Deli foodservice holds opportunities for seafood suppliers as U.S grocery stores report higher sales and demand for the items.
Supermarket foodservice has become more popular as cost-conscious shoppers cut back on eating at restaurants, according to FMI-The Food Industry Association's latest Power of Foodservice at Retail 2022 report.
“It’s our opportunity to put grocery foodservice on the map,” FMI Vice President of Fresh Foods Rick Stein said. “At a time when consumers are rethinking where to put their food dollars, retailers need to demonstrate the value of grocery foodservice and exceed expectations.”
The report found 25 percent of Americans are purchasing more grocery foodservice than they did a year ago, with deli foodservice sales soaring 12.3 percent to nearly USD 48 million (EUR 45 million) for the 52 weeks ending 27 August, and up 20.9 percent versus 2019, according to FMI.
“As inflation continues to affect Americans’ budgets, shoppers are preparing more meals at home – focusing on weekly meal-planning and scratch cooking, [and] 53 percent say grocery foodservice items are a good value compared to eating at a restaurant or ordering takeout,” FMI said in a press release.
Suppliers and retailers should emphasize nutritional value in deli food service options. Of survey respondents, 58 percent of consumers said they are interested in vegetables or other healthy options, but only 36 percent are “very satisfied” with the nutrition levels of current foodservice offerings.
“Consumers suggest retailers can satisfy their palates by reducing the number of fried foods and adding more plant-based options,” FMI said.
The study found grocers can attract shoppers to new and existing nutritious options by promoting them on in-store signage, printed circulars, store apps, and social media channels, the organization said.
Retailers can boost sales by supporting shoppers’ meal planning through targeted strategies, like suggesting different meal themes by day, expanding the variety of meal bundles and total meal solutions, and promoting meal components for specific dishes, FMI said. FMI also said retailers should consider adopting restaurant-style amenities. For example, 50 percent of shoppers said the ability to order grocery foodservice items in advance through a mobile app or website and pick them up at an inside pre-order station is appealing.
Shoppers want retailers to add drive-through lanes, add a separate checkout in the foodservice areas, deliver food, and offer outside pick-up stations, FMI reported.
“Retailers have a compelling story to tell about the many ways foodservice delivers on value, nutrition, and convenience, but the analysis also suggests something’s missing: Shoppers are craving a new menu. They want our industry to regularly evaluate cuisines and seek their feedback,” Stein said.
Photo courtesy of FMI - The Food Industry Association
