Convenience & Carwash Canada January-February 2020 issue

8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY
Blueprint to Foodservice
MEATLESS MONDAYS
EVERY DAY
Meatless Mondays have expanded throughout the week and across every meal
occasion as more consumers incorporate plant-based proteins in their daily diet over
traditional animal proteins such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy – be it for food sensitivity
concerns, sustainable environmental reasons or animal welfare considerations.
By Meline Beach
The term is called “flextarians” and they account for nearly
20 per cent of the population – that’s 6.5 million Canadians
according to a survey conducted by Dalhousie University and
the University of Guelph as part of a 2018 study examining the
awareness of Canada’s Food Guide. There’s also another almost
three million Canadians who identify themselves as either
vegan or vegetarian.
While plant-based eating may be most common among
younger generations, industry indicates that this interest is not
a trend but a lifestyle change that is not exclusive to millennials.
If c-stores want to attract these consumers, they will need to be
nimble and adapt their foodservice offering
with more meatless proteins in order
to stay competitive.
Some c-stores have been offering a varied
foodservice program for quite some
time, while others have kept it limited to
roller dogs and pizza slices. Once upon a
time, plant-based products might have
been considered a risky purchase; however,
today, manufacturers have invested
significant resources to perfect the flavour
and texture of their product offering.
Sol Cuisine, a leading provider of plantbased
alternatives based in Toronto,
Ontario, has been offering natural vegan
foodservice products since 1980. While
the demand from consumers is exploding,
Sol Foods President Dror Balshine
states that growth in the category is based
mostly on branded frozen foods in c-stores and that the C&G
channel is underdeveloped when it comes to fresh plant-based
foodservice options.
“With the exception of our fresh organic tofu, our retail and
foodservice products are currently sold as frozen, packaged
goods,” says Balshine. “In order to be successful in this channel,
we must maintain our quality while incorporating simplified
preparation and increased convenience for the grab-and-go
Over the years, Rabba Fine Foods has expanded
its selection of plant-based alternatives. Today, the
banner offers meatless options across numerous
departments and product categories.
market with fresh plant-based proteins for time-starved consumers
with busier lifestyles.”
C-stores will need to think outside the freezer to grab the
attention and the appetite of consumers who prefer meatless
options on the go.
“Demand for meat alternatives is on the rise across the board
and is driving category growth,” says Rima Rabba, marketing
manager at Rabba Fine Foods. “Even meat eaters are looking
for a healthier, eco-friendly, tasteful option. We work hard to
ensure that our customers can enjoy vegan and plant-based
options across all departments in our markets.”
CREDIT: NDP GROUP
Alternative Proteins
The food industry has taken note of the
increased interest and consumption
habits in vegetarian foods, and has
dozens of plant-based products in the
last couple of years. Some plant-based
products are “meat copies” in creating
a sensory attribute of popular animalbased
meat products, while others stay
true to their natural ingredients, for
example, soy, beets, beans and peas.
Rabba Fine Foods offers a wide assortment
of plant-based proteins, including
dips, soups, meat alternatives and desserts.
Its frozen meat alternatives include
Morning Star burgers that range in ingredients
from chickpeas to black beans and
veggies. Its fresh options are available in
the produce section and include the Yves line – mock meats
made from soy protein. Fresh, made-in-store falafel balls are a
customer favourite and consumed in a sandwich or on its own,
with Rabba’s hummus.
Meatless options are also available at Mr. Sub Express locations
in the C&G channel across Canada – the majority of
which are located in Ontario. These include mighty meatless
subs, tex-mex black bean bites and gardein meatless meatballs.