In 2019, c-store foodservice sales were up 4.4%1.  And while sales slowed during the pandemic, consumers felt that C-store foodservice options were more convenient and safer than those available at restaurants and grocery stores.2  It’s also important to note that post COVID, 75% of consumers indicated that they anticipate getting back to their usual foodservice behaviors at c-stores. 2  The key to returning to those pre-COVID sales is having a plan in place, and knowing what consumers want.

As a result of the pandemic, people are nostalgic for normal daily pleasures, which may be why consumers’ desire for their favorite comfort foods is at an all-time high. According to a recent study,  79% of consumers are looking to purchase familiar favorites.3  71% say they’re satisfied with their last prepared food purchases from a c-store—up five points from 20194.  Increased customer satisfaction means increased sales.

Ready to increase your prepared food purchases?  Offering the five most purchased prepared foods can help you enjoy a bigger stomach share—especially when paired with delicious ready-made products from McCain®.  Let’s take a quick look at these top purchased foods and their profit-driving pairings.

  1. PIZZA +  MOZZARELLA STICKS
    Pizza leads the pack with 38%4 of c-store customers grabbing a hot slice. No surprise here, right? Now imagine pairing it with cheesy Golden Crisp® Breaded Mozzarella sticks with their unique crispy coating. Magnifique!
  2. HOT DOG + CHEESY JALAPENOS
    At 29%, we’ve got the All-American hot dog4. For a fun pairing, Golden Crisp® Breaded Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos are sure to be a crowd favorite. These mild pepper halves filled with creamy cheese and covered with a crisp potato flake breading pop with flavor.
  3. DELI SANDWICHES – CRISPY FRIES
    Deli Sandwiches are purchased 27% of the time4 and pair perfectly with McCain® Sure CrispTM Regular Crinkle Fries. The clear coating keeps fries crispy on the go, which makes them irresistible, with or without ketchup.
  4. HAMBURGERS + ONION RINGS
    23% of the time c-store customers grab a burger4. Not surprising, pairing it with Brew City® Beer Battered Thick Cut Onion Rings is a match made in heaven. These double battered, extra crispy rings with a big batter flavor are crunch-licious.
  5. HOT SNACKS = MAC & CHEESE WEDGES + OTHER POPULAR MCCAIN SNACKS
    Hot snacks are grabbed 23% of the time4, and McCain® heats up demand with its grab-and-go take on a comfort food classic. Golden Crisp® Mac & Cheese Wedges are just one of the many McCain prepared foods that are great on their own or as part of a snack bundle.

Whether paired or alone, McCain® products are good around the clock. In their search for comfort, consumers are grabbing snacks during all dayparts5. Mid-evening snacking and snacking around 2 am continue to be key dayparts for c-stores5. Among snackers, 68% of them crave indulgent items3 , like McCain® Golden Crisp® Breaded Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos and Golden Crisp® Mac & Cheese Wedges.

McCain® is the snacking expert!  From craveable flavors to sized-right portions that fit in small hand-held containers, McCain® is your go-to-source for hot snacks that are easy to grab, go and enjoy. And since 67% of consumers prefer their c-store hot food to be grab and go/ready-made options4, McCain® continues its climb to the top of the snack chain.

Heats up demand with McCain®. Maintaining a strong made-to-order and grab-and-go programs are vital to c-store sales. That means having offerings that are high quality, highly craveable, and provide great profit margins. McCain® fits the bill with products that also hold up for off-premise eating and are perfect add-ons in combos or bundles. Simply put, McCain® offers popular comfort food pairings that keep the familiar fresh, which is a great way to heat up consumer demand.

Learn more about how McCain® can help deliver hot profits.

1Source: 2019 NACS State of the Industry
22020 Technomic
3Datassential Coronavirus Report 17 – May 8, 2020
4McCain Proprietary Research 2018
5CSP August 2020; 2020 Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report by CSP
6 CS News Foodservice Study 2019: Opportunities & Optimism Mix With Obstacles

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