Is it possible to find food to go in the UK? Some UK supermarkets do sell prepackaged meals, which can save you some money. Many UK consumers are looking at food to go as an alternative to take away or buy in bulk. And, there’s no end in sight of the spiraling prices in the supermarkets.
In a survey of British supermarkets, only two percent indicated that they would be selling prepackaged meal meals from a catering company within their stores. A majority of supermarkets said that they would not be doing this. This is surprising because prepackaged meal sales are up six percent over the last twelve months. With so many supermarkets closing their sandwich shops and reducing the amount they stock, customers want to buy more value for their money.
In one survey of British supermarket sales carried out by the British Association of Convenience Stores (BAFCE), it was found that almost half of all consumers said that they were using food-to-go as an alternative to take away. Most of those questioned were also saying that they would use it instead of eating their lunch outside. Sushi and sashimi from Japanese chains such asiso, Hacemitsu and Asda was the top choice. Sushi from Asian chains such as J sushi, Ippen, chains like Pizza Express, Iceland (pizza hut) and Pizza Hut was also voted best in class.
The ban on taking away lunch has led to consumers looking for ways to stretch their moneys. Danone, which supplies milk and cheese to many supermarkets, has launched a loyalty card scheme that gives five pounds back to every shopper who purchases one or more cheese and milk products with their card. British Gas now has a new loyalty card scheme called the “Railroad card”. Consumers who sign up to the Railcard scheme receive five pounds rebate on petrol purchases and three pounds bonus on shopping cards. Carlsons, Britain’s leading provider of house, mortgage and building insurance also has a house insurance discount scheme.
The question that many people have is what can the average consumer do to save money? The answer is simple; there are many ways of saving money on groceries and other household items. One way is by using “touch packaging” at food stores and retailers. This includes touching and applying the hot water needed to cook food. In years past consumers just went to the self service station on the corner of the supermarket and bought the groceries they wanted from the self service sink. Touch packaging means that the customers can actually apply and get the hot water to cook their food in so that they do not need to go through the traditional self service process any longer.
Another way that consumers save money on groceries is by buying their food-to-go items in advance of their next shopping trip. Many supermarkets offer the “express pack” for sandwiches and wraps, as well as other snacks and take-aways. Instead of having to stand in line at the deli to purchase a sandwich or wrap, all it takes is to go to the cashier with a plastic card and purchase the item ahead of time. Grocery stores are not allowed to charge more for food-to-go items than they charge for in-store purchases because it is considered an illegal practice. Although this practice is beginning to die out in other parts of the world, it is still prevalent in Canada and the United Kingdom.
A final way that consumers save money on groceries is by purchasing lunch online. In Canada, grocers are legally allowed to provide discounts to customers who bring in their own lunch to work. One company called Harris Interactive has developed a new technology platform called HAPilot that allows customers to order sandwiches from any Canadian restaurant to eat at home. Consumers can pay with their credit card and pick up the sandwich the same day. In the United States, sandwiches from any location are allowed to be purchased at in-store locations, but consumers may only buy two to four sandwiches at a time.
Even though many people prefer to buy food to go, consumers can also save money by purchasing items that are produced locally. Among the most popular items produced in Canada are the famous Canadian bacon sandwich. There are many websites on the Internet that offer the frozen delight in a variety of forms including sandwiches, wraps, patties, and other delicacies. Another way that consumers are able to save money on groceries is by purchasing items that are sold in bulk. In Canada, many companies produce fish, meat and poultry products in large quantities so they can sell them for less than they would sell them individually.