ND1207115

Title: Consumers Embrace Takeout

Description: Boxed meals, value meals and snacks head the list for take-out options.

Page Content: CHICAGO ? Takeout options are an increasingly important source of revenue for restaurant operators, with 57% of consumers recently surveyed by Technomic saying they purchase takeout once a week or more. Operators worried that takeout sales could cannibalize dining room traffic can rest assured, as 60% of consumers who recently purchased takeout said that if they had not done so on that occasion, they would most likely have made food at home and not purchased from a foodservice operator.

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?In many cases consumers do not view takeout orders as a part of the same consideration set as food purchased to be eaten in the dining room or onsite,? said Joe Pawlak, Technomic vice president, in a press release. ?Operators have a real opportunity to gain an advantage if they can respond to consumers? needs for convenience, accuracy and food quality.?

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Technomic?s 2011 ?Takeout and Off-Premise Dining Consumer Trend Report? also found that about 60% of consumers also say that they are willing to pay more for takeout packaging made with sustainable materials. Trends toward sustainable, recyclable materials for takeout containers are taking shape at several major restaurant brands on the chain level.

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About half of consumers surveyed agree that their takeout occasion could be ?ruined? by any of several mishaps: leaking food or liquids (52%), deterioration of food taste or freshness (49%), food that doesn?t stay hot or cold (46%) or missing condiments (46%).

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Boxed meals, value meals and snacks stand out as leading take-out options for limited-service restaurants, while full-service restaurants are promoting family dining options.

Content Subject: Foodservice

Formatted Article Date: December 7, 2011

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