CHICAGO – With consumers increasingly ordering takeout, foodservice operators must focus on ways to create specific takeout products that will help grow programs, Technomic announced in a new report.

According to Technomic, 51% of consumers purchase takeout food at least once a week, and except for fast-food concepts, they purchase prepared foods from supermarkets more often than they do from any other channel. As such, it’s imperative for foodservice operators to focus on the customer takeout experience to increase revenue.

"Convenience is key for the takeout customer," said Joe Pawlak, Senior Vice President at Technomic. "They want consistently high-quality, well-packaged meal solutions that can be sourced in truly convenient ways. Enhanced amenities and services—from updated delivery and call-ahead services to easy-to-use mobile apps and online ordering platforms—can help provide an edge over competitors and improve takeout and catering sales."

Technomic’s “Takeout & Off-Premise Dining Consumer Trend Report” focuses on the latest behaviors and preferences of consumers regarding takeout, including menu insights, consumer insights, competitive insights, and trends to watch. Other findings include:

• Takeout consumers expect consistency and look for takeout fare to match dine-in occasions.
• Fifty-six percent of consumers say a convenient location is one of the most important factors in deciding where to purchase takeout, while 48% say quick food preparation is important.
• Sixty-nine percent of limited-service takeout customers and 61% of full-service takeout consumers say they would likely use call-ahead ordering if it was offered.

For more visit the Technomic www.technomic.com.