Temperature fluctuations are not good news for delivering a quality food offering
Retailers should not be complacent, buyers are discerning, and changing consumer behaviours alongside economic headwinds, will see only the most innovative retailers, focused on a defined brand experience and operational excellence, continue a strong growth trajectory.
A quality food offering is driving instore foodservice sales and defining brands as ‘stand out’. Convenience brands that care about the quality of the food they serve; ensuring it is freshly made and served quickly, are onto a winner. It differentiates them from the pack. Being able to store ingredients at the point of serving is key, and refrigeration plays a vital role.
Executive chefs for convenience store chains, know what makes the difference. Thomas Seaman, Executive chef for getGo café and market:
‘All our foodservice activities are quality led and we use only the best ingredients for our snacks and meals. Food innovation and creating a new experience for our diners are key factors in our success. Consistency of product quality, presentation and service are fundamental to our business, so we are always assessing our operation to identify areas for potential improvement’
getGO use Adande refrigeration throughout their business because they can be assured the quality of food served keeps customers returning.
‘The unique horizontal container design and humidity system deliver accurate and stable temperatures which have positive implications for food quality and longevity… Temperature fluctuations are not good news…We do not experience these problems with the Adande and ingredients stay fresher for longer.’
Consumer Travel on the up
Despite inflationary pressures, and general economic gloominess, there is a preference for road travel. Attracted by lower gas prices, the open road, it seems, beckons. For convenience store retailers, poised to capture family meal spending, this is good news, and comes on the back of good trading results.
According to Gas Buddy’s 2023 Summer Travel Survey published last month, (May 2023) 64% of US families are planning to take a summer road trip, up 58% from last year.
According to Convenience Store Industry Report 2023, store revenue increased by over 29% from 2021 to 2022. Although this was largely due to increased fuel margins, strong foodservice performance played a significant role. Prepared food is leading the in-store category with an average 20.9% growth compared to 16.5% in salty snacks, and 15.6% in the candy category. In 2022 foodservice accounted for 18.77% of in store sales and this looks set to increase for 2023.
Adande’s solution
Thomas Seaman, Executive chef for getGo café and market
Well known for its ability to ‘hold-the-cold’, refrigeration specialist Adande Refrigeration, is fast becoming a favourite for convenience operators. Its design and insulated internal container means that it keeps a constant even temperature – even when opened so food remains chilled and fresh no matter how many times produce is needed during short periods. The microclimate is steady and even, and keeps food in perfect condition for longer. This helps brands serve quality tasting food, food that has not dehydrated but has instead retained its taste and texture. This allows convenience stores to snatch sales from the quick service restaurants (QSRs) who are at home vying for the casual, convenience driven diner.
Traditional undercounter fridges are not a good option for stores, operators cannot see what produce they have easily, and often food will spoil at the back, or get stuck and freeze. Refrigerated drawers are the best option, where the food can be organised effectively, and the operator can see at a glance everything that is available to hand.
For brands such as getGo, Sheetz and Wawa that rely on fresh food marketing with Hoagie sandwiches and the like, refrigeration is the key to serving what customers want and ultimately is what brands are built on.
