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Global Update on Consumer,
Market & Menu Insights
Top Nine Issue 9 | 2024
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01 The UK's Favourite Sandwich
When it comes to sandwiches, classics still reign supreme. In a poll carried out by Hovis, the UK crowned the BLT their favourite, followed by Chicken Salad, Tuna Mayo, and Fish Finger sandwiches. The Ploughman and Coronation Chicken have slipped in rankings, but the survey underscores the nation's enduring love of sandwiches, with over two-thirds unable to imagine life without bread, and a majority believing that any meal can be improved by sandwiching it between slices. With this love for sandwiches showing no signs of wavering, UK retailers are taking advantage by offering high-end versions of traditional favourites, hitting the trend of little luxuries. As economic hardship continues, small indulgences, in the form of reimagined classics, are providing a quick treat, without a significant cost. Ask about the best British suppliers to Britain's favourite BLT's.
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02 McDonald's Growth Plans
In Q1 2024, McDonald's U.S. saw a 2.5% same-store sales rise, driven by digital, marketing, and operational enhancements, though largely due to menu price adjustments. Executives note declining foot traffic, prompting plans for a national value platform. Internationally, developed markets grew 2.7%, while less-developed ones declined by 0.2%, due to Middle East unrest. Successful marketing campaigns, such as ‘Best Burger’, and general product improvements contributed to U.S. sales growth. Digital sales, particularly through loyalty programs, also played a significant role. Concerns persist about consumer value amid rising prices, leading to competition from other sectors, however, McDonald's remain focused on global expansion, mindful of consumer preferences for affordability.
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03 Snacking On The Rise
While traditional mealtimes still comprise of 75% of meal occasions, recent changes in daily routines, and increased working from home has driven the habit of midday and late evening snacking. Popular snacking options include on-the-go desserts and small hand-held pizzas or sandwiches. Simplifying and focusing on quality and affordability are key components of a successful snack menu, offering exciting flavours and textures, and customisable options or variety to suit a broad range of palettes. As consumers continue to swap expensive lunches for one-handed snacking, QSR’s such as Subway (Subway Sidekicks), Little Caesar’s (Crazy Puffs), and Papa John’s and Pizza Hut (on-the-go pizza snacks) are all tapping into this trend.
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04 Subway Breaking Borders
Subway Canada has launched a new menu lineup of globally inspired flavours; the New Tandoori Twist Sandwich, featuring a warm and bold Tandoori-spiced Pork Cutlet, Cuban Crunch Sandwich, piled high with Deli-style Ham and Porchetta, Nashville-Style Hot Chicken Sandwich, with Rotisserie-style Chicken, smothered in Nashville-style hot sauce, Shawarma Chicken Rice Bowl, with Rotisserie-style Chicken seasoned with Shawarma spices, Chimichurri Steak, with thinly sliced Steak & Cheese, and Little Sicily, with savoury Capicola and zesty Pepperoni. The update sees the addition of new sauces, proteins, and toppings- all inspired by global destinations such as the U.S., India, Cuba, and more, available at participating Subway Canada locations, through the Subway Series menu.
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05 Waitrose AI-Inspired Menu
Waitrose unveiled its latest UK summer range, driven by AI insights into food and drink trends, customer preferences, and social media buzz. With a focus on spontaneous summer celebrations amidst unpredictable weather, the collection emphasizes fuss-free options. With themes like 'Best of British with a Twist' and 'Trending TikTok Treats,' the lineup caters to diverse tastes, meeting evolving consumer demands for convenience and flavour diversity. From BBQ staples to picnic delights, the 65-item selection offers something for every occasion. Think Beef Smash Burgers with Bone Marrow, Middle Eastern-Inspired Chicken Thighs with Amba Sauce, American Style Pork Melt Burgers, New York Style Beef & Pork Hot Dogs, Cheddar & Hot Honey Pinwheels, and Nduja & Mozzarella Calzones, with a range of dips and spreads.
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06 Ready Meal Trends
Claims and labelling are under the ready meals’ microscope, as curious consumers seek better bang for their buck, with the current trend toward more premium and authentic restaurant quality meals. While consumers are willing to pay a premium for new and exotic flavours, such as jalapeno, lemongrass and ginger, this balance for enjoyment is needed ‘at a lower cost’. Functional value, such as organic, cleaner label, and salt and sugar reduction also continue to reign for the ready meal advocate, driven largely by regulation and heightened consumer awareness of health and well-being. So too, terms such as ‘British Chicken’, or ‘Sicilian Lemon’ carry weight for those seeking ready meals with genuine, authentic ingredients.
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07 All Wrapped Up
RASA is flexing its menu for the summer season, to include three new wraps, all inspired by the authentic flavours of India. The three wraps include the Chicken Tikka Wrap, with Chicken Tikka, lemon turmeric rice, tomato garlic sauce, spiced chickpeas, chopped romaine, pickled onion, shredded paneer, and masala yoghurt, with mint cilantro chutney in a fresh, warm wrap. The Spicy Chicken Wrap, filled with filled with RASA’s new spicy Chilli Chicken, with the same fresh salad ingredients and warm roti, and the Paneer Wrap featuring Tandoori Paneer, masala yogurt, lemon turmeric rice, spiced chickpeas, chopped romaine, kachumber salad and a drizzle of tamarind ginger, with mint cilantro chutney. The new additions are high in protein, perfect for the health-conscious consumer with an active and healthy lifestyle. The wraps are available at all RASA locations and can be ordered for delivery on RASA’s app or website.
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08 Promos & Innovation Driving Sales
Fast-food menus have seen an uptick of 6% in their assortment size, with the most significant growth across pizza chains, with an average of 320 items, coffee shops with around 190 items and burger and chicken outlets with approximately160 items. On average, 20% of a typical fast-food menu is refreshed each year, with coffee shops employing the most changes to their menus with seasonal offerings. Meaningful Vision, who collate and analyse this data, report that it remains crucial to stay agile and responsive to consumer demand in this ever-evolving industry. Meanwhile Domino’s this week reported notable returns on its loyalty program, with fresh promotional offers drawing inflation-weary consumers to its pizzas, and promotions such as its takeaway “boost” weeks that provide 50% week-long discounts proving popular.
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09 Subway's latest Move
Subway, the sandwich giant, reported the completion of its previously announced sale to affiliates of Roark, signalling a new chapter in its storied history. Subway CEO John Chidsey expressed excitement, affirming the company's commitment to enhancing food quality and guest experience. With no anticipated changes to leadership or operations, Subway remains the world's largest quick-service sandwich chain, boasting nearly 37,000 franchised restaurants globally. Roark Capital, a prominent player in the restaurant industry, brings its expertise to Subway's table. This latest development marks Subway's first change in ownership since its founding in 1965, by Fred DeLuca, later rebranded from Pete’s Super Submarines.
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Dawn Farms, The Maudlins, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
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