Sushi becoming a must-have for retailers

Sushi has been an increasingly common sight for people as the famous Asian dish left restaurants to conquer stores as a popular grab-and-eat product. The latest data reveal grocery-store sushi sales have increased 27% in last four years.

The past few years have seen a surge of sushi dishes sold at stores for take-away eating, with $705 million in sales over the past year in the US market, according to data compiled by Fortune.

The apparent freshness of the dish and the advantages of its easy-to-eat feature have boosted its presence in the market, making it a perfect alternative to boxed sandwiches or packed salads.

Although only 0.1% of boxed-sushi in the US was purchased at a gas station, it is an increasingly attractive option for drivers and a profitable food product for retailers. As the concept of “freshness” gains more importance, sushi becomes an ideal choice for both, consumer and operator. 

There are challenges when it comes to offering sushi at gas stations, such as offering freshly-made rolls or battling people´s distrust when it comes to consuming such a delicate item in a service station.