RESTAURANT ASSOSCIATES
OUR VISION
As a business we feel RA requires a steady stream of innovation to ensure you maintain and grow your customer base.
There should be a focus on the customer experience, and the future food proposition plays a key role in this. The aim is to create a range of products that is a best-in-class retail proposition that attracts new consumers, maximises sales, drives profitability and demonstrates food leadership in the market.
Through a collaborative partnership we believe we can support Restaurant Associates’ mission around being passionate about exquisite food, sustainably sourced ingredients and positively contributing to the communities we inhabit.
Simply Lunch’s mission is to improve lives through delicious food directly correlates to your vision. Sustainability, community engagement and support are key pillars for us both.
MADE for RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES
Launch Date: 19th of May
A collection of 22 handcrafted products, thoughtfully designed to cater to every occasion, every diet, and every preference.
RANGE PROPOSAL
WHY NOURISH & PACKAGING CONCEPTS
NOURISH taps directly into key growth trends shaping the food to go market where consumers are seeking familiar flavours with a health-conscious twist, greater transparency and cleaner ingredient lists.
By partnering with trusted suppliers such as Wildfarmed, Betts Farm, Jacksons Bakery and using locally sourced produce and British meat in the ‘best’ category, we can credibly deliver on taste, freshness and sustainability.
This combination of proven flavour appeal, premium presentation and conscious sourcing positions NOURISH to drive customer loyalty, elevate perceived quality and ultimately, deliver stronger revenue performance across sites.
CATEGORY ANALYSIS
THE PROPOSAL
CATEGORY SANDWICHES/WRAP/BAGUETTE
GOOD TUNA CRUNCH SANDWICH BERRY YOGHURT CRUNCH GREEK STYLE CHICKEN HAM & CHEDDAR CHEESE TOASTIE FRUIT PLATTER
ROAST CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH MANGO YOGHURT & GRANOLA CHEESE & ONION TOASTIE GLUTEN FREE SANDWICH PLATTER
SMOKED HAM SANDWICH MELON & BLUEBERRY POT FISH SANDWICH PLATTER
CHEESE PLOUGHMANS SANDWICH FRUIT SALAD VEGETARIAN WRAP PLATTER
MIXED WRAP PLATTER
VEGAN WRAP PLATTER
CHICKEN & BACON CLUB SANDWICH EGG & SPINACH KOREAN VEG SALAD VEGAN ANTIPASTI CIABATTA MEAT SANDWICH PLATTER
HAM HOCK & SMOKED CHEDDAR SANDWICH CARROT &SEED TOPPED HOUMOUS TUNA NICOISE CHICKEN & CHORIZO CIABATTA VEGAN SANDWICH PLATTER
BLT SANDWICH BBQ PULLED PORK CIABATTA VEGETARIAN SANDWICH PLATTER
CHICKEN CAPRESE SANDWICH BAGUETTE & SANDWICH PLATTER
BETTER
EGG & SPINACH SANDWICH
HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN WRAP
SWEET & SPICY CHICKPEA WRAP
CHICKEN SHAWARMA WRAP
CHICKEN & BACON CAESAR WRAP
GF CHICKEN CAESAR
GF EGG & CRESS
CHEDDAR PLOUGHMAN’S BAGUETTE TANDOORI CHICKPEA & EGG
MEXICAN CHICKEN SALAD PESTO PASTA MIXED BAGUETTE PLATTER
CHICKEN BAHN MI BAGUETTE CAJUN CHICKEN & SMOKEY BEAN GREEN & GRAIN EGG, BACON, CHEDDAR BAGEL BAGEL PLATTER
CHICKEN, LETTUCE, TOMATO BAGUETTE TERIYAKI CHICKEN NOODLE
TUSCAN TUNA BAGUETTE PASTA CARBONARA
TOMATO MOZZARELLA FOCCACIA
VEGGIE NEW YORKER PRETZEL
COMMERCIAL REVIEW
PERFORMANCE – VOLUME ANALYSIS
JUNE
- SEPTEMBER
PERFORMANCE – VOLUME ANALYSIS
CHEDDAR&ONION BLOOMER TOPPED T
HAM&CHEDDAR BLOOMER TOPPED TST
TUNA MELT WF SOURDOUGH CIABATT
HAM & MOZZARELLA CROISSANT BACON ROLL
MADE GREEK STYLE CHICKEN SALAD
BERRY YOGHURT CRUNCH (4 PACK)
MIXED FRUIT SALAD POT X4
CHICKEN & CHORIZO WF CIABATTA
CHICKEN & N'DUJA FOCACCIA
PLOUGHMAN'S BAGUETTE
GF CHICKEN CAESAR ROLL
GF EGG & CRESS ROLL
VEGAN ANTIPASTI WF SOURDOUGH C
CHEESE & CARAMELISED ONION
CHICKEN CAESAR BAGUETTE
MEXICAN CHICKEN SALAD
BEETROOT- FETA- OLIVE SALAD
MOZZARELLA & PESTO PASTA SALAD
EGG & SPINACH SANDWICH
EGG BACON & CHEESE ONION BAGEL
SWEET & SPICY CHCKPEA&MANG WP
B.L.T SANDWICH
CHICKEN & BACON CLUB SANDWICH
HAM HOCK & SMOKED CHEDDAR SAND
CHICKEN & BACON CAESAR WRAP
PERFORMANCE : SITES BY REVENUE –
CGWELL02-WELLCOME TRUST - ROO OTHER
CGGOOG01-GOOGLE CSG, MARKET S
CGBNY01-BNY LONDON
CGRBC01-ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
CGAMEX02-AMEX COMMERCIAL & RE
CGAMEX03-LONDON-COMMERCIAL & CGGART02-SALISBURY FREE ISSUE
CGGOOG23-GOOGLE X1
CGEBRD01-EBRD L16 CAF•
CGOMNI01-OMNICOM STAFF DINING
SITE VISITS
SITE VISITS
LEARNING & OBSERVATIONS
• Core Range Consistency: Sites have highlighted the need for a broader core range to create a more uniform chilled display and help achieve GP targets across the chiller.
• Brand Opportunity: Potential to develop a distinct brand identity, like existing portfolio concepts such as Larger and Loaf.
• Coffee & Bakery Alignment: Opportunity to link deals with coffee and bakery items to deliver a more cohesive and appealing customer offer.
• Meal Deal Development: Consider introducing a meal deal including a snack instead of a drink, as many staff now bring their own water bottles.
• Signature Range: Potential to launch a MIH Signature or Chef’s Select range to elevate quality perception and drive engagement.
SANDWICH & SNACK MEAL DEAL EXAMPLE
• Research shows the drink element of the meal deal is the least important, “afterthought”. (Scottish Government, 2024)
• By removing the drink, could you drop the meal deal price, increase volume & margin.
• Maximise revenue/inch of chiller by selling higher margin items: decreasing range of soft drinks for increased range of food-to-go(variety and nutrition key driver of meal deal).
BENCHMARKING
BENCHMARKING: HIGH STREET
CATEGORY
Baguette
TRENDS & INSPIRATION
ELEVATING RA FOOD TO GO OFFERING
Our gap analysis revealed that Restaurant Associates has an opportunity to elevate its food-to-go range by introducing a new brand concept aligned to below key trends and offering more adventurous options beyond the familiar.
We’ve identified four key areas to drive this forward:
We have detailed each point on the following slides with supporting market research and category insight data.
PREMIUMISATION OPPORTUNITY
• Complement the core offer with premium flavours and innovative bread carriers to drive improved margins.
• Broaden flavour diversity – 75% of UK adults believe world cuisine products make lunchtime more exciting*. Diverse flavours also appeal strongly to younger consumers.
• Elevate product quality – as a premium brand, RA can differentiate its core range by refining execution: from ingredient choice to level of fill and overall consistency. Consumers are willing to pay more, but the product must deliver on quality.
• Enhance packaging to reinforce a premium feel, strengthen shelf presence, and align with growing sustainability expectations.
• Premium meal deals: 53% of shoppers look for meal deals when buying food-to-go. Premium meal deals have become popular as the cost-ofliving crisis eases, offering a sense of indulgence without breaking the bank.
• Leverage social influence – premium food ranges can become part of the social media conversation, just as drinks already are. Influencers regularly showcase their coffee orders; highlighting premium food alongside drinks could amplify visibility and desirability.
* Reference (Mintel, World Cuisines, UK, 2022)
HEALTH & WELLBEING OPPORTUNITY
• Shifting drivers – food is becoming a bigger draw, stronger food credentials are essential to retain and grow your customer base. FTG can play a part in this especially for younger workers.
• Health as a growth lever – health is a leading consumer trend highlighted in Lumina’s report. Food-to-go NPD with a health focus not only meets consumer needs but also justifies higher price points. Workplace fuelling is important for companies to provide for their teams to support performance.
• Sustainable priorities – sustainability concerns are on the rise, with consumers increasingly conscious of where products come from and their environmental impact.
• Health clarity – consumers are looking for transparency from brands, making clear labelling and communication of nutritional benefits key to helping them make the right choices.
• Mindful choices – as consumers become more health-conscious, coffee shops must provide options that address dietary and wellbeing needs (e.g., high protein, high fibre, plantbased/wholefoods, low calorie).
• Format innovation – reduced-plastic packaging developed by Simply Lunch supports sustainability missions, while optimised design maximises shelf space and in-store visibility.
**Lumina Intelligence, Newly Weds Food
CONSCIOUS CHOICE OPPORTUNITY
• Consumers are more mindful – cost pressures, health focus, and sustainability concerns are shaping food to go decisions.
• Price is a key driver – 72% now consider it a top priority when choosing where to eat*.
• Packaging matters – recyclable, reusable, or minimal-waste formats are increasingly expected, balancing sustainability with convenience. Call outs on pack are important.
• Meal deals as value signals – a clear good–better–best ladder can meet different missions:
• Good: Core meal deal – sharp price point to emphasise everyday value.
• Better: Premium meal deal – elevated ingredients and packaging, trading up while still offering value With the costof-living crisis easing, more consumers are open to treating themselves to luxuries or buying more premium items. Premium meal deals have become popular as the cost-of-living crisis eases, offering a sense of indulgence without breaking the bank
• Best: Seasonal meal deal – limited-time excitement, encouraging trial and repeat visits.
• 53% of shoppers look for meal deals when buying food-to-go.
HERO INGREDIENT OPPORTUNITY
Celebrate brand origin
By creating a UK FTG brand, RA has the chance to reflect this in its food range while also weaving in global flavour influences that resonate with UK consumers. This could also be linked to local bakery, coffee and drinks suppliers to create an aligned proposition.
Tap
into flavour & carrier trends
Growing demand for world cuisines, adventurous flavours, and innovative bread carriers can help differentiate and premiumisation its offer.
**** Reference: Mintel Global Food & Drinks Trends Report 2023
Tell ingredient stories
Consumers increasingly expect to learn about product origins, history, & usage through digital channels, instore touchpoints, and onpack messaging. Highlighting hero ingredients & partnerships (e.g., Marmite, Wildfarmed regenerative wheat) creates authenticity & builds brand equity.
Highlight seasonality
Pairing food to go through link deals with seasonal drinks creates synergy and excitement. Leveraging trendy hero ingredients and flavours (e.g., pumpkin, matcha, chilli-lime) drives relevance and consumer buzz.
TRENDS SUMMARY
Consumers are juggling contradictory needs, seeking value amid a cost-of-living squeeze, yet craving luxury, novelty and experience. Rising awareness of health, wellbeing and sustainability is reshaping expectations around quality, provenance and packaging.
Restaurant Associates can elevate its offer through 4 growth levers:
• Premiumisation: Refine flavours, ingredients, and packaging to deliver accessible indulgence and justify higher margins.
• Hero Ingredients: Highlight authentic, traceable, and seasonal elements to build trust and differentiation.
• Conscious Choices: Combine sustainability and value through eco-packaging and a clear Good–Better–Best tiered offer.
• Health & Wellbeing: Lead with nutritious, transparent, plantforward innovation that fits modern lifestyles.
Evolving work patterns and snacking habits are driving demand for flexible, convenient, and shareable food experiences. Success depends on balancing value, indulgence, and responsibility –creating food-to-go that feels both premium and purposeful.
PROVENANCE & HERO SUPPLIERS
GREAT INGREDIENTS MAKE GREAT PRODUCTS
Betts Farm, Kent
Seasonal leaves & spinach grown with care and delivered fresh daily.
MARKETING SUPPORT
MARKETING SUPPORT & ACTIVATION
• Why buy guide / operator pack
• POS Packs
• Sampling sessions
• Development days
• Market trends
• Site audits
• Menu / seasonal product cycles
CONSUMER-LED INNOVATION
WITH FOR RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES
We’ve partnered with Vypr, a leading consumer insights platform. This ensures our proposal aligns with real consumer preferences.
This collaboration allows us to test concepts, flavours, pack formats and claims with thousands of real-time Restaurant Associate customers.
The insights gathered have directly shaped our proposal, ensuring everything we develop is backed by data.
: DRIVING SMARTER DECISIONS FOR SIMPLY LUNCH & OUR CUSTOMERS
BENEFITS FOR SIMPLY LUNCH:
Faster Innovation & Reduced Risk
• Test concepts, flavours, packaging, and messaging with real consumers before launch.
• Helps avoid costly mistakes and improves the chance of success.
Data-Driven Decision Making
• Replace internal “gut feel” with evidence-based insights.
• Quickly identify which products resonate with consumers and refine accordingly.
Cost Savings
• Reduces the expense of failed NPD launches.
Agility & Speed to Market
• Rapid turnaround of consumer feedback to iterate faster.
• Supports meeting and seasonal launch windows.
Credibility
• Presenting validated insights.
• Demonstrates alignment with consumer demand, improving chances .
BENEFITS FOR YOU:
Confidence in Product Listings
• Assurance that products brought forward are already validated with consumers.
• Reduces risk of poor-performing SKUs.
Faster Response to Trends
• Access to products aligned with consumer needs (e.g., health, sustainability, global flavours).
• Helps stay competitive and relevant in a fast-moving market.
Improved Supplier Collaboration
• Use consumer data to support innovation.
• Shape ranges with greater accuracy.
Enhanced Consumer Satisfaction
• Higher likelihood of stocking products consumers actually want.
• Leads to stronger sales, loyalty, and brand trust.
FUTURE BRAND INNOVATION & DEVELOPMENT
We see innovation as a shared journey. We're committed to working closely with the RA team to explore, test, and launch future food-to-go concepts that reflect evolving needs, emerging food trends, and client realities.
RIGHT RANGE, RIGHT STORE
Not all sites have the same:
• Fridge size
• Stock volume
• Customer demand
To maximise sales and deliver the best customer experience, we will:
• Support with a tailored, best-in-class range for each store type.
• Align product mix to store capacity and customers missions.
• Ensure the right balance of choice, availability, and efficiency.
SIMPLY LUNCH X RESTAURANT ASSOCIATES
COLLABORATION
Purpose-Led Partnership
Driven by our mission to improve lives through delicious food, we are proud to present a databacked, focused proposal that aligns with RA vision and sustainability ambitions.
Insight-driven product range
Developed utilising Vypr, using feedback and product validations.
Combines familiarity, flavour, and innovation across meals and day parts.
Fresh, familiar and convenient
Sustainability at the core
Site engagement strategy
Premium touches like Barber’s Cheddar, Wildfarmed Ciabatta, and regenerative ingredients.
Wildfarmed flour, recyclable packaging, and reduction of plastic.
Meeting demand from 68% of consumers who priorities eco-conscious choices.
Digital training including videos on product training, sampling days, roadshows and ranging planning.
Connection through education and product experience.
Any Questions?