CHICAGO -- Although preferences for traditional sandwiches remain strong, consumers are looking for greater variety in sandwich ingredients available from limited- and full-service restaurants, according to new research from foodservice consultancy Technomic. A survey of more than 1,500 consumers revealed that over one-third (39%) of those eating at limited-service restaurants (LSRs) and 51% at full-service restaurants (FSRs) were not fully satisfied with available sandwich options, wanting new and unique ingredient offerings, flavors and combinations.
Technomic's Sandwich Consumer Trend [image-nocss] Report combines the results of extensive quantitative consumer research, menu analysis from its proprietary MenuMonitor database and restaurant data from its Top 500 Report.
Among the findings of the report:
Sandwiches continue to be a strong mainstay of restaurant fare, making up 31% of all LSR entrees and 15% of entrees at FSRs. Bold flavor profiles and the use of artisanal and premium breads, ingredients and sandwich spreads are growing trends in sandwich differentiation. The sandwich concept itself allows for a great deal of innovation as well as portability to meet the needs of consumers on the go. The sandwich segment is appealing to health-conscious consumers through offering high-quality, fresh, local and organic ingredients. Consumer interest in healthy sandwich ingredients continues to grow, with 44% of consumers wanting sandwiches made with locally grown ingredients and 30% with organic ingredients. Sandwiches, once viewed as lunch fare, are important to all dayparts. Toasted sandwiches and paninis are increasing in popularity as entrée options in the dinner daypart, while the portability of breakfast sandwiches boosts breakfast daypart sales. Sandwiches are also gaining ground in the growing away-from-home snacking segment."Sandwiches are growing in share in all dayparts while consumers are asking for more variety in sandwich selections," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic Information Services. "Given strong consumer trends toward healthy eating and an increasing consumer appetite for bolder flavors and premium ingredients, this presents an enormous opportunity for operators to menu more innovative sandwich offerings."
Technomic Information Services has been tracking the foodservice industry for more than 40 years, providing industry intelligence, forecasts, data and training support to manufacturers, operators, distributors and others allied to the field. Chicago-based Technomic provides food and foodservice clients with the research, insights and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include category and channel analyses, customer satisfaction studies, opportunity assessments, benchmarking programs and brand equity enhancement.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.