Consumers are continuing to look for healthier food choices—and not only in restaurants. In fact, according to a CSP Outlook survey, 66% of convenience store shoppers are looking for healthy foods that can be eaten on-the-go. But for many retailers, it can seem like offering fresh, healthy choices is cost prohibitive—especially in terms of labor. After all, someone would have to be there to prepare the fresh foods, right?
With unemployment rates at a historic low of 4.1%, hourly wages above $10.00/hour and the average cost to on-board a new associate over $1,300, most retailers aren’t looking for ways to spend more; they’re looking for ways to cut costs while still offering a great guest experience. This can sometimes leave healthy food options in the rearview mirror—and, inadvertently, money on the table.
Fresh sandwiches: An easy fix
Selling healthier on-the-go options doesn’t mean retailers have to source organic kale, tricolor quinoa or other super-food items. Rather, in the c-store environment, where the roller grill and microwavable options dominate the food landscape, offering healthier foods can be as simple as offering fresh sandwiches. In fact, an E.A. Sween (EAS) segmentation study found that 64% of consumers feel better about eating a sandwich than most other types of on-the-go foods, while 60% say that they believe sandwiches provide a balanced meal.
Sandwiches made with fresh ingredients such as artisan breads, premium cheeses and meats and savory sauces are a sought-after c-store item. But, unlike fresh-prepared sub stations, packaged fresh sandwiches don’t require onsite staff to make them to-order. The same EAS segmenting study identified that health-committed and health-seeking consumers represent 48% of eating on-the-go occasions in c-store and grocery channels. To appeal to these health-conscious consumers, offering fresh, healthy sandwiches that are prepackaged is the perfect solution for offering better-for-you options without the added labor cost. What’s more, innovations in packaging are allowing fresh-food options to stay fresher for longer periods of time. E.A. Sween’s Market Sandwiches® packaged using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) have an extended shelf life of up to 30 days. How? By reducing the amount of oxygen within the package to 0% and replacing it with either nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Reducing the oxygen in these packages slows down the growth of bacteria and prevents oxidation reactions (such as avocado turning brown).
Ensuring customer satisfaction
MAP-packaged Market Sandwiches® from Deli Express have a refrigerated shelf life of 30 days, while its Artisan line of sandwiches has a refrigerated shelf life of 21 days. These high-quality products help retailers meet the needs of consumers without having to make a hefty investment.
Melissa Hanson, director of marketing for E.A. Sween, says, “We are constantly trying to identify solutions that fill customer and consumer needs. ‘On-the-go’ and ‘better-for-you’ are trends no one in the industry can ignore. This is a great opportunity to offer both at a great value.”
For retailers and consumers alike, like-fresh sandwiches are a win-win.
This post is sponsored by E.A. Sween