Breakfast is a key period for pork products in the out-of-home market. Some 39.4% of all pork servings take place at breakfast time and in some channels this is much higher; 57.3% of pork servings take place at breakfast in the travel and leisure sector and 49.5% in full service (including cafés/bistros).

However, latest figures from NPD Crest suggest that consumers eating breakfast on the move, particularly in the travel and leisure sector, are looking for easy-to-eat handheld breakfast items such as breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, muffins and pancakes, all of which are in growth.

BPEX foodservice trade sector manager, Tony Goodger, said: “When time is of the essence, many consumers forgo breakfast at home and eat meals on-the-run or perhaps in a workplace café or coffee shop instead. That’s why it’s important that caterers don’t just limit themselves to traditional breakfast options.

“Pork based products are ideal for this type of eating occasion, but more innovation is needed to appeal to time-poor customers. With breakfast sandwiches increasing in popularity, handheld breakfast burritos and breakfast wraps are ideal for those looking for a filling, nutritious start to the day.

“Mid-week, many people will be looking for snacks they can eat on-the-go or at their desk at lunchtime, so it makes sense to serve dishes that can be packaged and easily eaten. Cuisines such as Mexican, Asian and South American continue to dominate the market and are becoming increasingly popular with consumers looking to try something new. Introducing dishes such as BBQ pulled pork baps and Mexican pork fajitas or quesadillas will attract customers and increase menu appeal.”