Sushi has become the UK’s fastest growing lunchtime choice, overtaking traditional options.
- The popular rice dish has replaced smoked salmon sandwiches at Britain’s largest retailer.
- Since introducing a premium meal deal, sushi sales at Tesco increased by 90%.
- The meal deal features a variety of options, including sushi boxes and poke bowls.
- Tesco’s sales have led to an increase of 30 million packs sold annually.
Sushi’s rise as the UK’s preferred lunchtime meal marks a significant shift in consumer preferences, especially at Tesco, the nation’s largest retailer. The once-traditional sandwich has been supplanted by the popular Japanese rice dish, reflecting changing tastes among British consumers.
In a strategic move, Tesco launched a premium Clubcard Meal Deal for £5, featuring a main, a drink, and a snack, which has been pivotal in boosting sushi sales by 90% since the start of the year. This deal includes diverse options like sushi boxes, poke bowls, and other Asian-inspired dishes such as gyozas and bao buns, making sushi more accessible and affordable for the everyday consumer.
The overwhelming demand has driven Tesco to sell 30 million sushi packs annually, offering products from well-known brands such as Itsu, YO! Sushi, and Pollen & Grace, alongside Tesco’s own premium selections. Emma Williams, Tesco Food to Go buying manager, noted the significant impact of including premium quality sushi in their meal deals, attributing the surge in popularity to the dish becoming more affordable and accessible.
Furthermore, the trend has spurred expansion, with restaurant group YO! establishing additional fresh sushi counters in Tesco stores across the UK, highlighting the dish’s growing appeal.
Williams remarked, “Sushi has never been more popular, and for a salmon poke bowl to overtake our previous top-selling premium lunchtime staple, the smoked salmon sandwich, really underlines that.” In tandem with these developments, Tesco is also revamping its Express store offerings, replacing 50 everyday items with cheaper alternatives amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The rise of sushi as a lunchtime favourite at Tesco demonstrates a remarkable change in consumer habits in the UK.
