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FOODSERVICE – FOOD ON THE GO FROM PAGE 33 latest meal launch in January being a direct response to customer appetite for low calorie, low carb meals. “We even brought it forward by a month to ensure our customers wouldn’t miss out on lighter meal options during the summer season,” he said. Mr Adcock notes “exciting plans” for the brand include quarterly new meal launches and an expansion of My Muscle Chef’s ready-to-drink protein shakes – off the back of its success in launching in the category. “Additionally,” he said, “we’re expanding other products in the range to increase consumption moments, so customers can pick up any item from My Muscle Chef knowing it’s high in protein and filled with functional benefits, and that we’re essentially their one-stop shop for healthy nutrition.” Wrapped or bake-on-site from Mrs Mac’s Head of Distributors and Foodservice Sam Hewson points to the option of a “fantastic range” of Mrs Mac’s wrapped products for convenience stores, with their smaller footprint and food-on-the- go offer, or “if outlets really want to step change their savoury pastry offer”, the Bake Your Own range. “The product comes with ready-to- bake pastry and a precooked fill,” she said of the latter option, “so it saves on labour, removes food safety concerns and provides a consistent product every time. It gives the store the opportunity to customise before baking and truly can be claimed as fresh baked in-store daily.” In terms of NPD, Mrs Mac’s will be launching Bakes into the category. Described as “golden flaky pastry pockets” with traditional flavour variants that “have taken the UK by storm”, the Bakes are tipped to be equally loved by Australians. “Bakes will excite current customers and, we have no doubt, will bring new customers into the category,” Ms Hewson said. When asked about Covid-19’s impact, Ms Hewson notes that the pandemic has been tough on the category. With fewer cars on the road and more people working from home, eating on the go has declined, she says. “Core shoppers are still purchasing in this category, but non-traditional shoppers or transient shoppers have dropped out or not purchased to expected levels,” she added. Despite this, a few trends that had begun to evolve pre-Covid-19 have “certainly” gained momentum over the last year, adds Ms Hewson. This has included consumers looking to support local products and organisations, and those that have sustainability as a focus. “This coincided with growth in plant- based products,” she said. “We saw more availability and choice than ever before and consumers weren’t just restricted to vegans or vegetarians, but also flexitarians who were looking at other options to reduce meat intake. “Comfort foods \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[also\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\] saw a resurgence, with consumers not changing dietary habits too much through Covid. However, they did turn to comfort foods more than usual.” Considering the future of Mrs Mac’s and foodservice, Ms Hewson stresses the importance of getting the “core range” right for the company’s customers, as it will remain the “backbone” of the category. "We’re predicting that future growth will come from exciting rotational lines and new formats that build on the on-the-go occasion and create excitement around the pie warmer. " “Don’t underestimate the additional value that can be found by getting this right,” she said. “However, we’re predicting that future growth will come from exciting rotational lines and new formats that build on the on-the-go occasion and create excitement around the pie warmer. Pies and rolls are a familiar comfort food that generates nostalgic memories of childhood for some, and for others a new taste sensation just waiting to be found.” ‘Good honest food’ at hand The Handmade Food Co is an Australian family-owned sandwich company with an extensive offer ranging from “Aussie classics” such as the ham and cheese toastie, to “on trend” flavours such as roast chicken and sriracha bacon ciabatta. “We continue to research and travel to find new ideas, inspiration and knowledge to bring inspired food to Australia,” The Handmade Food Co General Manager Sales and Marketing Sally Brown said, adding that the company has a dedicated team working “tirelessly” to make the “tastiest” products for its consumers. “\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[It’s\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\] all about good honest food from a brand customers can trust.” According to Ms Brown, the benefits of using The Handmade Food Co’s products include: • National availability. • A “stringent” quality testing process including micro testing on every production line every day before products are released. • Minimal wastage and less chance of out-of-stocks with back-up stock in the freezer – assisting with demand fluctuations depending on days of the week and seasons. • Cleaner labels and nutritional declaration. • Premium quality ingredients and ability to source from and support Australian farmers and manufacturers where possible. • Product development team expertise (including NPD chef), ensuring flavours are on trend and loved by the consumer. 34 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAR/APR, 2021