Supermarket Perimeter - May 2023 - 44

Deli: Grab-and-go sandwiches
" sweet heat " and plant-forward items like breaded cauliflower instead
of meat.
For Raybern's, it not only has to be a great recipe, it has to hold up to
reheating.
" We're still kind of in the beginning planning stages, when comes to
invention, " Levang said. " We have to see what's possible from a graband-go
user experience. It takes time to get it exactly right. "
Raybern's continues to target two types of customers in particular
with its grab-and-go sandwiches for grocery retail, Levang said: moms
who are on the go and want something to feed their kids quickly, and
single men who aren't the biggest fans of cooking but want something
easy, fast and high-quality for lunch or dinner.
Regardless of the customer, Raybern's is bullish on the future of graband-go
in the retail perimeter.
" We have a lot of room to grow in this space, " Levang said.
Nashville hot comes to Publix
Grocery deli sandwich legend Publix's latest inspiration is from the
Music City.
The retailer's Publix Deli Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich will be
available through June 30.
" Publix's famous chicken tenders are marinated in spices, breaded
and fried, then glazed with a sauce that features garlic, cayenne
pepper and brown sugar before being placed between two slices of
King's Hawaiian bread, " according to the company. " A pickle adds the
finishing touch. "
Since Nashville hot chicken has become a trend on restaurant menus,
Publix did its homework to make sure the sandwich had the most
authentic flavors, according to the retailer. After creating the recipe, the
category team and a company chef traveled to Nashville to sample the
best hot chicken local restaurants had to offer to make sure its version
hit the mark.
" We've heard from many people in the Nashville area, " said Audrey
Peace, Hot Prepared Foods Category Manager at Publix. " They said we
really nailed the flavor. "
Nashville hot chicken is known for being quite spicy, but Publix's
chefs didn't want it to be too much for its customers. However, they
landed on a tangy profile that will appeal to most hot chicken lovers.
" No one can say it isn't spicy, " Peace said.
This isn't the first time Publix has dipped its toe in the Nashville hot
chicken trend. In late 2022, it introduced the flavor as an eight-piece
fried chicken meal. Following that, Publix glazed its chicken wings in a
marinade, before moving on to chicken tenders.
Tips for retailers from
Nestle Professional
Innovative premium sandwiches and specialty
beverages have been on the upswing for some time,
but the off-premises revolution kicked things into
overdrive. A good sandwich meets multiple demands
for operational convenience, craveability, value, and
portability.
44% of consumers say their preferred weekday
breakfast is a breakfast sandwich.
The potential for innovation and trendsetting is
limitless with sandwiches. These blank canvases offer
infinite choices among breads, spreads, toppings,
meats, cheeses, plant proteins, vegetables, herbs,
and sauces. Best of all, sandwiches are delicious any
time of the day, whether served for breakfast, lunch,
dinner, or a late-night snack.
The upsell opportunities from companion sales of
add-on beverages, sides, and desserts, is yet another
benefit that accompanies a sandwich menu.
As plant-based meat alternatives grow, so too do the
sandwich possibilities. The days of alfalfa sprouts on
wheat have made way for truly creative sandwich
combinations that mix new meat-free options like fried
plant-based chicken, faux breakfast sausage, mock
pork, and faux fish with unique and delicious toppings.
78% of consumers prefer to eat meat analogues at
restaurants and other foodservice outlets rather than
at home.
Whether it's turkey on whole wheat, fried chicken and
a runny egg on brioche, or a mile-high club on toasted
sourdough, America's love for sandwiches will only
grow in the coming years
As comfort and convenience become even more
important to consumers and operators, sandwiches
will continue to be a perfect vehicle for introducing
seasonal ingredients, global flavors, new plant-based
meats, and the latest recipe trends. Savvy operators
will take advantage of the opportunity. The Sandwich
Trend Report outlines the biggest sandwich trends and
tips to take advantage of now.
44 - MAY 2023
supermarketperimeter.com
Publix
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