Frozen pizza has officially surpassed dumplings as the top-selling refrigerated food product at CU convenience stores, according to the retailer’s latest sales report, released on Wednesday. This marks a significant shift in consumer preferences, with frozen pizza now claiming the largest share of the store chain’s refrigerated food sales.
From January through Sunday of this year, pizza products accounted for 28.1% of CU’s refrigerated food sales, edging out frozen dumplings, which held a 27.2% share. Chicken products, another staple in the frozen food category, trailed with 25.8%. This is a notable change from last year, when dumplings were the most popular item in the category, commanding 31.8% of the frozen food sales. Frozen chicken and pizza followed, with shares of 25.7% and 24.3%, respectively.
The rise of frozen pizza has been a steady trend over the past few years. In 2021, pizza products accounted for just 17.9% of CU’s refrigerated food sales, but that figure increased to 22.2% in 2023. The consistent growth in pizza sales has been attributed to a variety of factors, including changing consumer lifestyles and the growing demand for easy-to-prepare meals. CU has also expanded its frozen pizza selection, offering a wider range of products that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, which has likely contributed to the shift.
Experts suggest that the increase in single-person households, which has become a growing demographic in many regions, is a driving force behind the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals. Single-person households are more likely to seek out food options that are quick to prepare, and frozen pizza offers a convenient solution that aligns with this need. Additionally, the versatility of frozen pizza—ranging from classic flavors to specialty options—appeals to a broad consumer base, further driving its rise in popularity.
CU’s growing pizza selection has also reflected this demand, with the retailer introducing new frozen pizza brands and unique varieties that cater to an increasingly diverse market. As consumers continue to prioritize convenience and variety, frozen pizza seems poised to maintain its position as a dominant force in the convenience food market.
CU’s success in adapting to consumer trends and expanding its product offerings highlights the evolving landscape of convenience food shopping, where convenience, variety, and value increasingly define purchasing decisions.
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