CHICAGO -- Convenience-store “regulars,” who include younger males and Hispanic males, are increasingly selecting c-stores based on better-for-you options, according to Capturing Opportunities in the Convenience Store Prepared Foods Channel, a study by food and beverage research firm Q1 Consulting.
The study, which provides insight into the convenience-store prepared-foods channel, found that males ages 18 to 24 (68%) and Hispanic males (58%)—the most frequent users of convenience stores—believe finding better-for-you products is very important.
Further, the study indicates that these groups associate “better-for-you” options with “fresh” and “all natural,” which dominated choices such as low fat, low sodium, organic and calorie-free.
“I was surprised to see the shift in behavior for the primary shoppers of prepared foods in convenience stores,” said Tim Powell, vice president of Q1 Consulting. “It’s encouraging for the venue that it’s shedding its gas-station food reputation and becoming a prepared-food destination for the next generation.”
Chicago-based Q1 Consulting covers areas that include strategic positioning, growth strategy, management development, innovation technique, trend identification, consumer behavior, culinary and recipe development, financial analysis and supply and distribution.
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.