Foodservice Solutions® Top Six Reasons Consumer Buy Prepared Meals

 

Consumers are dynamic not static according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. So, the question becomes just why are consumers in 2024 time-starved? Ok, let’s see a few reasons:

·         Busy Lives: The juggle of work, family, and personal commitments continue to be a major time drain.

·         Economic Factors: With lingering economic effects from past events, some may need to work longer hours or take on extra jobs to make ends meet.

·         Technology Overload: The constant barrage of information and notifications can make it hard to focus and can fragment free time.

Now, we have to ask are they more time-starved than in 2020?

It's hard to say definitively, but some factors suggest they might be:

·         Post-Pandemic Effects: The pandemic might have caused long-term shifts in work culture, with more remote work leading to "always-on" mentalities.

·         Evolving Technology: As AI and automation become more integrated into daily life, new demands on attention and new ways to fill time gaps could emerge.

However, there are also trends that could be mitigating time pressures:

·         Focus on Convenience: Businesses are increasingly catering to time-starved consumers with faster services, delivery options, and streamlined experiences.

·         Time Management Tools: Technology can be a double-edged sword, but there's also a rise in time management apps and productivity hacks that could help people be more efficient.

Overall, time scarcity remains a significant issue for consumers, though the specific challenges might have evolved since 2020. The demand for grocerant niche Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food continues to drive customer adoption of meal solutions including fresh prepared meals, meal components, and beverages that cam be mixed and matched into a perfect family meal.

Here are Foodservice Solutions® six top reasons consumers buy fresh prepared food at grocery stores:

1.       Convenience: This is the biggest driver. People are busy and don't have a lot of time to cook elaborate meals from scratch Prepared food offers a quick and easy solution for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

2.       Variety: Grocery stores offer a wide variety of prepared foods, from ethnic cuisines to healthy options to classic comfort food. This allows consumers to try new things without having to buy all the ingredients themselves.

3.       Quality and Taste: Grocery stores have gotten better at offering fresh, high-quality prepared foods that taste good. This is especially appealing to consumers who may not be confident in their own cooking skills.

4.       Price: Prepared food can be a relatively affordable option, especially compared to eating out at a restaurant.

5.       Portion Control: Prepared meals can help with portion control, which is important for people who are watching their weight.

6.       Dietary Needs: Many grocery stores offer prepared foods that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter