Canadian Convenience Stores Must Improve Foodservice Options to Compete with LSRs, Reveals New Technomic Study

CHICAGO, Feb. 3, 2015 /CNW/ -- Consumers report that more than 75 per cent of convenience-store foodservice occasions are either for beverages or snacks, meaning meal occasions (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) make up just one quarter. An emphasis on quality prepared food and beverage present strong opportunities for growth.

Convenience stores must step up their foodservice programs by upgrading their food's quality and freshness to rival their biggest competitors. Consumers say higher quality and healthy options could encourage them to buy more food at c-stores, while younger consumers—a key demographic—demand an increased level of fresh food items at c-stores.

"Another way to increase traffic is to cobrand with limited-service restaurants," said Sara Monnette, Senior Director, Consumer Insights & Innovation at Technomic. "Partnering with an established limited-service restaurant offers a familiar and convenient foodservice platform that can lead to better quality perceptions and drive retail purchases."

[View related INFOGRAPHIC: Canadian Convenience-Store Consumer Trend Report]

To help foodservice executives understand the latest consumer behaviours, preferences and attitudes regarding c-store foodservice, Technomic has published the Canadian Convenience-Store Foodservice Consumer Trend Report. Interesting findings include:

• Gen Zers and consumers earning less than $25K are most likely to purchase any type of food or beverage at c-stores.
• Nearly half (49 per cent) of c-store foodservice purchases are unplanned.
• Familiar chain restaurants can sway many consumers to visit one c-store over another for meal (42 per cent) and beverage (35 per cent) purchases.

The Canadian Convenience-Store Foodservice Consumer Trend Report is one of many topics in its Consumer Trend Report series, offering the most current analysis, insight and opportunities to help grow your business. Our best-in-class intelligence combines 50 years of foodservice expertise with critical findings from over 7,000 menus and nearly 30,000 annual consumer interviews.

To learn more, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below. For Technomic updates, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or our blog.

Contacts:
Press Inquiries: Sara Monnette, 312-506-3848, or [email protected]
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-506-3852, or [email protected]
Report Details: Kelly Weikel, 312-506-3830, or [email protected]

About Technomic
Only Technomic delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We impact growth and profitability for our clients by providing consumer-grounded vision and channel-relevant strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at technomic.com

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SOURCE Technomic Inc.