Study conducted by Technomic reveals the latest trends and data to understanding consumers’ shifting behavior and attitudes at lunch.
CHICAGO, July 29, 2016—Consumers are purchasing lunch away from home slightly less often now than two years ago, according to Technomic’s recently released 2016 Lunch Consumer Trend Report. Further, restaurants have a growing list of lunchtime competitors as retailers, food trucks and other emerging channels are improving their offerings and becoming more accessible.
“In dealing with sluggish traffic and increased competition, operators have a heightened need to differentiate,” explains Kelly Weikel, director of consumer insights at Technomic. “Highlighting signature items and high-quality ingredients can help meet flavor demands, while tech-based amenities such as digital ordering channels and loyalty programs will help operators’ adapt to consumers’ changing needs.”
Key takeaways from the report include:
- Consumers are becoming less price-conscious at lunch: fewer consumers now (45%) than in 2014 (51%) are always careful about how much they spend at lunch
- Among Millennials who order delivery for lunch, 38% do so to try more restaurants; offering lunchtime delivery may help restaurants extend their reach and serve a broader group of consumers
- Fewer consumers now (62%) than in 2014 (69%) say preparation speed is important for weekday lunches; while still demanding of convenience, consumers may be increasingly likely to wait longer for freshly made lunch fare
Compiling findings from more than 1,500 consumers, as well as Technomic’s MenuMonitor and Digital Resource Library, the comprehensive 2016 Lunch Consumer Trend Report serves as a guide for foodservice operators and suppliers to understand consumer behavior at lunch 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