michael simpson jones, chilled ready meals buyer, sainsbury
"The core trend has not really changed in the past two years  consumers are looking for good tasting, good value for money products. But base sales in the summer were considerably higher than last year's. This suggests customers are still looking for convenience, whatever the weather.
"What will change is the sheer volume of new lines launched as every retailer looks for the next lasagne or tikka masala.
"As the cost of launching a product increases, retailers and manufacturers have to be sure that the concept they are investing in will deliver the necessary returns."
healthy and premium
rachel basking, marketing manager, chilled ready meals, asda
"This year we have extended our range enormously at Asda and we are selling more. Our consumers buy ready meals once a week, and the major trends are towards healthy and premium - our Extra Special brand sells really well, particularly in the run up to Christmas. Next year we will see a lot of NPD.
"We switch the emphasis with promotions. At the moment we have a Winter Warmers range, but around July 4 people will buy more American meals and we tie this in with instore promotions. There are definite trends towards Thai and Mediterranean dishes."
the new eating out
martin sutherland, brand director, somerfield
"The chilled convenience sector is very important to Somerfield. Last year sales grew 30%, significantly outperforming the market (up 17%). Customer lifestyles have significantly changed in the last 10 years with increasing time pressures shaping today's eating habits to the extent that eating in is often quoted as the new eating out.
"Satisfaction of both customer needs and aspirations through a comprehensive, innovative and convenient chilled ready meals range offer is pivotal, securing loyalty and therefore underpinning long-term growth."
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"The core trend has not really changed in the past two years  consumers are looking for good tasting, good value for money products. But base sales in the summer were considerably higher than last year's. This suggests customers are still looking for convenience, whatever the weather.
"What will change is the sheer volume of new lines launched as every retailer looks for the next lasagne or tikka masala.
"As the cost of launching a product increases, retailers and manufacturers have to be sure that the concept they are investing in will deliver the necessary returns."
healthy and premium
rachel basking, marketing manager, chilled ready meals, asda
"This year we have extended our range enormously at Asda and we are selling more. Our consumers buy ready meals once a week, and the major trends are towards healthy and premium - our Extra Special brand sells really well, particularly in the run up to Christmas. Next year we will see a lot of NPD.
"We switch the emphasis with promotions. At the moment we have a Winter Warmers range, but around July 4 people will buy more American meals and we tie this in with instore promotions. There are definite trends towards Thai and Mediterranean dishes."
the new eating out
martin sutherland, brand director, somerfield
"The chilled convenience sector is very important to Somerfield. Last year sales grew 30%, significantly outperforming the market (up 17%). Customer lifestyles have significantly changed in the last 10 years with increasing time pressures shaping today's eating habits to the extent that eating in is often quoted as the new eating out.
"Satisfaction of both customer needs and aspirations through a comprehensive, innovative and convenient chilled ready meals range offer is pivotal, securing loyalty and therefore underpinning long-term growth."
{{FOCUS ON }}
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