Boost Summer Sales—and Reduce Labor—with Premade Deli Sandwiches

Picnics and deli sandwiches go together like backyard cookouts and barbecue. Yet with supermarket foodservice still largely limited by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, sandwiches made in-house for sale in the deli have disappeared from many grocers’ repertoires. Whether retailers have shut down serving stations or have been forced to direct staff to invest their time elsewhere, many customers are left in need of a quick solution to feed their family, especially with socially distanced summer events such as backyard picnics and days spent on the lake.

According to the results of the April/May State of Retail Foodservice survey by Technomic and Winsight Grocery Business, only 11% of grocery stores closed their prepared foods department completely in response to the pandemic, but a vast majority (81%) reduced prepared foods offerings in some capacity, most often by closing self-serve stations. Grab-and-go sections, however, have continued to pull their weight, with 99% of grab-and-go merchandisers remaining open and profitable. That’s where retailers can thrive.

Convenience is already a top priority for consumers: Shoppers juggling busy schedules look for a quick, nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, with summer events crowd-pleasing meals that are also easy are a must regardless of how families choose to celebrate.

And retailers are looking for time-saving solutions, too. Grocery store sales have soared nationwide, leaving retailers looking for efficient ways to allocate employee hours across departments and avoid adding labor amid increases in demand.

Premade Market Sandwiches from E.A. Sween can provide a solution both grocers and shoppers love. Stock the grab-and-go section with a delicious variety of sandwich options along with wraps, croissants, subs and more. Whatever the occasion, E.A. Sween has a sandwich for everyone.

What’s more, there’s no need to dedicate employee hours to preparing sandwiches or operating deli service counters. With Market Sandwiches, grocers can offer the variety and quality consumers are looking for without the stress of adding hours in the kitchen or managing safety concerns for high-touch areas. That means less work for grocery staff, less work for customers and more sandwiches for everyone.

Pre-packaged Market Sandwiches from E.A. Sween are as perfect for providing a quick meal to individual shoppers as they are for pleasing the whole family at upcoming summer events. To learn more, visit www.easween.com/supermarket.