“On-the-go meals direct from the grocery store continued to capture the attention of Americans this year, and the growth of the ‘grocerant’ is in full swing across the US, offering more than just your typical salad bar,” according to Nielsen, which tracked data from grocery, drug, mass merchandise, convenience, select dollar, club, and military stores in the 52 weeks to October 1, 2016.
“And it's not just the fresh section that is reaping the ready-to-eat meal benefits," said Nielsen, which focused on categories with dollar sales topping $500 million.
"Lunch combinations (pre-made lunch options like sandwiches, snacks and cheese and cracker kits) are helping the center of store continue its growth trajectory by offering simple meal solutions for children and adults alike.”
Value-added fruits and vegetables (pre-cut, pre-seasoned, side dishes and food trays) also generated “exceptional growth,” over the period, notching up sales growth of 9.4% and 8.9%, respectively, added Nielsen.
“Prepared meat is also helping busy consumers get a jump-start on meals at home, cutting down preparation and cooking time, leaving only side dishes to prepare.”
Meanwhile, volume sales of products with an organic claim on the package grew 13.1% over the 52 weeks ended July 30, 2016, added Nielsen (click HERE for more details).
