1. How big is the grab and go market?
The grab-and-go market is booming, and RATIONAL's iVario and iCombi Pro cooking systems are perfectly positioned to overcome challenges for businesses on this trend. The UK grab-and-go market stands at 22 billion British pounds in 2023, (Statista Research Department, April 25, 2024) and projected to grow further. This indicates a significant market opportunity for restaurants and food service providers. For RATIONAL, this presents significant potential as the multifunctional iVario Pro advanced bratt pan and iCombi Pro combi-steamer both excel at producing high-quality, consistent grab-and-go meals in short order.
2. Why is grab and go becoming so popular?
The popularity of grab-and-go options is driven by several factors. People are increasingly time-pressed and seeking convenient meal solutions, with an increased demand for healthy and flavourful options, even when on-the-go. Grab and go doesn't have to be unhealthy, customers are looking for fresh, high-quality, and convenient meals they can feel good about.
Designed for rapid and consistent cooking, RATIONAL cooking systems both deliver excellent results which is especially crucial for prompt and efficient service. Capable of handling an extensive range of cooking processes, this flexibility accommodates diverse culinary styles and techniques, enabling food service operators to significantly enhance the variety of their menu offerings.
3. What products work best as grab and go?
Pre-prepared and portioned items like salads, sandwiches, wraps, protein bowls. The intelligence of the iVario Pro allows chefs to efficiently cook a variety of protein and vegetable components for assembly with quick reheating options: Soups, stews, and pre-cooked proteins that can be quickly reheated without sacrificing quality. Whereas the iCombi Pro's high-speed steaming and intelligent heating ensure fast and even reheating. Freshly baked goods: Pastries, muffins, and breakfast sandwiches can also be made produced with the iCombi Pro's baking expertise.
4. At what time/s of day are grab and go items most popular?
Grab-and-go items are most popular during breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack times, catering to busy modern schedules. Whatever the peak time the RATIONAL cooking systems are always ready offering consistency, quality, flavourful meals every time.
5. How can these products be presented to make them as easy to purchase as possible?
Operators using RATIONAL cooking systems you save money and time to concentrate on clear labelling, appealing packages and developing a successful Grab-and-Go offer.
When the initial rush has subsided and it is time to replenish supplies, there is a delicate balance between ensuring sufficient supply and not overstocking. Both iVario and iCombi Pro boast intelligent heating systems that can quickly reach the desired temperature. This allows for faster restocking of popular grab-and-go options throughout the day, minimising wait times for customers.
6. What one tip would you offer on getting your grab and go offer right?
Persistence and consistency are key. It's not effective to try something for just a day, experience slow sales, and then drastically cut back the next day. Patience is crucial, as word of mouth remains the most powerful form of advertising. If you offer something of value, customers will return, but if you lack options, your competitors will seize the opportunity.
Cooking little and often is the way to go. Don't fall into the trap of preparing everything early in the morning and filling counters. While it's important to have a sufficient amount of product during peak times like breakfast, there's no satisfaction in approaching a hot food counter in the early afternoon only to find wrinkled sausages, dehydrated bacon, and stale beans.
“Ever try to order the breakfast menu at a fast-food place after a certain time in the morning, only to be disappointed they have stopped serving it? Purchase or prepare the best quality food you can, along with the best possible equipment you can afford, using a RATIONAL combi steamer will provide the perfect solution for your bulk production, along with the flexibility to top up during the day”.
(Lee Harding, RATIONAL, Key Account Director)
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