She's racing the clock again. It's only midday, and her third meeting begins shortly. With barely enough time to think, let alone eat, she runs out to find a bite and spots a familiar sign — your store. She remembers the fresh, vibrant, prepared food from her last visit to the deli and the quick grab-and-go options that looked both healthy and satisfying.

Moments later, she's back at her desk, enjoying a warm, chef-inspired meal that rivals anything from a sit-down restaurant — complete with toppings, no mess, and no wait. It's fresh. It's convenient. It's delicious. And just like that, you've earned another lunchtime regular.

Now multiply her by thousands.

According to recent data, 1 in 4 consumers near your store fits this exact profile. They're busy, they're hungry, and they're looking for fast, delicious solutions they can trust. You've already developed an appealing offering. So, what's the real key to converting more of them?

It All Comes Down to Delivering What They Value Most

1 out of 4 consumers by your stores today is looking for fast, convenient food to go. Exceed their expectations and create more regular food-to-go traffic. Product featured: Safe Pinch®

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Source: Anchor Packaging

In a time of rising prices and shrinking lunch breaks, more people than ever are relying on prepared foods to get through the day. In fact, nearly half of consumers report relying on foodservice daily to manage their packed schedules — and almost half also report having to eat on the run (source: Technomic, Ignite Consumer Report 2024).

That's a huge opportunity for your deli.

But there's a catch: expectations are higher than ever.

Since 2019, the share of food consumed "to go" has doubled, while the cost of food away from home has risen nearly 30%. With more choices, more experience, and increased cost pressure, consumers are looking not just for convenience — but for greater value.

And value, it is essential to understand, isn't just about price.

It's about perceived quality — the taste, freshness, and presentation of the food — along with the ease, speed, and reliability of the experience. Exceed these expectations, and you don't just get a sale — you create loyal, repeat customers who come back again and again for your profitable deli-prepared food.

Two Ways to Grow Prepared Food Sales by Increasing Perceived Value

1. Prioritize What Customers Value Most

While price matters, it's not the top driver. When choosing prepared food, "good overall value" is the #1 factor consumers use to decide where to buy (source: Technomic Takeout & Delivery report, 2024). That value is built on:

• Freshness and taste that matches a restaurant experience
• Packaging that holds heat and protects against messy leaks and spills
• Convenience, speed, and accuracy in the transaction

Does your packaging deliver on all of that?

You can protect fresh-made taste – even for crispy, crunchy favorites like fried chicken – and win more meals. Product featured: Crisp Food Technologies®

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Source: Anchor Packaging

If it doesn't — if it leaks, fails to hold heat, or doesn't protect presentation well — you risk losing repeat visits, no matter how great your food is. Consumers also prioritize features like:

• Separate compartments to keep flavors from mixing
• Secure closures to avoid spills and keep food intact
• Seals or tamper-proof closures

2. Add Recognizable Value to Drive Repeat Visits

On-the-go consumers need packaging that keeps up. That means:

• Durability in transit
• Microwave-safe materials for easy reheating
• Easy leftovers storage and direct-from-container eating

The right container makes a difference—and your customers will notice the difference.

(Source: Technomic Takeout & Delivery report, 2024)

Want to add more value? Consider consumer reuse. 8 in 10 consumers reuse takeout packaging. Offering durable containers adds real value — as much as a 7% perceived value boost among female shoppers and millennials.

Bonus value? Solutions that make acting sustainably easy. While sustainability isn't prioritized above performance, it still matters. PET and PP containers offer both: performance during use, and easy recyclability afterward.

Critically, you must provide these features in the same order consumers prioritize: performance that protects quality, accuracy and convenience – and finally, an easy alternative to disposal after use.

Packaging That Delivers on Customer Expectations Delivers on Your Bottom Line

When your packaging performs — holding heat, preventing leaks, and showcasing food beautifully — it does more than protect a meal. It protects the effort and investment you made to earn that customer's business. And it invites them back for more meals on the go.

Want to Drive Loyalty and Boost Prepared Food Sales?

• Try it for yourself. [Click here for free samples]
• Looking for more ideas? [Click here to connect with our innovation team]

Because when your deli delivers quality, convenience, and value all in one — customers take notice. And they come back for more.