CHICAGO – As the battle for share of stomach rages on, the retail foodservice industry continues to grow. An updated study released by Technomic, the 2015 Retailer Meal Solutions (RMS) Consumer Trend Report, finds that consumers are purchasing RMS more often; 84% now purchase RMS at least once a month compared to just 79% in 2012. This increase is largely driven by younger consumers aged 18–34, who are increasingly reliant on foodservice in general.

“Further enhancing the in-store experience and innovating with differentiated, restaurant-quality menu items will help retail-prepared food operators continue to steal share of stomach,” says Kelly Weikel, director of consumer insights at Technomic. “Operators and suppliers can appeal to consumers by offering dishes featuring new and ethnic flavors, such as spicy Asian flavors and regional Latin flavors.”

Compiling findings from more than 1,500 U.S. consumers, as well as Technomic’s MenuMonitor and Digital Resource Library, key takeaways from the 2015 report include:

• RMS purchases are often made at the expense of fast-food visits: 49% of all respondents—and 60% of millennials—are visiting fast-food restaurants less often as a result of their increased RMS purchases.
• Convenience store RMS is gaining ground; nearly half of consumers aged 18–34 purchase it at least once a week.
• Drugstore RMS has a loyal following; though just 19% of all consumers have ever purchased RMS from drugstores, 43% of those who do purchase it buy it at least once a week.