Positive news continues to emerge supporting the growing popularity of prepared foods as consumers look for more budget-friendly alternatives to dining out. A recent survey revealed that 28% of shoppers now choose prepared deli foods instead of eating at restaurants. This option allows consumers to enjoy a convenient and enjoyable meal experience at home—without the higher costs associated with restaurant dining.
This trend is promising for grocery retailers, as interest in prepared foods has risen 12% since 2017. While many survey respondents agreed that prepared foods offer good value, 37% still felt the cost is comparable to dining out (minus the tip, of course).
Overall, this shift has benefited grocers’ bottom lines: foodservice sales increased 1.6% over the past 52 weeks, reaching a total of $52.1 billion.
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