In a surprising shift in lunchtime preferences, sushi has become more popular than the traditional sandwich in the UK, as per Tesco.
- Tesco’s premium £5 Clubcard Meal Deal featuring sushi options has driven this trend.
- Tesco reported a 90% increase in sushi sales since the launch of the meal deal.
- The demand has prompted Tesco to sell 30 million packs of sushi a year across the UK.
- The rise in sushi’s popularity has led to the expansion of fresh sushi counters in Tesco stores.
The classic sandwich has long been the cornerstone of lunchtime catering in the UK, but recent data from Tesco reveals a significant change in consumer preferences. Sushi has now emerged as the fastest-growing premium luncheon choice, surpassing traditional favourites. This shift is primarily attributed to Tesco’s innovative approach to their meal deals, providing a new allure for consumers.
Since the introduction of Tesco’s premium Clubcard Meal Deal at the beginning of this year, sushi sales have increased by 90%. This £5 meal deal includes a variety of sushi boxes, poke bowls, and other Asian-inspired dishes such as gyozas and bao buns, offering customers a diverse range of choices at competitive prices.
In response to the burgeoning demand, Tesco has reported sales figures of 30 million sushi packs annually. Customers have access to an assortment of well-known sushi brands, including Itsu, YO! Sushi, and Pollen & Grace, alongside an extensive selection of Tesco’s own premium ‘Finest’ offerings. These options have made sushi not only a viable but also a preferred choice for many.
Emma Williams, Tesco Food to Go buying manager, underscores the impact of offering premium quality sushi within an accessible meal deal format. She notes that the affordability and convenience have significantly boosted sales, coinciding with the trend of people returning to workplaces. Moreover, this development has encouraged restaurant groups like YO! to establish fresh sushi counters in Tesco outlets nationwide.
The evolution in Tesco’s product offerings is taking place against the backdrop of strategic changes due to economic pressures. The retailer is in the process of revamping its Express store offers by replacing 50 commodities with lower-cost alternatives to better meet consumer demands amid ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
The transition from sandwiches to sushi as the preferred lunchtime meal in the UK signifies a noteworthy shift in consumer habits, driven by strategic retail innovations.
