Supermarket deli sales have been on the rise for the last decade. The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), Madison, Wis., reports delis accounted for $13 billion in 2000, an amount 6.1% up from 1999, and well over $8.56 billion reported for 1992. These increases only hint of the market's potential, as a recent Technomics Inc., Chicago, report predicted supermarket foodservice sales will reach $18.4 billion by 2005.
Found in roughly 81% of the nation's supermarkets, over 25,000 delis contribute about 47.4% to gross margin, according to Carol Christonson, executive director of the IDDBA. While most of these would say they offer “prepared meals,” the definitions vary. To some, a prepared meal is a complete meal, while others believe salads and side dishes meet the “prepared” criteria.