With the meal kit trend sweeping the retail landscape, now more than ever convenience is king. Companies like Blue Apron and HelloFresh have made a splash in the last decade, and the meal kit has since permeated traditional brick-and-mortar retail—with grocery giants like Kroger, Whole Foods, and Hy-Vee following suit.
Now, with Blue Apron on rocky ground following its infamous IPO and the subsequent turmoil, the meal kit trend is reaching another new frontier: convenience stores.
7-Eleven announced that it is turning up the heat on its prepared-food program. The company has introduced 15 new locally made, chef-inspired recipes, and is piloting the program in North Texas locations, according to a press release.
“With these chef-inspired entrees, 7‑Eleven can provide busy individuals and families with a delicious, premium-quality, whole-meal solution in one stop,” said Kelly Buckley, Vice President of Fresh Food Innovation. “You can add a salad, beverage, and dessert. The creamy mac and cheese is particularly kid-friendly and pairs well with chicken tenders and a cup of fresh-cut fruit. We want to take the hassle out of meal time with a variety of options and without giving up quality. There is something for everyone.”
With a focus on fresh, the heat-and-eat meals include the following options:
Click here to see the full list of offerings.
“Dining occasions are evolving from traditional meals and mealtimes,” Buckley continued. “Younger demographic groups, in particular, are constantly snacking throughout the day vs. eating three traditional meals. As a 24-hour operator, 7‑Eleven has a wide variety of hot and fresh foods that can be purchased and eaten any time.”
According to an NPD Study, almost two-thirds of consumers surveyed said they buy premade meals at least once a week. 7‑Eleven offers a convenient solution to that dilemma, and the locally made meals add to 7‑Eleven’s growing prepared-food offerings, which now stand at more than 300 items.
“7‑Eleven has always been a hot spot for snacks and drinks,” Buckley added. “Now, whatever you’re craving for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, 7‑Eleven has it. If someone wants a breakfast bowl for dinner, we’ve got it. If you want pizza and fruit or a burger and a protein snack pack, you don’t have to go to two places to get it. Hearty, healthy, heavy, or light–our mission is to have a selection of delicious foods at all hours of the day.”
Will c-stores continue to gain ground, with fresh food becoming increasingly a focus for 7-Eleven and its competitors? Deli Market News will continue to report.
