Why are convenience stores strengthening their frozen foods? Behind the scenes of strengthening our product lineup

Do you know why convenience stores are focusing more on selling frozen foods?

Frozen foods can be easily eaten by simply thawing them. Thanks to advances in freezing technology, the number of delicious frozen foods has increased dramatically. Their convenience is an indispensable part of the lives of today's busy working people, and they are supported by many people.
In particular, convenience stores are increasingly offering frozen foods, but what is the background to this? In this article, we will explain the background to convenience stores strengthening their frozen product lineups and the frozen food strategies of major convenience stores.

Background why convenience stores are increasing their frozen food offerings

Convenience stores are increasing their handling of frozen foods due to changes in daily consumer needs and strategic business needs. In recent years, the number of people eating meals at home has increased, and as a result, the demand for pre-cooked frozen foods has increased rapidly.

In particular, as people are refraining from eating out due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, frozen foods, which allow people to enjoy delicious meals without much effort, are attracting attention.

Reasons why convenience store companies are strengthening frozen food products

There are two major factors behind convenience stores increasing their handling of frozen foods.

The first is that consumer behavior has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Demand for pre-prepared frozen meals and carbohydrate-based products has soared as many people avoid eating out in favor of eating at home.

The second is advances in refrigeration technology. Thanks to recent technological innovations, frozen foods can now be provided even more deliciously while maintaining their freshness and nutritional value.

Advances in freezing technology have made it possible to recreate the flavors created by professional chefs, which was previously difficult. For example, frozen foods made in collaboration with professional chefs are popular because they are easy to make and offer authentic taste.

Convenience store strategy for expanding frozen food sales

Each convenience store company is developing its own strategies in anticipation of the expansion of the frozen food market. Each company is working to meet consumer needs while also focusing on reducing food waste.

For example, 7-Eleven and Lawson are strengthening their own brand frozen foods and expanding their lineups.

On the other hand, FamilyMart specializes in pre-cooked frozen foods and is focusing on developing products that save consumers time. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the company is promoting the provision of frozen lunch boxes in order to improve the efficiency of logistics.

Specific enhancements for convenience store frozen foods

At 7-Eleven, sales of frozen foods in the first half of 2023 increased by 1.5 times compared to 2019. As demand for frozen foods continues to grow, convenience stores are focusing on increasing sales of frozen foods.

The current situation is that each convenience store company is trying to differentiate itself through its own enhancements. Here, we will explain how three major convenience store companies are strengthening their frozen food offerings.

Lawson is particular about snacks and sweets

Lawson plans to increase the selection of frozen foods at each store in Japan.

This includes a total of 12 products, including frozen sweets that can be enjoyed immediately without thawing, rice and noodles that can be heated in the microwave in their containers, sashimi that does not require cutting, raw horse meat, and frozen bread. .

Furthermore, as a first for a convenience store, we have started experimental sales of frozen rice balls from August to November 2023. This is a measure aimed at improving delivery efficiency.

By keeping products frozen from the factory to the store, you have more flexibility in the timing and frequency of deliveries. Lawson is characterized by its use of freezing technology to achieve both deliciousness and efficiency.

Behind these efforts is the fact that people are increasingly avoiding going out due to the effects of the new coronavirus, and there is a growing interest in buying in bulk on a single visit and in frozen foods that can be stored for long periods of time.

Additionally, the increase in remote work has been one of the factors that has increased demand for frozen foods that can be easily eaten at home.

Lawson also believes that the lifestyles that have become established due to the coronavirus will continue. During fiscal 2021, we reviewed the product placement at approximately 800 stores and increased the number of products handled to approximately 110 types.

Lawson will continue to expand its lineup of frozen foods, with the goal of increasing sales by five times (compared to 2020) by 2025.

7-Eleven has a wide variety of collaboration products with famous restaurants.

7-Eleven stands out from other convenience stores with its frozen food lineup. In particular, a big feature is that there are many collaboration products with famous restaurants.

For example, the popular ``Kin no Margherita'' is made in collaboration with the chef of Nakameguro's pizza specialty restaurant ``da ISA'' and has a reputation for being of very high quality.

In addition, ``Ippudo Tom Yum Kung Tonkotsu Noodles'' and ``Golden Crab Tomato Cream'' are other high-quality collaboration products. All collaboration products use 7-Eleven's proprietary freezing technology to maintain the quality that you can enjoy eating out, so you can easily enjoy them at home.

In the first half of 2023, sales amount has increased by approximately 1.5 times compared to the first half of 2019.

From October 2023, we are working to further strengthen our business by introducing a new frozen hot pot product, ``EASE UP Hot Pot Simmering Meat Udon,'' jointly developed with Ito-Yokado.

FamilyMart stands out as a one-meal store

FamilyMart is characterized by its emphasis on plate-shaped "one-meal" products that include rice and side dishes.

Products with a well-balanced main dish and side dish are gaining popularity among consumers who are looking to save time. The appeal is that you can expand the variety of your menu while saving the time and effort of cooking.

``Famimaru PREMIUM,'' a derivative brand of the company's PB brand ``Famimaru,'' is characterized by product development that focuses on ingredients and manufacturing methods, and also has a lineup of frozen foods.

This movement can be said to be in line with the recent trend toward higher quality frozen foods.

Market size and sales of convenience store frozen foods

The frozen food market continues to expand, and convenience store sales are attracting attention.

Which frozen foods are actually the best sellers at convenience stores? Here, we will explain the best-selling frozen foods of three convenience store companies and a comparison of their market size with supermarkets.

Frozen food sales ranking of three convenience stores

Based on Felica Networks' ID receipt data, we will introduce the frozen food sales rankings of three major companies in the spring of 2023.

Seven-Eleven's frozen food sales rankings are as follows.

1. Seven Premium Takoyaki 6 pieces

1. Katokichi SIP Sanuki Udon 2 servings 400g

3. Ajinomoto 7 Premium Fried Gyoza 5 pieces

4. Seven Premium Grilled Beef Hormone Bag 100g

5. Seven Premium Gold Gold Bolognese 1 serving

Reference: [2023 Latest Edition] Top 30 Popular Frozen Foods at Convenience Stores ~ 7-Eleven Edition ~ | ID Receipt BI Tool | FeliCa Networks

FamilyMart's frozen food sales rankings are as follows.

1. Nissin Foods FM Dandan noodles with chewy texture and no soup

2.FamilyMart Mama Shokudo Menya Kokoro Taiwan Mazesoba Bag 340g

3.FamilyMart You can eat 1/3 day's worth of vegetables! Gomoku Ankake Yakisoba bag 390g

4. Nichirei FM fried chicken 160g

5.Table Mark FamilyMart Commitment to Kosi! 2 servings of udon 200gx2

Reference: [2023 Latest Edition] Top 30 Popular Frozen Foods at Convenience Stores ~FamilyMart Edition~ | ID Receipt BI Tool | FeliCa Networks

Lawson's frozen food sales rankings are as follows:

1. Hashed potatoes

2. Kinrei Tenkaichippin supervised ramen 1 serving

3. Lawson L marche (El Marche) 6 pieces of melty takoyaki

4. Lawson Tandan noodles with rich sesame soup 1 serving

5.Lawson L marche Juicy fried dumplings

5. Lawson cacao-scented gateau chocolate

5.Lawson Shrimp Pilaf 1 bag

Reference: [2023 Latest Edition] Top 30 Popular Frozen Foods at Convenience Stores ~Lawson Edition~ | ID Receipt BI Tool | FeliCa Networks

The rankings show that prepared foods and noodles are popular among all companies, and that products that can be eaten immediately on the spot are popular. In developing frozen foods for convenience stores like this, rapid freezing technology is essential to realize the high-quality products that each company is making. Among them, we would like to recommend the "Art Lock Freezer", which is highly versatile for freezing all kinds of ingredients, and has the strength of being able to freeze whole, freshly cooked dishes while they are still hot.

This system is well suited to businesses that handle a wide variety of frozen foods, such as convenience stores, so please consider it when installing rapid freezer.

Comparing supermarket and convenience store frozen food sales

According to the Japan Frozen Foods Association's "Survey on the Usage of Frozen Foods" conducted in February 2023, over 90% of both men and women answered that they buy frozen foods from supermarkets. did.

On the other hand, 25.3% of men and 15.1% of women said they "purchase frozen foods at convenience stores." Additionally, the younger the generation, the more likely they are to purchase frozen foods at convenience stores.

Looking at it this way, it can be said that convenience store frozen foods still have the potential to increase sales compared to supermarkets.

Responding to customer needs and the potential of frozen foods

In addition to meeting customer needs, convenience store frozen foods have potential in other factors as well. Here, we will introduce the advantages of handling frozen foods at convenience stores.

Demand for convenient frozen foods, such as reheating and reducing cooking time

With the increase in the number of working couples and single people, frozen foods are becoming increasingly popular as they can reduce the amount of time it takes to make daily meals.

Products that can be easily eaten in the microwave and frozen fruits that can be eaten immediately are also in high demand.

It is important not only to shorten the cooking time, but also to maintain the taste and nutrition. There is a need to develop frozen foods that balance convenience and quality.

Responding to the 2024 problem by improving logistics efficiency

From April 2024, a cap of 960 hours of overtime for truck drivers will be introduced.

With the introduction of this system, the working hours of truck drivers will be shortened, increasing the possibility that there will be a shortage of transportation capacity in the logistics industry.

​Daily delivery products with short expiration dates, which are mainly handled by convenience stores, have to be delivered frequently and place a heavy burden on logistics, so there are concerns that even if they want to transport them in the future, they may not be able to transport them due to a lack of drivers.

Due to the nature of frozen foods, there is no need to rely on logistics as often as with daily delivery items. Once delivered to the store, it has a long shelf life, so there is no need to replenish it frequently.

In other words, it is said that it is important to increase the proportion of frozen goods, as this will reduce the frequency of logistics and significantly mitigate the impact of a shortage of transportation capacity in the logistics industry.

What is rapid freezer necessary for producing high-quality frozen foods?

As we have introduced so far, frozen foods have many benefits for both consumers and the companies that sell them, and are attracting more and more attention.

In addition, advances in freezing technology have made it possible to freeze foods that could not previously be frozen.

Among them, the ``Art Lock Freezer'' uses flash freezing technology that fills the refrigerator with microscopic cold air, so it does not damage food. It prevents damage such as drying, discoloration, and drops, and allows freezing while maintaining the fresh taste and appearance.

By using rapid freezer, you can not only meet customers' demands for food diversification, but also reduce waste loss.

Conclusion

In recent years, convenience stores have been focusing on frozen foods, and there is great potential to continue expanding sales of frozen foods at convenience stores in the future. By utilizing the latest freezing and thawing technology, we will be able to further meet customer needs.

In particular, by incorporating Artlock freezers, it is possible to provide high quality frozen foods.

Artlock Freezer is equipped with a unique technology that rapid freezing food evenly, which prevents the formation of large ice crystals that cause drips during freezing.

This technology allows frozen foods to be served in a delicious state without dripping even after thawing. If you are considering expanding your frozen food sales area, please consider installing an Artlock freezer.