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Grab & Go Produc t Merchan disin g Guide

by Vist

INTRODUCTION TO GRAB & GO

Vistar’s Grab & Go program includes a carefully curated selection of refrigerated snacks and meals tailored to meet the needs of consumers in search of convenient and satisfying dining choices. In a consumer market characterized by constant evolution, our program addresses the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat choices without compromising on quality and provides future trends of items and categories on the rise. In this guide, explore our comprehensive range of offerings, each designed to cater to distinct preferences and dietary requirements. From snack combo trays with a variety of brands and flavor combinations to our assortment of yogurts, salads, and sandwiches, every

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choice reflects a commitment to both taste and nutrition. These options have been developed keeping in mind the desire for convenient meals that align with today’s consumer choice preferences.

The Grab & Go guide also extends beyond assortment offerings to provide valuable insights into consumer trends. Discover data-driven content, offering a deeper understanding of industry best sellers and shedding light on the nuances of consumer purchase behavior. Make sure to follow Vistar’s newsletter to stay informed about the choices that resonate most with consumers and make well-informed decisions that suit your individual locations assortment needs.

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FIND THE TOP SELLERS

Decision Tree Top Seller Insight

TRENDS & INSIGHTS

Grab & Go refrigerated options have gained popularity especially over the past year, as consumers continue on-the-go lifestyle trends. This growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the appeal of value-driven alternatives compared to traditional dining solutions and the convenience of quick, nutritious snacks and meals that are readily available. In a fast paced world, Grab & Go market solutions meet consumers where they are, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. Whether at work, on the go, or in transit, the accessibility of these refrigerated options has redefined convenience in the overall consumption landscape.

Additionally, Grab & Go solutions are constantly evolving to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. As a result, this growth not only addresses the evolving needs of consumers but also signifies a shift towards more flexible, time-efficient solutions.

OUR FAMILY OF SUPPLIERS

CATEGORY PERFORMANCE

Over the past three years, the grab-and-go refrigerated food items market has experienced remarkable growth, boasting a compounded annual growth rate exceeding 7%. This surge in demand has been particularly pronounced in categories such as snack trays and fruit & vegetable items, indicating a growing preference among consumers for healthier, convenient options. Moreover, sandwich and wrap offerings, along with salads, have emerged as pivotal segments within this market, presenting opportunities for businesses to create value-based options for the consumer.

YOGURT +5% DIPS +4% SNACK TRAYS & COMBOS +3% SANDWICH & WRAPS +3% SALADS 0% FRUIT & VEGETABLES +15% 2021 2022 2023 SNACK TRAYS & COMBOS +9% YOUNG ADULTS & KIDS CHEESE +1% 7% CAGR GROWTH VS PRIOR YEAR

TOP SELLERS:

JIM20181

RSS00600

SFS35405

JLB88686

FIO80711

OLL02144

Hillshire Genoa Salami Small Plate

Cheesewich Salami & Colby Jack

Sargento Balance Breaks Cheese & Crackers with Pepper Jack, Colby-Jack and Ritz

Jack Link’s Cold Crafted Beef & Cheddar Stick

Fiorucci Hard Salami and Mozzarella Panino Twin Pack

Olli Snack Pack Genoa Salami and Fontina Cheese

Pre-packaged snacking is the wave of the future and adult consumers are looking for top quality products to be offered in various kit assortments2

CONSUMER

Adult Protein Snacking

has double digit category growth in 2022 and is driven by price and repeat purchases.4

The snack trays and combos have experienced notable trends in response to changing consumer preferences. Convenience remains a key driver, with a rise in demand of pre-packaged snack assortments that offer a variety of flavor in one package. Snack trays were consumed on-the-go in more than half of the occasions in 2022, showing a 6% increase from 2019. Health-conscious choices are influencing the selection of snacks that are included in these trays, with an emphasis on portion control, lower sodium levels, and natural ingredients.

Insight Decision Tree

Top Seller PRODUCT TYPE Snack Tray, Meat & Cheese, Non-Meat BRAND Hillshire, Cheesewich, Fiorucci Balance Breaks, Jack Link’s PRIMARY INGREDIENT Turkey, Ham, Italian Meats Beef, Non-Meats SNACK TRAYS & COMBOS

Adults, Young Adults, Kids CATEGORY GROWTH 2022 2023 +3%

SHARE GROWTH SNACK TRAY MEAT & CHEESE NON-MEAT 10% 22% 68% +30% +11% +20% 73% of consumers are eating small plates and snacks vs large meals with quick and ease of purchase being the most important purchase drivers3

SHARE HILLSHIRE 41% 16% 13% 12% 12% CHEESEWICH FIORUCCI BALANCE BREAKS JACK LINK’S ALL OTHER 4%

SUBCATEGORY

BRAND

50% of consumers have an income of $75,000 or greater Over

AMC Early Global Trier Study IRI MULO Total Dairy Snack Cheese 2018-2022 IRI MULO Total Dairy Snack Cheese 2018-2022 Nielsen Connected system, Total US xAOC, 52 Weeks, 3/12/22

SNACK TRAYS & COMBOS CONSUMER

Young Adults, Kids, Adults

BRAND

Lunchables, LunchMakers, P3

PRIMARY INGREDIENT

Turkey, Ham, Pizza, Chicken

The snack trays and combos have experienced notable trends in response to changing consumer preferences. Convenience remains a key driver, with a rise in demand of pre-packaged snack assortments that offer a variety of flavor in one package. With young adults seeking easy meal options Lunchables hold a 60% share of the category. Health-conscious choices are influencing the selection of snacks that are included in these trays, with an emphasis on portion control, lower sodium levels, and natural ingredients.

Most Popular

daypart demand moments are equally spread out between mid-morning snack, lunch replacement, and afternoon snack

63% of all Lunchables purchased are consumed as a snacking occasion regardless of day part3

Ham and Turkey are the most popular protein choices for the category2

While brands like Lunchable are typically targeted towards kids, younger adults also enjoy these options due to their convenience and value4

OSC02455

OSC02458

AEM33431

GEN70750

Lunchables

Turkey and Cheddar with Crackers

Lunchables

Ham and Cheddar with Crackers

LunchMakers

Ham Cracker Crunchers

P3 Turkey Breast, Colby Jack Cheese and Almonds

CATEGORY GROWTH 2022 2023 +9% SUBCATEGORY SHARE GROWTH TURKEY PIZZA HAM CHICKEN 1% 2% 48% 49% +16% +65%% +37% +24%

YOUNG ADULTS & Technomic CStore market Brief 2022 Q2 GetWizer: snacking pain point study IRI thru 6.19.22 IRI Strategic analytics 7/30/21

Insight

BRAND SHARE LUNCHABLES 60% 11% 10% LUNCHMAKERS P3

Decision Tree

TOP

Top Seller

SELLERS:

Taste, quality and freshness are the top three factors that are taken into consideration when choosing a pre-made sandwich3

TOP SELLERS:

Sandwiches are relatively non-seasonal items and are year-round staples1

CATEGORY GROWTH

Grab and go sandwiches have evolved into a dynamic category that mirrors the fast paced lifestyles of today’s consumer. Compact sizes and easy to carry packaging ensure that these sandwiches align seamlessly with on-the-go routines, making them a symbol of the contemporary culinary convenience.

of consumers say that they purchase

TYPE Sandwich, Wrap, Sub PROTEIN Turkey, Ham, Chicken, Italian, Tuna, Beef, Egg SANDWICH & WRAPS VALUE Premium, Mainstream

Insight

Top Seller Decision Tree

2022 2023 +3% SUBCATEGORY SHARE SANDWICH SUB WRAP 4% 22% 74% BRAND SHARE DELI EXPRESS 53% 30% 9% 8% MARKET SANDWICH HILLSHIRE ALL OTHER 1NPD CREST L12 ME October 2022, Nielsen Total US xAOC, FY17-FY19 Technomic Consumer Trend Report: Sandwich 2022 3National Food Lab Survey all rights reserved The Market Sandwich line offers a premium trade up option to other

Sandwich Wedge

Market

ESW784 ESW779 ESW12538 ESW12599 ESW785 ESW888 JIM97585

Deli Express Smoked Ham & Cheese

Deli Express Turkey & Cheese Sandwich Wedge

Sandwich Chicken Caesar Wrap Market Sandwich Buffalo Chicken Wrap Deli Express Deli Club Sandwich Wedge Deli Express Traditional Italian Style Sub Hillshire Chicken Caesar Wrap

The Market Sandwich line offers a premium trade up option to other brands and shows double digit growth in 2023 YTD4

it is easy to eat

the go2 31%

a sandwich because

Ready Pac Salads use Fresh Air Seal Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology to help maintain quality and freshness4

Ready Pac Bistro

Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl

Ready Pac Bistro

Chef With Turkey & Ham Salad Bowl

Ready Pac Bistro

Turkey & Bacon Cobb Salad Bowl

Ready Pac Bistro

Santa Fe Style With Chicken Salad Bowl

Ready Pac Bistro

Spinach Dijon Salad Bowl

Ready Pac Bistro

Cranberry Walnut Salad Bowl

Chicken,

TYPE

BLEND OF GREENS

Insight

Health and wellness continue to be prominent driving factors that shape consumer choices in regard to salads. There is heavy focus on nutrient-dense ingredients, fresh produce, and lean proteins. These trends highlight the evolving landscape of salads, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences and culinary interests.

in sales vs. prior year2

PROTEIN SALADS

Turkey, Ham, Other Caesar, Chef, Cobb, Santa Fe

Decision Tree Ready Pac Bistro is the #1 brand in salad bowl in the national market Chicken Caesar is the #1 flavor/variety in the salad bowl segment and outsells the #2 salad bowl SKU by 30%3

Lettuce, Spring Mix, Spinach Ready Pac Bistro Cranberry

46%

SPINS period ending 5-21-2023 Spins Total US Food ending 7/16/23 3SPIN/IRI Total US Food 52 Weeks ending 4/23/2023 4Fresh Air Seal ReadyPac Life’s better with Bistro.com SUBCATEGORY SHARE CAESAR 31% COBB 16% CHEF 27% SANTA FE 15% OTHER 11% CATEGORY GROWTH 2022 2023 0% Top Seller TOP SELLERS:

Walnut is the #1 vegetarian salad bowl in the national market up

088282 RPC27011 RPC27014 RPC27069 088286 RPC29413

SUBCATEGORY SHARE

Consumers enjoy the single-serve pre-portioned snacks that keep them going through out the day. Health-conscious choices are also influencing the ingredients that are used in dips, with a growing demand for options that are lower in calories, sugar, and artificial additives.

TOP SELLERS:

Sabra Snackers Classic Hummus & Pretzels

Sabra Snackers Roasted Red Pepper Hummus & Pretzels

Philadelphia Bagel Chips & Cream Cheese Dip Garden Vegetable

Sabra Breakfast Avocado Toast

Sabra Snackers Roasted Garlic Hummus & Pretzels

Sabra Snackers Guacamole & Rolled Tortilla Chips

Grab & Go

refrigerated dips are on trend and growing as 80% of consumers are seeking healthy, balanced bites2

81% of consumers are seeking recognizable ingredients in their refrigerated dips1

DIP TYPE Hummus,

Cream Cheese FLAVOR Classic, Roasted Red Pepper Garlic, Garden Vegetable DIPS DAY PART Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guacamole/Avocado,

GROWTH HUMMUS CREAM CHEESE GUACAMOLE/AVOCADO 15% 17% 68% +16% +12% +39% Kantar US Monitor 2021 Kantar US Monitor 2021 Kantar US Monitor 2021 Sabra Bases Snapshot Aug 2017 Decision Tree Top Seller CATEGORY GROWTH 2022 2023 +4%

Insight BRAND SHARE SABRA 83% 16% 1% PHILADELPHIA ALL OTHER Macro trends are driving growth towards fresh or plant forward options that use natural or even organic ingredients3 Enhance your category presence with a FREE Sabra merchandising cooler4

FRI01195 FRI01196 OSC06235 FRI34488 FRI01199 FRI34389

Dilly Bites

Fruit and vegetable products from the Grab & Go selection are highly driven by convenience and health conscious choices. Consumers are increasingly seeking out pre-cut and packaged fresh produce that allow for easy snacking. Additionally, there is a demand for innovative and functional formats, such as fruit cups, dipping sauces or vegetable snack packs.

TOP SELLERS:

TYB12338

TYB12339

DOL71924

JGV00090

TYB12325

DEL50785

Fruit snack solutions are consistently chosen more frequently as the #1 snack in the afternoon day-part across all generations2

Oh Snap!, Dole, Van Holton’s, Del Monte FRUIT & VEGETABLE of

Oh Snap! Dilly Bites Fresh Dill Pickle Snacking Cuts

Oh Snap! Hottie Bites Hot n’ Spicy Pickle Snacking Cuts

Oh Snap! Sassy Bites

Dole Fruit Bowl Mixed Fruit

Van Holton’s Big Papa Pickle in a Pouch

Del Monte Fruit Naturals Red Grapefruit Extra Light Syrup

YOGURT

Yogurt category enhances the product assortment to meet the needs of the morning daypart consumer1

PRODUCT

TYPE

Greek, Traditional, Drinkable

BRAND

Chobani, Oikos, Yoplait

FLAVOR

Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach, Plain, Mixed Berry, Strawberry/Banana

Chobani Strawberry Greek Yogurt

Chobani Blueberry Greek Yogurt

Chobani Peach Greek Yogurt

Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt

Oikos Triple Zero Strawberry

Greek Yogurt

Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt

Chobani Mixed Berry

Greek Yogurt Drink

The Top 3 Flavors

Chobani Yogurt Drink volume has doubled over the

five

years2

Immune system health is top-of-mind for consumers right now, making yogurt a key product category to watch in 2022. The trends in protein snacks and Insight functional snacks are important drivers of growth in the yogurt category, as yogurt is known for both its protein and probiotic content, as well as its calcium. Yogurt’s protein delivers satiety benefits (especially important in a breakfast or snack and for weight management), while its probiotics are linked to healthy digestion and immune system function.

CATEGORY GROWTH

TOP SELLERS:

The top 3 flavors Strawberry, Blueberry and Peach account for 72% of total business and 70% of YOY growth3 Mintel Yogurt and Yogurt Drinks – U.S. 2022 Nielsen Total US xAOC, L52 w/e 6/17/23 Vistar Internal Analysis (L52Wks ending June 23) Nielsen Total US xAOC 13 ending 6.24.23 $ Velocity = $/ $MM ACV / Item Decision Tree Top Seller

2022 2023 +5% SUBCATEGORY SHARE GROWTH -2.5% GREEK 43% TRADITIONAL 22% DRINKABLE 35% +3.0% -0.6%

Yogurt category showing strong trends in the latest periods with Chobani driving of the dollar growth4 53% BRAND SHARE CHOBANI YOPLAIT ALL OTHER 63% OIKOS 12% 10% 15%

AGR001004 AGR001005 AGR001006 ARG001001 DAC00836 GEM300 AGR1180

CHEESE

CHEESE TYPE

Mozzarella, Cheddar, Colby

CHEESE FORM

Stick, Rounds, Bars

BRAND

Frigo, Sargento, Kraft, Babybel, Other

Since 2016

cheese snacking has averaged 6% national growth year over year and it's expected to continue as consumption increases with younger generations3

% of consumers are willing to pay more for a cheese snack because they are more satisfying than traditional snacks

The cheese category has witnessed intriguing trends that reflect evolving consumer preferences and innovations. Consumers are looking for portable cheese snacks that provide a quick and satisfying source of protein. Packaging innovations that prioritize freshness and ease of consumption are also shaping this category to ensure that consumers are able to enjoy their cheese products from anywhere.

Kids and adults enjoy on-the-go pleasure of protein packed string cheese that is a natural snack of choice1

SELLERS:

CATEGORY GROWTH 2022 2023 +1% SUBCATEGORY SHARE GROWTH STICKS BARS ROUNDS 2% 4% 94% +19%% +50% +29% Decision Tree Insight 57

Snack segmentation 2021 Food business news 1/26/22

BRAND SHARE FRIGO 45% 32% 11% 3% 9% SARGENTO KRAFT BABY BEL ALL OTHER

TOP

Frigo Cheese String Sargento Single String Cheese Kraft Mozzarella String Cheese Sargento Colby Jack Cheese Stick Frigo Colby Jack Cheese Stick Sargento Mild Cheddar Cheese Stick Babybel Mini Cheese Rounds GVD15875 SFS00826 019634 SFS00828 GVD12573 SFS00827 UUU02611 Top Seller

PLANOGRAMS SPACE TO SALES

Using internal sales we can optimize retail Grab & Go space by ranking each product according to its performance. This can also be customized to the space available and according to the business segment it is targeted for as sales will vary from business segment to business segment.