Monday, August 26, 2024

Convenience Stores and Grocery Delis: Solving the "What's for Dinner?" Dilemma Through Grocerant Niche Mix-and-Match Bundling

 


The age-old question, "What's for dinner?" has perplexed families for generations, often leading to indecision and reliance on fast food or takeout. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes if your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow, you need to move forward.    

However, convenience stores (C-stores) and grocery delis are uniquely positioned to offer a solution through the grocerant niche mix-and-match bundling strategy. By empowering consumer choice and personalization, these retailers can transform fresh prepared meal components into a customizable dinner experience that meets the diverse needs of modern families.

The Grocerant Niche Opportunity

The grocerant niche—a blend of grocery and restaurant—has long been a disruptor in the foodservice industry. It taps into consumer demand for convenient, fresh, and ready-to-eat meals while offering flexibility and variety that traditional dining options often lack. By leveraging mix-and-match bundling, convenience stores and grocery delis can further enhance their appeal, offering consumers the ability to customize their meals with fresh prepared components that suit their preferences, dietary needs, and family dynamics. Those meal components can today be found at restaurants, grocery stores, dollar stores, and convenience stores.


The Power of Personalization and Customization

Today's consumers crave personalization, especially when it comes to food. The ability to choose specific components of a meal—whether it’s proteins, sides, or sauces—allows for a tailored dining experience that resonates with individual tastes. Convenience stores and grocery delis are already equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support this demand, with a variety of grab-and-go fresh prepared meal options that can be easily bundled into a cohesive dinner offering.

By positioning themselves as a solution to the "What's for dinner?" dilemma, C-stores and grocery delis can not only increase their share of the dinner market but also build stronger customer loyalty through the convenience and quality of their offerings.

Freshly Sliced Deli Grab-and-Go: A Growing Segment

According to recent industry insights, the freshly sliced deli grab-and-go segment is experiencing significant growth, with retailers working alongside manufacturer partners to develop new merchandising options that highlight these products. This growth is driven by several factors, including labor challenges at service counters and evolving consumer preferences for bold, new flavors and convenient meal solutions.

Heather Prach, VP of education and industry relations at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), notes that spicy and "swicy" (sweet and spicy) flavors are on the rise, with sauces playing a pivotal role in meal customization. These flavor trends present an opportunity for C-stores and grocery delis to introduce limited-edition products that cater to adventurous palates while offering familiar favorites for those seeking comfort food.


Examples of C-Stores and Grocery Delis Leading the Way

C-Stores:

1.       Wawa: Known for its fresh, made-to-order hoagies, Wawa also offers a variety of grab-and-go meal options, including freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and protein-packed bowls. Customers can mix and match components to create a meal that suits their taste, whether it’s a spicy chicken wrap paired with a fresh fruit cup or a savory meatball sub complemented by a side of mac and cheese.

2.       7-Eleven: The global juggernaut has expanded its fresh food offerings with an array of prepared meal components, from sushi rolls to chicken wings. With the introduction of its 7-Select Fusion Energy and Rehydrate drinks, 7-Eleven is also tapping into the beverage segment, allowing customers to bundle meals with refreshing drinks that suit their on-the-go lifestyle.

3.       Sheetz: Sheetz’s Made-to-Order (MTO) menu allows customers to personalize their meals with a wide selection of proteins, toppings, and sauces. Whether opting for a spicy Southwest chicken salad or a hearty steak quesadilla, customers can build a meal that satisfies their cravings while enjoying the convenience of grab-and-go options.


Grocery Delis:

1.       Publix: Publix's deli department is a prime example of how grocery stores can capitalize on the grab-and-go trend. With freshly sliced deli meats, cheeses, and an array of sides, customers can assemble a meal that fits their family’s needs. The introduction of new flavor profiles, such as hot honey ham and spiced pineapple turkey breast, adds excitement to the mix-and-match experience.

2.       Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods' deli offers a range of prepared foods, including global-inspired dishes and plant-based options. Customers can build their own meals by selecting from a variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables, allowing for a personalized dinner that aligns with their dietary preferences. The store's commitment to clean-label and all-natural products further enhances its appeal to health-conscious consumers.

3.       Kroger: Kroger’s deli section features a robust selection of grab-and-go meal kits, including charcuterie boards, rotisserie chickens, and pre-packaged sides. By offering customizable meal solutions, Kroger empowers customers to create a dinner that’s both convenient and tailored to their tastes.


Think About This

As labor challenges continue to affect service counters, the grab-and-go segment presents a growing opportunity for C-stores and grocery delis to capture a larger share of the dinner market. By embracing the grocerant niche strategy of mix-and-match bundling, these retailers can empower consumers with the choice, personalization, and convenience they seek. With bold flavors, innovative merchandising, and a focus on fresh prepared meal components, convenience stores and grocery delis are well-positioned to answer the question, "What's for dinner?"—and in doing so, secure their place at the heart of the modern family meal.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.





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