Magazine: A café in the frozen food section

According to a Mintel report published by associate director of foodservice research Amanda Topper, in US hypermarkets shoppers increasingly often come across a café or a fast food joint. One of the latest innovation directions in grocery retail is foodservice, which is strengthened by convenience aspects and relatively low prices.Mintel’s survey revealed that US shoppers find a sandwich bar and a café to be the most attractive in-store foodservice solutions. 3 from 5 respondents said that they like to go shopping and 2 from 5 would rather shop in a store where other experiences are also waiting for them.

Mintel also listed some of the innovative foodservice concepts that had already been implemented in the USA. In the Chicago store of Whole Foods Market restaurant chain Poke Bowl Co. opened a unit, while in January fast food chain Locol opened a restaurant in the Los Angeles store. Supermarket chain Hy-Vee and restaurant chain Wahlburgers opened a shop together, where the food served is made from ingredients available in the store. Grocery chain H-E-B has realised several different foodservice concepts, such as BBQ, Japanese restaurant, taco kiosk, live music, etc. in various stores. //