Budgens tests takeaway service as part of ‘fresh food’ repositioning
Budgens is launching a takeaway service, which may be rolled out in its stores nationwide.
The service, which will be launched this week at the company’s Soham store, will offer Indian, Chinese and pasta dishes as well as a rotisserie section. If successful it will be extended to other Budgens stores next year.
Budgens is also launching a food range called Meals in Minutes, which includes both ready-made and easy to prepare dishes. It will feature desserts and pre-packed vegetables, such as asparagus, baby corn and mangetout.
The developments are part of the plan outlined by Budgens chief executive Martin Hyson earlier this year to put more emphasis on fresh food, which now accounts for 37 per cent of the company’s sales.
He has ditched the group’s home-delivery Internet sales operation and introduced 280 own-branded lines.
Budgens marketing director Stephanie Rice says the plan, which includes new fixtures, display units and in-store signage, takes Budgens to “another level”.
She adds: “The driving force behind the idea is stress-free cooking, and if Budgens had a motto it would be ‘fresh, easy shopping at Budgens’. It has all the ease and convenience of a local store, but with the quality and freshness of a superstore.”
Budgens has announced it is teaming up with Teleflorist to offer an online flower delivery service.
