CHICAGO -- Hamburgers have been and are still the preferred sandwich ordered at restaurants and other foodservice outlets, but an increasing number of consumers are choosing breaded chicken sandwiches, reported The NPD Group.
Servings of breaded chicken sandwiches have grown an average of 3% over the last four years, and in the year ending July 2014, consumers ordered 2.4 billion breaded chicken sandwiches at U.S. restaurants and commercial foodservice outlets.
As far as breading types, units of whole grain breaded chicken shipped from foodservice distributors to restaurants and other outlets increased by triple digits, NPD's SupplyTrack found.
Midscale/family dining restaurant customers showed their affection for breaded chicken sandwiches by ordering 4% more this year than last. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) realized a 3% increase in servings in the year ending July 2014 versus last year, and independent restaurants grew servings by 2%.
Non-commercial foodservice, like hospitals, school, and workplace cafeterias, served 5% more breaded chicken sandwiches in the period.
"Among the factors driving the increase in breaded chicken sandwich orders from a consumer standpoint is the perception of chicken, breaded or not, being a better-for-you option and the availability of new types of breading, like whole grain," said Annie Roberts, vice president, NPD SupplyTrack. "On the operations end, chicken and chicken sandwich restaurant concepts have expanded units and more restaurants and non-commercial foodservice outlets, like schools and hospitals, are serving breaded chicken sandwiches."
Although breaded chicken sandwiches have caught the eye of foodservice consumers, burgers still rule; the category is still at the top and growing, with consumers ordering nine billion servings at foodservice outlets in the year ending July 2014 period, a 3% increase over last year.
From the supply end of the equation, units and pounds of ground beef patties shipped from distributors to foodservice outlets increased by 1%, according to NPD's SupplyTrack.
"Whether it's breaded chicken sandwiches or burgers, these are huge categories that foodservice distributors, manufacturers and operators can look at in a variety of different ways," said Roberts. "However, a key aspect of identifying growth opportunities with these categories is understanding consumer demand."
The NPD Group, Chicago, provides global information and advisory services in sectors including automotive, beauty, consumer electronics, entertainment, fashion, food and foodservice, home, luxury, mobile, office supplies, sports, technology, toys and video games.
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