Convenience food manufacturer Greencore said today that the share of sandwiches sold as part of a supermarket meal deal has reached record highs.
Greencore is the biggest pre-packed sandwich maker in the UK.
It said today that 52% of sandwiches being sold by supermarkets are now bought by customers as part of a set-price combo deal which typically includes a drink and snack, up from 46% this time last year.
The company noted that sales growth of combo deals is being driven by customer demand for "premium meal deals" which include deluxe items like premium sandwiches, salads and sushi.
In a separate trading update today, Greencore posted a 1.9% rise in reported revenue to £495.4.m for the three months to the end of June.
It said its third quarter reported revenue in its food to go categories increased by 0.6% to £335.3m, mainly due to inflation recovery as well as a 2% increase in food to go manufactured volumes.
Meanwhile, reported revenue in other convenience categories rose by 4.7% to £160.1m, again largely due to inflation recovery as well as new business wins in ready meals and a strong performance across ambient sauces.
Greencore said it continues to expect to generate a full year performance in line with current market expectations.
"Q4 FY23 represents a seasonally important period for Greencore and the group anticipates delivering year-on-year profit and cashflow progression in the second half of the year," it added.
Dalton Philips, Greecore's chief executive, said he was encouraged by the progress made during the third quarter and that manufactured volume growth is continuing to support the company's top line momentum.
"This clearly illustrates the underlying demand for the categories in which we operate, as well as Greencore's resilience in the current difficult consumer spending environment," he said.
"The food to go category remains hugely relevant to consumers as they contend with the cost-of living crisis, and it is particularly notable that 52% of supermarket sandwiches are now bought as part of a meal deal, up from 46% this time last year," the CEO said.
"We are delighted that our core category is playing such a key role in feeding the UK, and in a way that represents such good value," he added.
Mr Philips said that as Greencore enters the fourth quarter, which is a seasonally important trading period for the business, it remains confident that the group will deliver a full year performance in line with current market expectations.
"As outlined at the interim results in May, our priority in the near-term is to rebuild profitability and returns to create a platform on which to build for future growth," he added.
