he snacking landscape is evolving significantly, particularly in the food-away-from-home sector, according to recent research by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). As traditional mealtimes become less defined, snacking has emerged as a consistent, 24-hour activity, especially among younger generations. This shift presents clear opportunities for growth across the foodservice industry. Here are some key insights and strategies from the IFMA report:
Consumer Preferences and Behavior
All-Day Availability: Consumers increasingly prefer menus that offer items throughout the day rather than those restricted to specific times. This trend benefits various segments, including midscale, quick-service restaurants (QSR), and casual dining, which are seen as well-suited to provide flexible offerings. Convenience stores also stand to gain by catering to this demand.
Menu Innovation:
Breakfast: Focus on bakery goods.
Lunch: Offer handheld items.
Dinner: Provide filling and comforting options.
Snacks: Balance taste and affordability while emphasizing convenience and indulgence over healthiness.
Convenience and Portability: Breakfast and lunch items should be easy to carry, hold, and consume. This aligns with consumers' preference for convenience, particularly for snacking and lunch options.
Targeting Younger Generations
Younger consumers, who snack more frequently than older ones, present a significant growth opportunity. Snacks need to cater to cravings, particularly sweet and salty flavors, which peak in the afternoon and late evening.
Snacking Venues
C-Stores and QSRs: These remain the primary sources for snacks, with consumers valuing ready-to-eat options and spontaneous purchase opportunities.
Micromarkets: Gaining traction, with three-quarters of consumers showing interest in purchasing from them in the future. Cold drinks and shelf-stable foods are particularly appealing in these locations.
Market Potential
While snacking saw a boom during the pandemic, the trend is stabilizing but remains strong. The market for away-from-home snacking is still underdeveloped, presenting substantial opportunities for convenience stores and other foodservice providers to capture incremental sales throughout the day.
Strategic Implications
For foodservice operators and retailers, understanding these consumer preferences and behaviors is crucial. Offering flexible, convenient, and appealing snack options throughout the day can drive growth and increase customer loyalty. By leveraging these insights, businesses can better meet the demands of a snacking-centric consumer base and tap into this lucrative market segment.
For more detailed insights, the IFMA's Dayparts and Snacking Report, developed in collaboration with Datassential, provides an in-depth analysis of these trends and offers actionable guidance for the food-away-from-home industry.
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