When it comes to convenience store foodservice offerings, options nowadays are a bit more sophisticated than in years past. Hot case items are far more common offerings than roller grill items, according to Technomic’s 2022 C-Store Operator Update Report, and this is likely due to hot cases being a more turnkey format, allowing for a greater variety of products to be offered compared to roller grills. Overall, 87% of convenience store retailers offer warmer/hot case self-serve food formats versus 57% overall that offer roller grill items.
But offering a variety of hot-case items doesn’t mean retailers are obligated to make foods from scratch in-house.
E.A. Sween Company Deli Express® XXL Paper Wrap line brings sandwiches to the warmer with convenience and low labor. With these products, retailers can stock c-store warmers with a full line of breakfast and lunch sandwiches for on-the-go consumers.
Compared to roller grills, hot cases allow for a wide variety of items to be offered, from handhelds to bowls to snacks, and give retailers the opportunity to strategically address daypart preferences and promote snacking and impulse purchases.
E.A. Sween uses high-quality ingredients to create foods consumers love and buy again and again. Deli Express XXL sandwiches such as the XXL Char-Broil with Cheese—a beef patty with American cheese on a sesame seed bun; the XXL BBQ Rib—a pork patty with tangy BBQ sauce on a sesame seed bun; and the XXL Chicken with Cheese—a breaded chicken patty with American cheese on a sesame seed bun—offer great flavor and true value to help retailers meet the needs of consumers who want high quality, delicious food on-the-go.
When asked about their top concerns for hot case items, retailers cited labor (51%), lack of innovation from suppliers (48%) and keeping warmers well-stocked (47%), according to Technomic’s 2022 C-Store Operator Update Report. Another concern was driving consumer interest. By incorporating E.A. Sween offerings in the lineup, retailers can address all these concerns. E.A. Sween products are ready-to-heat, require no onsite prep and are available in a variety of unique and delicious choices that appeal to busy consumers who want a great-tasting meal.
E.A. Sween strives to change the perception of food on the go and offers meals that deliver convenience without compromise. Deli Express XXL products are microwave- and warmer-ready, have a 14-day shelf life and deliver consistently great taste.
Products are available to cover all dayparts from early morning to late night snacking, including sandwiches, as well as burritos, baked goods and snacks to satisfy consumer cravings any time of the day. Individually wrapped Deli Express XXL products provide a quick meal or snack for anyone on the move. For more information, click here
This post is sponsored by E.A. Sween