Consumers Want More Sandwich Variety
Although preferences for tradition sandwiches remain strong, new research from foodservice consultant Technomic finds that consumers are looking for more variety and new flavor combinations from limited-service and full-service restaurants.
A survey of more than 1,500 consumers revealed that more than one third (39 percent) of those eating at limited-service restaurants and 51 percent at full-service restaurants were not fully satisfied with available sandwich options, wanting new and unique ingredient offerings, flavors and combinations.
Chicago-based Technomic said its Sandwich Consumer Trend Report combines the results of extensive quantitative consumer research, menu analysis from its proprietary MenuMonitor database and restaurant data from its Top 500 Report to generate sandwich segment insights.
The following are additional findings of the report:
Sandwiches continue to be a strong mainstay of restaurant fare, making up 31 percent of all limited-service restaurant entrees and 15 percent of entrees at full-service restaurants.
*Bold flavor profiles and the use of artisanal and premium breads, ingredients and sandwich spreads are growing trends in sandwich differentiation. The sandwich concept itself allows for a great deal of innovation as well as portability to meet the needs of consumers on the go, Technomic said.
The sandwich segment is appealing to health-conscious consumers when high-quality, fresh, local and organic ingredients are offered. Consumer interest in healthy sandwich ingredients continues to grow, with 44 percent of consumer respondents saying they want sandwiches made with locally-grown ingredients, and 30 percent saying they want organic ingredients.
Sandwiches, once viewed as lunch fare, are important to all dayparts. Toasted sandwiches and paninis are increasing in popularity as entrŽe options in the dinner daypart, while the portability of breakfast sandwiches boosts breakfast daypart sales. Sandwiches are also gaining ground in the growing away-from-home snacking segment.
"Sandwiches are growing in share in all dayparts while consumers are asking for more variety in sandwich selections," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic Information Services. "Given strong consumer trends toward healthy eating and an increasing consumer appetite for bolder flavors and premium ingredients, this presents an enormous opportunity for operators to menu more innovative sandwich offerings."