FOOD & DRINKS TO GO Opportunities aplenty for operators in ‘to go’ market T
he ‘to go’
market
is not just a trend; it’s an active area that continues to way consumers experience food and drinks on the move. With
early insights from the AVA 2023 Census (due to be launched this month), a clear picture emerges of the soaring popularity and promising opportunities within this thriving sector. One of the standout stars in the ‘to go’
market is undoubtedly the Coffee-to- Go segment. With installations covering
public spaces and workplaces, these machines boast impactful branding and premium offerings. Utilising large paper cups and often featuring Bean-to-Cup technology, they provide consumers with the convenience of freshly brewed coffee, including cappuccinos and lattes made with fresh liquid milk. Despite the premium pricing compared to standard vending options, Coffee-to-Go has witnessed remarkable growth, with a staggering 18% year-on-year increase and an impressive a market value of £760 million. While established brands like Costa dominate the landscape, there’s a notable emergence of vending operators in the Coffee-to-Go arena, commanding a share worth over £25 million. This signals a vending machines becoming a remarkable
Stay abreast of key FTG trends
In the dynamic UK Food to Go (FTG) market, vending operators are witnessing a surge in demand, showcasing the sector’s resilience in the face of economic challenges. Operators can capitalise on this trend by offering tailored FTG options that cater to diverse consumer preferences. Commercial manager of the Fresh Food For Now company,
Paul Hedges says to maximise the appeal of their offerings and tap into the growing FTG opportunities, vending operators should stay abreast of key trends: • Value proposition: Rather than simply focusing on providing the cheapest options, operators should prioritise offering value that resonates with consumers. This could involve ensuring a selection of high-quality fresh products, incorporating attractive
contender in the competitive ‘to go’ market. AVA chief executive, David Lewellyn said:
“The opportunities within the ‘to go’ market are ripe for the picking. With consumers leading increasingly busy lifestyles, the demand for convenient, high-quality food and drinks on the move continues to soar. Vending operators have a unique opportunity to capitalise on this trend by leveraging innovative technologies, premium offerings, and strategic partnerships to deliver an unparalleled ‘to go’ experience. “As the ‘to go’ market continues to evolve
and expand, operators can carve out their niche, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of on-the-go consumers. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing the changing dynamics of the market, the future looks exceptionally bright for those ready to seize the opportunities that lie within the bustling ‘to go’ landscape.”
link saves or meal deals, and providing a range of price points to accommodate various consumer budgets and preferences. • Day parts: It’s essential for vending operators to align their product range with different missions throughout the day. With breakfast on the go becoming increasingly popular, operators should ensure their offerings cater to this growing segment.
• Snacking: The demand for snacks continues to soar within the FTG market. Vending operators should diversify their snack offerings to include both indulgent and healthier options, catering to consumers’ desires for convenient grazing between meals or additional treats.
• Hot food appeal: Hot food options are increasingly sought after by consumers across FTG channels. Vending operators can meet this demand by offering products packaged for easy heating by consumers, providing a comforting and convenient solution that competes effectively with other food channels.
Innovative food-to-go solution for small and medium convenience stores
Rustlers, the chilled ready meals brand, is helping small- and medium-sized stores Designed to be a low-risk, low-commitment food-to-go solution, the units contain a digital screen for advertising, alongside the pre-programmed microwave featured in previous versions. Stores that introduce the machines in store before the end of the year will
receive a free Rustlers food-to-go launch kit. Machines are priced from just £2,500 but it is believed retailers could see the machines pay for themselves with just one sale per day. Ross Davison, head of convenience at Rustlers, said: “With 51% of Rustlers consumed at lunchtime, the brand is already synonymous with being a market leader in quick food solutions on the move. The launch of our new food-to-go unit and Launch Kit demonstrates our commitment to helping smaller stores win their fair share of the growing lunchtime opportunity.”
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