Retail foodservice discontinuity abating as fresh prepared ready-to-eat and ready to heat take hold.

Food retailers have an understanding of the unique balance between palate, price, pleasure and the consumer’s drive for qualitative distinctive differentiated new food consumables. This is one of the main reasons that the grocerant niche of prepared fresh ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat niche have continued to grow during this period of economic disruption. The food value proposition equilibrium for the consumer today balances; better for you, flavor, and traditional products all blended into something with a twist.

Mix & Match meal components including entrée’s, side dishes and oddly price points have driven sales of fresh prepared ready-to-eat and ready to heat foods. Manufactures are rapidly addressing the niche and some of the industry largest are lining up to assist Walgreens enter the grocerant niche. Walgreens is positioned better than most to capture a large share of the baby boomer’s with fresh prepared meals portioned for one or two with better for you value added components ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread are successfully bundling mix & match options of perceived better for you meal components and winning customers. Whole Foods continues to expand prepared food options that are fresh and ready-to-eat. Success leaves clue and the grocerant niche is flourishing.

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http://www.foodservice.com/articles/show.cfm?contentid=4112&title=Restaurant Consumer Discontinuity