Spar is trialling an innovative new foodservice concept, Daily Deli, that could soon roll out to stores across the UK.

Since 26 February, the symbol group has been trialling the foodservice offer at Spar Glenwell in Belfast.

The Daily Deli range, which is available all day, includes fresh salad products, sandwiches, baguettes and accompaniments, and at the trial store also includes the installation of a serving counter.

Spar’s branded lunchtime range will be rebranded Daily Deli in the store and the nutritional content will be clearly labelled on the packaging.

Six different Daily Deli opportunities will be available to Spar retailers if the trial is successful. These will range from an entry-level offer comprising a self-service counter selling sandwiches, baguettes, chilled snacks and coffee, to a complete Daily Deli offer including a served counter selling hot meals, as well as a self-service option on the shop floor with sandwiches, baguettes, wraps, croissants and more.

Debbie Robinson, Spar UK managing director, said: “Daily Deli is Spar’s answer to widening our presence in foodservice and giving our retailers more of an opportunity to offer foodservice in stores.

“Foodservice is an area of increased focus within the convenience channel, as the two sectors continue to merge. This year we are adapting to make the most of the trend for ‘foodvenience’. Many of our Spar stores already offer great franchise partnerships with Subway, Costa Coffee, Insomnia, Starbucks, Greggs or indeed have created their own like Eat17 and the Cheeky Coffee Co. We are building on these collaborations and creating something new in-store for our customers to enjoy.”

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