Culinology - March 2015 - (Page 10)

EMERGING trends Fueling growth for c-stores Though nearly a third of consumers buy food or beverages from convenience stores at least once a week, the segment is expected to be flat this year, according to Technomic Inc., Chicago. Accounting for approximately 28% of retail food service, the $11.2 billion channel remains challenged by perceptions of poor food quality and lack of freshness. For more than 9 out of 10 consumers, the biggest drivers of convenience store food purchases are taste, flavor and quality, and more chains are responding with improved food offerings. "As more c-store brands increase focus on offering a wider variety of fresh, high-quality foods and competition heats up across the segment, understanding the convenience store food service landscape has never been more important," said Donna Hood Crecca, senior director for Technomic. For example, QuikTrip, Tulsa, Okla., last year installed fullservice counters in select markets with a QT Kitchens menu of customized drinks, food and desserts. Items include a chicken bacon ranch flatbread, pizza by the slice, specialty coffee beverages and blended ice cream treats. Dallas-based 7-Eleven has expanded its offerings to include more healthy snacks and such exclusive items as Doritos Loaded, a nacho cheese-filled fried snack. And Kwik Trip, a La Crosse, Wis.-based convenience store operator in the upper Midwest, is on the cutting edge of an extensive whole grains program. The chain currently offers a healthy concessions program with a menu guide, balanced meals and shelf markers. "...convenience stores serve as a prime destination for younger generations and people seeking fast, on-thego options, and there are plenty of winning chains and opportunities for growth," Technomic said. As for hot menu trends at convenience stores, breakfast sandwiches continue to surge with a 20% increase between 2013 and 2014. Energy drinks also made gains in the channel, contributing to the category's nearly 23% growth in menu items. All great food begins with a ﬂavorful foundation and we believe that simplicity is the key to delivering great taste. We are culinary-focused and our products are made with the high-level of craftsmanship that you expect from Eatem Foods. We have a portfolio of ﬂavor systems to meet your demands including products with these attributes: * Clean Label * Organic * Low-sodium * No MSG * No I&G * All Natural To learn more, please contact us by phone at 800.683.2836 or visit www.eatemfoods.com. 2015 Eatem Foods, Co. 10 | Culinology | MARCH 2015 http://www.eatemfoods.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Culinology - March 2015

Culinology - March 2015
Table of Contents
President's Letter - Pay it Forward
Emerging Trends - Frozen food segment to pick up steam
Cracking the code to CPG growth
Fueling growth for c-stores
Culinary Forecast 2015
All-American dishes with ethnic flair
Breakfast Ingredient Trends
Culinology Currents
Petits Fours
Ad Index

Culinology - March 2015