Foodservice is still a rising area of opportunity for convenience stores—but figuring out how to appeal to consumers’ shifting preferences can be a challenge. Beyond the basics, such as offering food-and-beverage combos or daypart-specific items, flavors that pique consumer interest can be a way to differentiate—after all, if consumers are looking for their favorite foods and favorite flavors and aren’t finding them in their local convenience store, they’re going to go somewhere else.
For retailers who want to increase foodservice participation and offer the best options for their customer base, it’s important to know what flavors different regions look for so that foodservice options can be tailored to match what consumers want—and it’s not all just about the food. Check out these tips for appealing to different regional preferences.
Northeasterners
Northeasterners are inclined to enjoy globally-influenced flavors. Technomic’s 2017 Flavor report found that 46% of Northeasterners surveyed find ethnic flavors appealing or extremely appealing.
In convenience foodservice, this can translate to Mexican-inspired roller grill foods, empanadas and unique toppings or condiments. Northeasterners also gravitate toward tangy flavors, with 46% of Northeasterners saying they find those flavors appealing/extremely appealing. To cater to those flavor desires, consider toppings such as sauerkraut or pickled vegetables as well as barbecue sauce and other tangy condiments.
Midwesterners
Of all the regions surveyed, Midwesterners tended to report interest in more “comfort-food” style flavors. For instance, 60% prefer savory flavors and foods while 51% prefer sweet flavors and foods. For these customers, offering familiar foods and tastes are key to drawing them in.
Hot dogs—perhaps especially “Chicago-style” hot dogs—as well as other indulgent options such as Polish sausages, Philly cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers are all appealing to Midwesterners. Be sure to offer the expected condiments with these foods as well.
Southerners
For Southerners, drawing inspiration from local barbecue trends can prove helpful. According to the Technomic report, 67% of Southerners like savory flavors, while 56% favor smoky flavors. And because there are a handful of state-specific barbecue sauces known in the region—such as Alabama white sauce, North Carolina mustard sauce, Carolina-style vinegar barbecue sauce and more—it can prove beneficial to offer these local favorites. Chili dogs and fruit salsas can also be popular choices among these shoppers.
Westerners
Finally, West Coasters and Westerners seem to be a bit more adventurous than diners around other parts of the country. For instance, Technomic’s Flavor report finds Westerners are interested in bold, bitter, savory, umami and even floral flavors.
How does this translate to convenience foodservice programs? Simple—offering unique toppings and condiments is the perfect outlet, as is offering boldly flavored foods, such as smoked sausage. Interesting condiments can help revive familiar foods that consumers are already accustomed to, and toppings like Dijon mustard, sriracha ketchup, wasabi mayo and sweet chili sauce are all great ways to appeal to consumers who want interesting, delicious flavors.
Remember, however, to make sure to deliver the message of what is new, bold and unique as well. Store signage, point of sale communication and even information the in-store team shares with shoppers is vital. If shoppers in the store aren’t aware of what is uniquely available, it makes it that much more difficult to convert them to buyers.
Ensuring customers are happy with foodservice offerings is simple—catering to regional preferences ensures that each convenience store shopper finds something craveable and delicious.
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This post is sponsored by Tyson Convenience