burger reports:

• Significant differences were found in burger preferences and consumption behavior based on gender, age, region, ethnicity, and income. For example, Northeastern consumers are the lightest burger users, and Asian consumers are more likely to find themed burgers appealing than other ethnic groups.

• Heavy burger users, those who eat burgers once a week or more, make up the largest burger user category (44 percent); this group skews toward young consumers and those in the South and Midwest.

• While “traditional” burgers still hold solid appeal, there is strong preference toward customization and “build your own burger” options. Additionally, variation in burger size is appealing to consumers, especially miniature burgers, typically sold as appetizers.

• The dynamic burger category continues to be dominated by limited-service restaurants, which represent 33 percent of U.S. LSR sales. Within the nearly-$59 billion burger category, the Top 25 limited-service burger chains held roughly 97 percent of the market—and the Top 3 (McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s) accounted for nearly 75 percent of LSR burger chain sales

• Sales growth among the Top 25 LSR burger chains presented an extremely varied story, with some chains exhibiting astonishing growth, while others witnessed declines over their prior-year sales.

“Burgers are more popular than ever, and represent some of the hottest trends in the industry” says Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic Information Services. “Given the overall strength in the segment and consumer interest in variety and customization, burgers provide a great avenue for innovation and sales growth.”

The Burger Consumer Trend Report and the Top 25 Limited-Service Burger Chains Smart Report were developed to give restaurant operators and foodservice suppliers vital market and consumer insights to drive business-building efforts in the burger category. To purchase or learn more about either report, please visit www.foodpubs.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts
Press Inquiries: Darren Tristano, 312-876-0004, extension 3850, or dtristano@technomic.com

The Burger Consumer Trend Report
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-876-0004, extension 3852, or pnoone@technomic.com
Report Details: Sara Gillis, 312-876-0004, extension 3848, or sgillis@technomic.com

Top 25 Limited-Service Burger Chains Smart Report
Purchasing Details: Chris Urban, 312-876-0004, extension 3929, or curban@technomic.com
Report Details: Naomi Van Til, 312-876-0004, extension 3844, or nvantil@technomic.com

Technomic Information Services has been tracking the foodservice industry for over 40 years, providing industry intelligence, forecasts, data and training support to manufacturers, operators, distributors and others allied to the field. Our numerous publications and digital products—featuring quick-read newsletters, analytical annual reports, training handbooks, sales guides and restaurant chain profiles—help industry leaders keep a finger on the pulse of the entire foodservice terrain. Technomic Information Services delivers distinctive, premium content to its customers.

Technomic provides food and foodservice clients with the research, insights and
strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include category and channel analyses, customer satisfaction studies, opportunity assessments, benchmarking programs and brand equity enhancement.

Source: Technomic, Inc.
Press Contact: Chris Urban, 312-506-3929 or curban@technomic.com