MADISON, Wis.—As consumers tighten their budgets, they are forgoing restaurants in favor of purchasing meal solutions at their local supermarkets, according to What's In Store 2009, the trends report from the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association™ (IDDBA).
Food retailers offering prepared meals experienced customer count growth at twice the rate of restaurants, likely due to an average meal price that is half the cost of a restaurant meal. Consumers prefer supermarket delis and hot food bars to restaurants when considering convenience, pricing, freshness and healthful options. In fact, the national supermarket chain has replaced the restaurant as America's largest takeout casual outlet.
The report outlines a number of trends that will affect supermarket delis and the products they offer including ethnic foods, premium deli meats, hot food bars, healthful food choices and convenient packaging.
