top of page
Writer's pictureInsightTrendsWorld

Insight of the Day: The power of pastry: savoury pastries & pies category report 2024

Findings:

  1. Category Growth:

    • Savoury pastries' out-of-home sales increased by 17.2%, contributing nearly half of all quick-meal growth.

    • Take-home sales rose 5.5%, with chilled pies performing particularly well (+9.8% value growth).

  2. Competitive Landscape:

    • Retailers like Lidl, Co-op, and Tesco are adopting food-to-go merchandising strategies to compete with bakery chains like Greggs.

    • Brands like Ginsters, Wall’s, and Pukka are driving growth through innovation and strategic pricing.

  3. Consumer Trends:

    • Millennials lead in adventurous flavor choices, seasonal offerings, and savory breakfast launches.

    • Older consumers favor traditional recipes like steak and chicken, driving sales of large-format pies.

  4. NPD and Innovation:

    • Over 300 new products launched in the past year, with focus on all-day breakfast options, world flavors, and portable formats.

    • Vegan and vegetarian products remain present but have slowed in growth.

Key Takeaway:

Savoury pastries and pies are thriving by balancing affordability, innovation, and convenience, appealing to diverse consumer preferences for on-the-go and meal solutions.

Trend: Affordable Indulgence

Savoury pastries meet consumer demand for cost-effective, convenient, and indulgent meal options, blending tradition with innovation.

What is Consumer Motivation?

  • Convenience: Quick, ready-to-eat options for busy lifestyles.

  • Value for Money: Affordability drives preference for larger formats and meal deals.

  • Novelty & Tradition: A mix of familiar comfort foods and innovative flavors appeals to a broad demographic.

What is Driving the Trend?

  • Economic Pressures: Rising grocery prices make cost-effective meal solutions like pastries attractive.

  • Retail Innovation: Merchandising strategies and cross-category deals enhance product visibility and accessibility.

  • Social Trends: Adventurous eating habits and social media promotion encourage exploration of new flavors and formats.

Who Are the People the Article Refers To?

  • Consumers: Millennials favor innovation and variety, while Boomers prefer traditional recipes.

  • Brands and Retailers: Market leaders like Ginsters, Wall’s, and Greggs, alongside supermarkets incorporating bakery concessions.

Description of Consumers’ Product or Service and Their Age:

  • Products: Sausage rolls, pies, pastries, and vegan options.

  • Target Audience:

    • Millennials (25–40): Seek variety, adventurous flavors, and meal flexibility.

    • Boomers (55+): Prefer traditional and large-format pies.

Conclusions:

  • Savoury pastries continue to dominate out-of-home and take-home food categories due to convenience, value, and innovation.

  • Retailers and brands that adapt their offerings and marketing to meet generational and economic preferences are set to thrive.

Implications:

  1. For Brands:

    • Focus on NPD with innovative formats, flavors, and meal solutions.

    • Use strategic pricing to maintain affordability and drive branded over private-label growth.

  2. For Society:

    • Reflects consumer demand for accessible indulgence amidst rising food costs.

    • Encourages diversified eating habits, blending tradition with innovation.

  3. For Consumers:

    • Offers cost-effective meal solutions tailored to time-poor and adventurous eaters.

    • Provides a balance of comfort food and novelty for diverse demographics.

Implications for the Future:

  • Expect continued growth in savory breakfast launches, larger formats, and cross-category deals.

  • Sustainability and meat-free innovation will regain momentum as part of long-term trends.

Consumer Trend:

  • Convenience-Driven Indulgence

Consumer Sub-Trend:

  • Cross-Category Meal Solutions

Big Social Trend:

  • Affordable Comfort Foods

Local Trend:

  • Regional partnerships and bakery concessions drive localized growth.

Worldwide Social Trend:

  • The global appeal of versatile and portable meal options.

Name of Big Trend Implied by Article:

  • Affordable Indulgence in Meal Solutions

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article:

  • Convenience Meets Tradition

Social Drive:

  • Consumers seek practical yet indulgent solutions that balance cost, quality, and flavor.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:

  1. Prioritize affordable innovations like portable and large-format products.

  2. Tap into seasonal and adventurous flavors to engage younger audiences.

  3. Strengthen meal deal offerings to capture quick-meal market share.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  1. Expand Accessibility: Offer cost-effective formats for multiple meal occasions.

  2. Focus on Impulse Buys: Enhance in-store merchandising and strategic placement in convenience sections.

  3. Leverage Generational Preferences: Innovate for Millennials while maintaining traditional recipes for Boomers.

Final Sentence (Key Concept):

Savoury pastries are thriving as affordable indulgences, balancing convenience, tradition, and innovation to cater to diverse consumer needs.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025:

  • How to Benefit: Innovate with portable, versatile, and cost-effective formats that align with consumer demand for quick, indulgent meals.

  • How to Do It: Leverage seasonal trends, meal deals, and cross-category partnerships to enhance visibility and drive sales across demographics.

Comments


bottom of page