According to the PMR report “Food To Go Market in Poland 2022”, the market offering ready-to-go sandwiches is expected to grow by 6.9% annually until 2027. Bakeries that diversify their offerings can expect increased customer interest in takeaway sandwiches. How can they do this?
Check out the key sandwich trends. If you want to learn more, sign up for our newsletter. You’ll receive a presentation full of inspiration and proven insights on developing your sandwich offerings!
Is It Worth Selling Sandwiches in a Bakery?
More and more bakeries are offering not only bread but also ready-made sandwiches. Introducing a Food To Go (FTG) range is a step in the right direction, as the market for such products is expected to grow steadily. This is supported by data from the Europe Sandwiches Market 2023-2027 report, conducted by TechNavio in December 2022.
According to experts, the sandwich market in Europe is projected to grow by $5.16 billion between 2022 and 2027. Ready-to-go sandwiches are becoming an increasingly popular category of food products chosen by consumers. Why? They offer a more affordable alternative to dining out and are an excellent option during economic downturns. Customers still want to “treat themselves” with food outside the home but are looking for lower-priced offerings.
Who Buys Ready-to-Go Sandwiches?
The demand for ready-made sandwiches is primarily observed among adults and professionally active consumers. According to the MealTrak’s Continuous Food to Go and Eating Out of Home Top Line Summary report from January 2023, customers for these products are mainly individuals aged between 25 and 34. However, year-on-year growth in takeaway sandwich sales has also been recorded in age categories such as 18–34 and 45–54 years.
What makes consumers increasingly reach for ready-made sandwiches – both freshly prepared and pre-packaged? Among the main reasons for the growth of the FTG market are changes in eating habits due to advancing urbanization. Fast-paced lifestyles, long commutes, and late starts to work make cooking either impossible or burdensome.
Looking for an affordable alternative to daily cooking, sandwiches are both cost-effective and ready to consume, which proves essential during work meals. This category of takeaway food is also generally easy to digest, making it the ideal meal during professional activities.
The Sandwiches of the Future – Vegan Alternatives
Is it worth introducing ready-to-go vegan sandwiches – without animal ingredients such as meat, dairy, and eggs – into your offering? Absolutely! Research shows that 65% of Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2007) and millennials (born in the 1980s and 1990s) consider plant-based food attractive.
Already, 13% of ready-to-go sandwich consumers, particularly those aged 25–34, identify as vegan. It is estimated that within just a decade, the number of people interested in plant-based diets in Europe could rise to 75%.
A common trend worldwide is the search for vegan alternatives to meat and fish. Experts predict that 2023 will see further growth in this product category, including within the FTG (Food To Go) segment.
Until now, vegan sandwiches were typically served with just vegetables, spreads, or patties made from beets or beans. That’s about to change. The growing number of vegan consumers is pushing the market to find solutions that can mimic meat in terms of texture, appearance, taste, and even smell. Companies like Frosta have already introduced such offerings, including vegan schnitzels, plant-based fish fillets, and plant-based meatballs.
Spicy and Exciting – Asian and Cajun Style Sandwiches
It’s easy to see that not only the Polish but also the European food market has been taken over in recent years by flavors inspired by exotic cuisines. Asian-inspired and Cajun-style sandwiches are currently trendy and popular among Polish consumers. Why? Poles enjoy intense flavors and spiciness, as well as the thrill of trying something new.
This aspect is particularly key for Generation Z and millennials, for whom such experiences spark curiosity and shape new, personalized habits.
What Asian or Cajun-style sandwiches should bakeries introduce? A good idea is not to rely entirely on original Asian recipes. Instead, it’s better to combine traditional Polish bread or fillings with sauces inspired by the Far East or the spiciness of Cajun cuisine. Companies like Develey already offer such products in their range, including Mango Relish, Teriyaki Glace, and Sriracha sauce.
Which bread to choose for ready-made sandwiches?
Sandwiches in any style — to win over customers and earn their trust — should be made with reliable, flavorful bread that delivers consistent taste. That’s exactly what we offer at Credin!
For ready-made sandwiches, we recommend:
- Chleb Ślężański – perfect for making ciabattas and focaccias.
- Victor – ideal for bagels.
- Igloo – great for school-style rolls.
- Czystoziarnisty – excellent for mini burgers.
- ProVito – suitable for baking Finnish-style buns.
- Potato Bread – CL– ideal for demi-baguettes.
We’ve covered only two of the key sandwich trends. Want to learn about seven more and get access to ready-made recipes for the trendiest sandwiches? Sign up for our newsletter and receive an inspiring presentation!
Sources:
Raport Europe Sandwiches Market 2023–2027, TechNavio, grudzień 2022 r.
Raport PMR Handel produktami Food To Go w Polsce 2022. Analiza rynku i prognozy rozwoju na lata 2022–2027, marzec 2022 r.
Raport MealTrak’s Continuous Food to Go and Eating out of Home Top Line Summary, styczeń 2023.
