For decades, grocerants food retailers blending grocery and
restaurant conveniences—have redefined the way people eat, driven by evolving
consumer needs according to Steven
Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.
Ready-2-Eat (RTE) and Heat-N-Eat (HNE) options have become
core components of this revolution, offering consumers a way to enjoy quick,
high-quality meals at home without compromising on flavor or variety.
Significantly, restaurants and convenience stores have played a vital role in
the widespread adoption of the grocerant niche, offering mix-and-match RTE and
HNE meal options that expand choices and streamline dining.
In 2025, as food costs rise, a Harris
Poll conducted for Flashfood reveals the pressing priorities of U.S.
consumers: 83% prioritize saving money, and 81% aim to reduce food
costs. While 89% believe cooking at home is cost-effective and healthier,
time constraints and a lack of cooking skills push many toward the convenience
of prepared foods from grocerants, restaurants, and convenience stores.
It's Time to Build a
Larger Share of Stomach
A Historical View: Grocerant Evolution
The grocerant concept emerged in the 1990s when traditional
grocery stores began offering prepared foods alongside standard aisles of
ingredients. This evolution accelerated as restaurants and convenience stores
entered the scene, using RTE and HNE meals to attract busy consumers. By
providing mix-and-match meal components—like roasted chicken from grocery
stores, sides from convenience stores, and sauces from restaurants—these
sectors collectively elevated the appeal of grocerants.
Restaurants and C-Stores Fueling the
Trend
Restaurants and convenience stores have been instrumental
in shaping the grocerant experience, offering meal solutions that cater to
consumer demands for both affordability and flexibility:
·
Restaurants: Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants have expanded
into meal kits, heat-and-eat entrees, and prepared sides available in retail
stores. Brands like Chick-fil-A and Panera Bread now offer signature menu items
as ready-to-prepare meal kits, merging their dining expertise with at-home
convenience.
·
Convenience Stores
(C-Stores): Chains like 7-Eleven and Wawa have
become leaders in mix-and-match meal components, with options such as
pre-packaged salads, freshly made sandwiches, and microwavable sides, making it
easy for consumers to assemble meals tailored to their tastes.
RTE/HNE vs. Cooking from Scratch
While cooking meals from scratch saves money, it often
comes at the cost of time and effort. Preparing a meal can take 45 minutes
to 1.5 hours, with added cleanup time, making RTE and HNE solutions the
preferred choice for many. These options bridge the gap between convenience and
quality, allowing consumers to enjoy home dining without the workload.
For instance:
·
A family dinner combining a rotisserie
chicken from the grocery store, mashed potatoes from a convenience store, and a
salad kit purchased at a restaurant makes meal preparation effortless.
·
Restaurant-branded HNE meal components
allow consumers to recreate their favorite dishes without culinary expertise,
expanding their repertoire without frustration.
Global Flavors at Home
As consumer tastes expand globally, grocerants,
restaurants, and c-stores have become the gateways to international flavors
without requiring extensive cooking knowledge. Heat-N-Eat dishes like Indian
tikka masala, Mexican enchiladas, and Korean barbecue ribs offer diners
authentic experiences in minutes.
Examples include:
·
Aldi: Bringing global discovery to consumers with affordable
Ready-2-Eat meal kits featuring diverse cuisines.
·
7-Eleven: Offering international-inspired snack packs and
microwavable meals tailored for busy individuals.
·
Wendy’s Grocery
Partnerships: Expanding brand loyalty by
introducing signature chili and dipping sauces into retail channels.
Value, Accessibility, and
Sustainability
Mobile platforms like Flashfood
further amplify the appeal of grocerants. By partnering with over 2,300 stores
across North America, Flashfood offers
discounts on fresh produce and Ready-2-Eat items, creating affordable options
while reducing food waste. As the USDA projects food prices will increase by 1.9%
in 2025, grocerants leveraging such technologies are well-positioned to
capture consumer loyalty.
Why Grocerants Thrive
The integration of restaurants, convenience stores, and
grocerants has cemented RTE and HNE meals as staples in modern dining. To
maintain their trajectory, grocerants must continue to:
1.
Expand Mix-and-Match
Options: Enable consumers to combine elements
from various brands and categories to create customized meals.
2.
Embrace Value-Driven
Offerings: Highlight cost savings compared to
dining out while maintaining high-quality standards.
3.
Champion
International Cuisine: Introduce more
global flavors to broaden customer horizons.
4.
Partner Across
Channels: Collaborate with restaurants and
c-stores to co-brand meal kits, leveraging mutual consumer trust.
5.
Optimize Tech
Integration: Use platforms like Flashfood to increase accessibility, foster
sustainability, and drive traffic.
Think About This
In the battle to balance affordability, flavor, and time,
the collaboration of grocerants, restaurants, and convenience stores has
solidified RTE and HNE meals as transformative dining solutions. By offering
mix-and-match meal components, these sectors provide consumers with flexibility
and convenience while redefining what it means to "cook at home." As
economic pressures continue to shape food choices, grocerants will remain
central to the evolving dining landscape.
For
international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations,
educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA
based Foodservice Solutions. His
extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand /
product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for
all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call
1-253-759-7869
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