US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Report 2022

This report provides comprehensive and current information and analysis of the US Convenience Store Foodservice market including in-store foodservice sales market size, anticipated market forecast, relevant market segmentation, and industry trends for convenience stores foodservice sales in the US.

Current convenience stores foodservice market landscape

Only 47% of consumers are members of a c-store loyalty program, but men and parents are among the demographics more likely to be members. Heightened interest in convenience and value drive these groups, but both are something that almost all consumers can get on board with, making loyalty programs an opportunity for attracting consumers to c-store foodservice.

Inflation will be felt at the c-store inside and at the pump, with rising gas prices particularly painful to consumers who are already struggling, as gas is often a necessity. Consumers may find themselves less willing, or able, to pay for convenience when food prices are steadily rising.

Product shortages and labor shortages are a threat to c-stores as both can complicate the convenience element of the store. If consumers can’t reliably find what they want, or if stores have to reduce hours because of a lack of employees, consumers may find themselves reducing their c-store visits.

Market share and key convenience store trends in 2022

• Gas rules the c-store
  Gas prices motivate consumers to choose a c-store, while gas rewards motivate loyalty program membership, far above any other factor. Helping consumers get the best gas price is a win for everyone.
• Rewards programs have room to grow
  Fewer than half of consumers are c-store loyalty members, with gas leading the reasons for use and future use. Age, gender and race groups have different preferences for what rewards they prefer, so programs should be flexible. Rewards will become increasingly important as gas prices rise along with the cost of other goods.
• Part of convenience is keeping things clear
  Whether it’s a loyalty program, app, or delivery program, c-stores have to maintain ease of use. Collecting, calculating and redeeming points should be straightforward, such as one point per dollar spent, and consumers should be able to check their point balance easily, too.

Future convenience store foodservice trends

Opportunity, then, comes from doubling down on convenience and potential savings. Again, loyalty programs are a win if those programs are easy to use. Prepared foods that are complete meals or are bundled with other foods and drinks to create a complete meal make convenience store food  relevant outside on-the-go eating. Finally, delivery is an ultra-convenient option that keeps convenience stores top of mind; tying delivery to rewards creates additional value.

Read on to discover more about the US Convenience Store Foodservice consumer market, read our US Urban, Rural, and Suburban Lifestyles Market Report 2021, or take a look at our other Food and Foodservice research reports.

Quickly understand the convenience store foodservice market

• The continued effect of COVID-19.
• Loyalty program membership and appealing features.
• The importance of variety and quality of foodservice options.
• The impact of fuel prices on foodservice sales.
• Strategies for engaging consumers with foodservice programs.

Covered in this convenience stores foodservice market report

Brands include: Speedway, Wawa, GrubHub, Seamless, Postmates, 7-Eleven, DoorDash.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

This report, written by Michele Scott, a leading analyst in the Food and Foodservice sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis on convenience store foodservice in the US to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

C-store foodservice is in a unique position, as it must first consider how gas prices will affect foot traffic. Loyalty programs are an important tool in connecting in-store purchases to paying less at the pump. Supporting other trends in-store, like BFY options, trending flavors, delivery and even sustainability helps connect with different consumer groups and meet their needs in the ways that will be most impactful.

Michele Scott
Senior Analyst