Burgers have always been a hit with consumers, so the level of innovation is greater than that seen in other categories. That being said, traditional burgers are still extremely sought-after, even if products that hold a healthier claim, either made from peas or other plant-based varieties, are starting to make their way either through shelves or even menus.
The global packaged burgers market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2020 to 2027, while frozen packaged burgers held the largest share of more than 80.0%, according to an IMARC report. Among the frozen fast foods, burgers are the second most favored after frozen pizza. The frozen products have gained remarkable popularity owing to their longer shelf life. These products usually can last for six to eight months in the freezer.
Meat-based products such as beef and turkey burgers are the most common options of frozen products. However, with the increasing demand for vegan products, the plant-based frozen packaged burger is gaining shelf space over the years. Furthermore, the advancement of retail channels, such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, has been fueling the growth of frozen products. Increased availability of frozen products with better-for-you ingredients has boosted the demand for the products. Companies have been offering frozen products that address the specific dietary requirements, such as high in protein, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, in order to expand their consumer base.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest share of more than 50.0% in 2019. The availability of a wide array of products discounted prices, and convenience of getting everything at one place are the key factors driving the product sales through this distribution channel across the world. As a result, producers in the packaged burger industry have been focusing on retail expansion by selling their foods through nationwide supermarket and hypermarket chains. On the other hand, the online distribution channel is expected to witness the fastest growth during forecast years with a CAGR of 9.0% from 2020 to 2027.
The Good Food Institute argues that food manufacturers ranging from startups to leading CPG companies to the world’s largest meat companies are innovating rapidly in the plant-based market. „Next-generation plant-based meat, egg, and dairy products are increasingly competitive with animal products on taste, price, and accessibility. Distribution is expanding, and a growing number of mainstream consumers are buying plant-based options. In the US, 98% of people who buy plant-based meat also purchase conventional meat,” the GFI says. A sizable and rapidly-growing category, the plant-based meat market is worth USD1.4bn. The category increased by more than USD430m in sales from 2019 to 2020, according to GFI data.
Even in fast-food outlets, where tradition does still seem to hold the advantage, plant-based options are making their way. In November, McDonald’s US has began conducting an operations test of the McPlant, a new plant-based burger, for a limited time in eight select restaurants across the US. The McPlant includes a plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat that’s exclusive to McDonald’s and made from plant-based ingredients like peas, rice, and potatoes. The patty is served on a sesame seed bun with tomato, lettuce, pickles, onions, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and a slice of American cheese. “It has the iconic taste of a McDonald’s burger, because it is one,” the company argues. The McPlant has already been introduced in various markets this year, including Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and most recently the UK. The fast-food chain conducted similar limited-time offers with menu items.
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