Retail Foodservice Roundup: Grocery meal solutions, GLP-1 impact, 7-Eleven back to school

Sprouts sees opportunity in meal solutions 

Sprouts Farmers Market, the health-focused grocery chain, had a bit of a rough second quarter, with same-store sales down 1% as it deals with a “cautious consumer environment.” 

But the Phoenix-based chain of nearly 500 stores said it sees some green shoots in the form of prepared meals—especially for shoppers who are looking for value.  

The grocer added $29.99 family meals and a range of fresh-made salads for less than $9.  

“So we see really strong momentum in our healthy meal solutions, and we’re continuing to increase that offering with the health-driven, attribute-driven meals,” President and COO Nicholas Konat told analysts late last month. 

The impact (and opportunity) of weight-loss drugs 

Research firm Numerator is out with its latest quarterly update on the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and grocery spending, and the numbers are shocking.  

Twenty-two percent of households now report having a current GLP-1 user—that is double the number from October 2023.  

Numerator found that these consumers are spending about 4% less than non-GLP-1 users at the grocery store and that they are increasingly filling their carts with foods containing protein, fiber, better-for-you snacks and other nutrient-dense foods. 

Products (and retail product assortments) catering to GLP-1 users stand out as a significant opportunity for manufacturers and grocers alike.  

Hit up 7-Eleven before school?

A trip to c-store giant 7-Eleven may not be a traditional back-to-school ritual, but the convenience retailer wants consumers to make it a habit.  

The company this week added a line-up of breakfast deals and all-day discounts timed to back-to-school season.  

Among the specials are: $3 Sausage Biscuit with a side of Hash Browns, 2 for $5 Chicken Biscuits, 2 for $7 Sausage Egg and Cheese Biscuits, and buy-one-get-one Grilled Breakfast Wraps. The retailer is also selling $1 Glazed Donuts and $3 Quesadillas all day at its Laredo Taco Company locations.