Why food-to-go matters

The importance of stocking an excellent range of food-to-go options in a convenience store cannot be underestimated. 

A new report on lunchtime habits from Co-op demonstrates the UK’s reliance on lunchtime meal deals continues to grow, with overall sales increasing by nearly 30% in the last two years. 

If your store can be trusted to have a great range and fantastic availability of lunchtime products day after day, it can have a significant impact on increasing footfall and repeat visits. But what are the new habits and expectations of shoppers you need to keep in mind?

Rise in premium choice 

While low price remains a key driver for many consumers (21%), interestingly research has uncovered shoppers are no longer just hunting for the cheapest option when it comes to lunch options. Meal deals alone have seen a 203% rise in shoppers trading up to premium options since 2023. 

Ensuring your lunchtime and food-to-go range offers premium options will help unlock additional sales. 

From rushed to relaxed 

Data suggests food-to-go is shifting from just being a hurried convenience purchase and is increasingly being treated as a moment of enjoyment. 

Ensuring you offer a complete range - sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads and trend-inspired flavours - will give every shopper a chance to find their perfect lunch item. 

Peak trading days 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday see the most traffic to food grocers for food-to-go, aligning with peak hybrid office days. Interestingly, as Thursday is often the last day in the office for many, it has become the new ‘treat’ day for office workers – and the day this type of shopper is most likely to trade up to a premium option.  

Ensuring availability is still strong across the whole week and doesn’t taper is key to unlocking sales.

What to stock? 

Think premium... 

Shoppers are expecting core range alongside premium options. New premium launches at Co-op this summer include Irresistible Italian Mortadella & Mascarpone Focaccia, Irresistible Beef Burrito Wrap with Birria Dip, Irresistible Korean Chicken Sando with Gochujang Aioli and a Tex Mex Style Chicken Wrap with Holy Moly® Guacamole Dip.