Study conducted by Technomic reveals the latest trends and data on consumers’ shifting consumption behaviour and attitudes toward retailer meal solutions
CHICAGO, Apr. 13, 2017—Canadian retailers are continuing to innovate, improve and expand their retailer meal solution offerings (which include prepared foods and beverages that are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat) and consumers are recognizing these improvements. They are purchasing retailer meal solutions (RMS) from a wider set of retailers, as a result.
“Competition is heating up and will continue to intensify, which points to the growing importance of differentiation” says Anne Mills, manager of consumer insights. “Retailers can win share of stomach and grow consistent, loyal patronage by appealing to consumers’ needs for high-quality, convenient and healthy fare at reasonable prices.”
Creating new opportunities to reach consumers throughout the day may help differentiate and drive sales. For example, offering delivery can encourage consumers to consider RMS during occasions when they can’t make it to the store. Expanding ready-to-heat options can encourage consumers to buy RMS for future meals.
Key takeaways from the report include:
- On average, consumers buy ready-to-eat more often than ready-to-heat RMS (59% and 41% of the time, respectively)
- About 62% of RMS purchases are planned, and 38% are made on impulse
- Half of consumers (52%) now say that the friendliness of the staff plays a role in their decision of where to purchase RMS, compared with 46% two years ago
Compiling findings from more than 1,000 consumers, as well as Technomic’s Digital Resource Library, the comprehensive 2017 Canadian Retailer Meal Solutions Consumer Trend Report serves as a guide for foodservice operators and suppliers to understand consumption behaviour and attitudes toward retailer meal solutions and to identify key areas of opportunity.
Technomic publishes a complete library of Consumer Trend Reports. To learn more, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.
Contacts:
Press Inquiries and Report Details: Kelly Weikel, (312) 506-3830, or kweikel@technomic.com
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, or pnoone@technomic.com