PMA Research shows 43 per cent of US consumers said they purchase prepared meals from their supermarket. Moreover, 30 per cent of consumers said they make more of those purchases today than they did a year ago, replacing what they would have traditionally purchased at a restaurant.

Out of 1,000 consumers surveyed nationwide, over half (53 per cent) said that in the past year they purchased ready-to-eat meals or foods from a supermarket, 46 per cent said they did so rather than eating restaurant take-out over the past year. Of this group, 10 per cent said they do so on a daily basis.

“Consumers know supermarkets offer an array of fresh fruits and vegetables. According to the research, they are also more likely to think supermarkets provide larger percentages of fresh fruits and vegetables in their prepared or ready-to-eat offerings compared to restaurant take-out or dine-in offerings,” said PMA Retail Board chairman Dave Corsi. “More consumers are starting to respond to the efforts of supermarkets to provide tasty and convenient meal solutions,” he added.

When it comes to the frequency of purchasing patterns, 59 per cent of those consumers that purchase ready-to-eat meals or foods from their supermarket, rather than dining in a restaurant, do so at a frequency of once or more a week. Twelve per cent said they do so daily, around 5.8 million households.

Despite this trend, the national survey also revealed that restaurant dine-in and take-out combined still accounted for over half (56 per cent) of meals purchased that are not prepared at home.

PMA Foodservice Board chairman Gene Harris said: “More options for the consumer to consume healthy and good-tasting vegetables and fruit is good for all of us.”

When consumers were asked; “Thinking of the ready-to-eat meals or foods purchased from your supermarket, dining-in, or take-out, what percent of the meal is made up of fruits and vegetables?” - the bulk of consumers responded less than 10 per cent.

TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTED

Technology issues present an opportunity and a challenge for the fresh produce industry, from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and traceability to e-commerce and so called smart shelves in retail.

During the PMA 2005 Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia, attendees will receive the latest updates on these technologies and more through educational sessions offered as part of the Technology Track, which includes the following workshops:

• RFID: What’s New, What’s Next. This two-hour session on November 5, explores the latest developments in RFID and how the implications of these innovations could lead to greater ROI for both buyers and sellers.

• Technology for Supply Chain Excellence. On November 6, this session focuses on technologies such as e-commerce, barcodes, RFID tags, and smart shelves. Attendees will learn how such technologies can be used to improve operations.

• Data Synchronisation 101, on November 7, will cover the basics of data synchronisation: what it is, why it is important, its benefits, and why it is an important first step to using technologies such as RFID.

PMA has also created a DVD on the benefits of RFID systems.