CHICAGO — Food from grocery retailers is fast becoming a viable, inexpensive alternative to restaurant food in the U.S., according to the Chicago-based research firm Technomic.
“Retailers’s prepared foods programs have evolved to the point that they are considered viable alternatives to restaurants of all types and service styles, from full- and quick-service to upscale and more affordable concepts,” says Jenny Anderson of Technomic. “The appeal goes well beyond convenience and value. Consumers clearly recognize enhancements that are based on restaurant influences.”Although all restaurant segments are losing traffic to grocery retailers, lower-priced eateries are being impacted the most, with family style, upscale fast-food and traditional fast-food being the hardest hit, as more than two-thirds of survey respondents who cut overall visits, cut visits to these establishments.
The food in question is called retailer meal solutions (RMS) and is defined as prepared (or partially prepared) foods sold as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat items from service counters or self-service/grab-and-go areas.
