The foodservice industry is ever-evolving, and convenience stores are no exception. With the multitude of product choices, it can be difficult for food & beverage distributors to understand what menu trends are emerging as well as the potential pros and cons of each option. In order to make informed decisions and align themselves with the changing foodservice market, food & beverage distributors must look to data-driven insights that provide comprehensive market analysis.
At Brizo, we equip our customers with data-driven insights and analytics that enable them to make smarter decisions when prospecting in the foodservice market. Our research includes in-depth menu trends, restaurant tech coverage, sales prospecting, marketing of foodservice, and analytics for kitchen operations. By leveraging our suite of market insights, food & beverage distributors can better develop strategies to enhance their systems with comprehensive market information, attract more prospective customers, and stay competitive in the ever-changing convenience store landscape.
So what are the pros and cons of convenience store menus? Here, we break down the key factors in evaluating convenience store menu trends.
Broadening Target Markets
One of the biggest pros of convenience store menus is the potential for distributors to broaden their target markets. As consumers become more aware of health-conscious and enterprising food options, convenience stores are beginning to offer a wider range of items such as grab-and-go meals, pre-packaged snacks, and meal kits. These allow distributors to tap into a larger customer base and develop more creative marketing strategies. For instance, they may capitalize on growing demand for plant-based and vegan-friendly options or the surge in popularity of meal kits. by supplying convenience stores with items that correspond to these trends.
Specialized Product Offerings
Expanding product offerings is a key element of convenience store menu trends. Specialized products such as smoothies and other “heal their own” items are becoming increasingly popular in these stores, and this can open up distributors to another segment of their customer base. Distributors can tap into the growing demand for wholesome products and unprocessed ingredients by offering healthier menu items that are still convenient and easy. By making organic ingredients, seasonal items, or speciality sauces more readily available, distributors can boost their business while meeting the demands of the modern convenience store.
Constant Monitoring of Food & Beverage Trends
Another factor to consider when evaluating convenience store menus is the need to constantly monitor trending products and flavors in the food & beverage industry. As fast-changing trends become increasingly more prominent, food & beverage distributors must stay on top of all the latest developments. This means staying up-to-date on rising ingredients, exclusive flavors, and innovative food processes. This level of monitoring, however, can be difficult and time-consuming for distributors, especially as they’re expected to optimize their invariable food supply chain.
Stricter Food Regulations
In addition to the need for constant monitoring, convenience stores are typically subject to stricter food regulations than other food distribution outlets. While these standards help ensure quality and safety, they can make it difficult for distributors to keep up. With an expanding list of regulations, distributors must make sure they are following all the rules and meet all the requirements so as to not risk a potential violation.
Consumer Preferences
Finally, when evaluating convenience store menus, food & beverage distributors should pay attention to consumer preferences. As convenience stores become more prevalent and mainstream, customers are demanding more creative and personalized options. This can be seen in the growing number of stores offering new and unique items such as local products, international flavors, and organic meals. To keep up with changing customer preferences, distributors must adjust their strategies and ensure they are providing convenience stores with an array of items that address the needs and tastes of various target markets.
While convenience store menu trends can offer a multitude of opportunities for food & beverage distributors, they can also pose a series of challenges. By utilizing data-driven insights and analytics, distributors can have access to comprehensive information about the industry and stay ahead of the latest trends. This allows them a better chance of exploring new markets and ensuring they meet the necessary food standard regulations, as well as the preferences of their customers.
