Speed and convenience are defining drivers for consumers looking for lunch or snack options. Supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations are gaining market share at the expense of restaurants.
Restaurant quality in supermarkets
Of the 888 billion euros that Europeans spent on food and drink last year, 37% was for ‘immediate consumption’: think ready-made meals and snacks that require no further preparation. Those ready-to-eat options are increasingly easy for consumers to find outside restaurants, in channels such as supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations. The offer here is increasingly rich and varied, from pre-packed salads and sandwiches to hot meals such as lasagne, paella and roast chicken.