Sushi’s popularity has surged, overtaking sandwiches as the UK’s preferred lunchtime option, as reported by a leading retailer.
- The surge in sushi sales is linked to a premium meal deal launched by Tesco this year, attracting widespread consumer interest.
- Sushi’s rise is also attributed to an increase in people returning to workplaces, expanding its reach through in-store counters.
- The shift in lunchtime preferences highlights a significant change in consumer behaviour towards more diverse food options.
- This trend is marked by a notable 90% increase in sushi sales, reflecting broader dietary trends.
Sushi has become the fastest-growing premium lunchtime choice in the UK, surpassing the traditional sandwich. This shift, reported by a major retailer, signifies changing consumer preferences towards more international and varied meal options. According to data from the retailer, sushi has now overtaken the smoked salmon sandwich in popularity, marking a significant trend in British dining habits.
Since the start of the year, Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, has seen a dramatic 90% increase in sushi sales, driven by the introduction of its premium Clubcard Meal Deal priced at £5. This offer includes a selection of sushi boxes, poke bowls, and other dishes such as gyozas and bao buns. As a result, the demand has skyrocketed, leading to an annual sale of 30 million sushi packs.
This substantial increase in sushi consumption is further attributed to the reopening of workplaces, which has bolstered the need for convenient yet premium meal options. Emma Williams, Tesco’s Food to Go buying manager, noted, “This is the first time that we’ve ever put premium quality sushi in one of our meal deals and this has had a significant effect in making it more affordable and accessible for shoppers.”
Further supporting this trend, the retailer has partnered with restaurant group YO! to open more fresh sushi counters across its stores nationwide. The move aims to cater to the growing demand for sushi, providing fresh and diverse options to customers.
As the retailer adapts to these changing preferences, it is also modifying its Express store offerings by replacing 50 everyday items with more affordable alternatives, reflecting a strategic response to the current cost-of-living challenges. This shift underscores the evolving landscape of consumer purchasing behaviour amidst economic pressures.
Sushi’s ascendancy as the UK’s leading lunchtime option demonstrates a significant shift in consumer preferences towards more diverse and premium dining choices.
