As petrol and convenience retailers look to keep up with rapidly evolving consumer demands, the need for innovation and flexibility has never been more critical. The surge in demand for food-to-go options is particularly noteworthy, as busy consumers increasingly seek quick, high-quality meals that fit into their fast-paced lifestyles.
This shift has created a unique opportunity for P&C operators to diversify their offerings, but it also presents challenges around maintaining product quality while managing labour, operational costs, and energy efficiency.
The evolution of consumer preferences
The demand for fresh, ready-to-eat meals in P&C stores has never been higher. According to Janelle Frencham, Marketing Manager at Meris Food Equipment Experts, this shift is driven by consumer expectations for quality food offerings that rival those found in traditional foodservice settings.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for a wide variety of fresh, grab-and-go options – hot chips, burgers, and self-serve meals are all in demand,” Frencham explains.
As P&C stores seek to meet these needs, suppliers like Meris are offering automated, ventless cooking equipment that simplifies operations without compromising on quality.
Retailers can now offer food products like toasted sandwiches, pizza, and hot dogs, even in stores without the infrastructure for traditional kitchens. This is crucial for businesses that want to build a food-to-go offering but are limited by space, labour constraints, or capital expenditures. Frencham highlights that Meris provides not just the equipment, but a full solution, including menu development, packaging, and process support.
Hussmann Oceania, a global leader in refrigeration, has also witnessed a marked shift in consumer demand for products like fresh meals and chilled beverages. Nami Popat, Marketing and Communication Co-Ordinator at Hussmann, notes that sustainability has become an essential aspect of these offerings.
“We’re seeing more P&C stores investing in energy-efficient units with natural refrigerants like R290,” Popat says.
To meet this demand, Hussmann’s H2T range – designed for seamless hot and cold merchandising – maximises space while ensuring product freshness.
Technology is also enhancing food quality and operational efficiency. Automated cooking systems are increasingly sought after to deliver consistency with minimal human intervention. This is particularly important in the context of ongoing labour shortages, as automation allows stores to maintain high food quality with reduced staff.
Innovation as a driver of operational efficiency
As convenience retailers strive to offer better customer experiences, operational efficiency is a key priority. Tony Hall, Country Manager at HL Display, emphasises that retail success is increasingly about reducing labour costs while improving product presentation.
“Our merchandising solutions, like gravity feed roller shelves and pusher systems, help stores organise and display products efficiently. These solutions not only reduce labour but also ensure perfect product presentation, which drives sales,” he says.
By using these systems, retailers can significantly reduce replenishment times and minimise out-of-stock situations, enhancing customer satisfaction.
For example, SPOS Group’s FlexRoller Gravity Feed systems have been shown to increase sales by six per cent and save 1.5 hours of labour per day.
As Jason Smith, Commercial Director at SPOS, explains: “We’ve provided end-to-end solutions for over 40 years, and products like FlexRoller ensure that retailers can optimise space, maintain accurate stock levels, and reduce operational costs.”
Additionally, Hall from HL Display sees a growing trend towards “fast-moving” products, particularly in beverages, where customers are now expecting an expanded range of options. This shift is pushing retailers to adopt smarter solutions that streamline inventory management and display, leading to improved sales and customer engagement.
To meet the challenge of increasing competition, P&C stores must adapt by offering diverse product ranges and services that cater to both consumer demand and operational efficiencies. This includes embracing new technology that enhances customer experience and keeps operations smooth, such as smart digital displays and real-time stock management tools.
Embracing technology for the future
Technology is reshaping the P&C industry, with advancements in both merchandising and food service equipment. One major area of focus is the use of Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), which have been embraced by forward-thinking retailers like Aldi and Dan Murphy’s. Smith of SPOS Group believes that ESL technology will revolutionise pricing and stock management in P&C stores.
“With ESL, retailers can make up to 800 price changes per minute, ensuring that price integrity is maintained across all stores,” he says.
This technology not only helps reduce pricing errors but also enables real-time stock management, improving operational efficiency and customer experience.
Similarly, Hussmann has introduced innovations like the H2TH hot cabinet, which enhances the visibility and appeal of heated products in-store. Popat explains that the H2TH’s supermarket-style design, which includes features like video rails, makes it easier for customers to engage with the products, boosting impulse buys.
In addition, Hall from HL Display points out the potential impact of in-store digital technology, citing OTR as a leader in leveraging such tools. The company’s extensive use of digital screens inside and outside its stores has proven effective in enhancing brand communication and increasing in-store conversions.
For retailers looking to future-proof their businesses, investing in technology that integrates seamlessly with daily operations will be key. Whether it’s automation in food preparation or leveraging digital technology for in-store communication, these tools will enable P&C stores to keep pace with evolving customer expectations.
Meeting the evolving demands of P&C retailers
With increasing competition and the evolving needs of consumers, P&C retailers must continuously innovate and adapt. The key to success lies in staying agile and offering products and services that align with both consumer preferences and operational efficiencies.
As Hall suggests: “To stand out in a crowded market, P&C stores need to offer a variety of products and services that appeal to today’s shopper. Retailers should focus on creating destination stores, where customers can access more than just fuel.”
Meris Food Equipment’s Frencham echoes this sentiment, noting that retailers can differentiate themselves by offering food products that keep customers coming back.
“By investing in high-quality equipment that enables P&C operators to offer diverse, fresh food options, retailers can increase basket size, improve customer loyalty, and drive repeat business,” said Frencham.
Popat from Hussmann adds that sustainability will play a key role in the future of the P&C sector. Retailers must consider energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving profitability.
“We’re already seeing many P&C stores embrace energy-efficient refrigeration units, which help reduce energy consumption by up to 20 per cent. This is a critical step towards meeting sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.”
Sustainability and customer experience are now inextricably linked in the P&C sector. Retailers who prioritise both will be in a better position to build long-term customer loyalty while achieving operational success.
Preparing for future challenges and opportunities
Looking ahead, all the experts agree that the P&C sector will continue to grow, with food and beverage offerings playing a crucial role in this expansion. However, retailers must be mindful of the challenges ahead, particularly in areas like staffing, environmental impact, and meeting customer expectations.
Frencham from Meris notes that automation will become even more important in addressing the ongoing labour shortage.
“Products that require minimal human interaction, like automated cooking equipment, will be essential for ensuring that P&C stores can maintain high-quality food-to-go offers despite staffing challenges.”
Meanwhile, Popat from Hussmann and Smith from SPOS Group stress the importance of sustainability. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices increases, the P&C sector must adapt by offering solutions that support sustainability, from energy-efficient refrigeration units to reduced food waste and eco-friendly packaging.
As the industry looks to the future, the combination of innovative equipment, smart technology, and a commitment to sustainability will be the driving forces that shape the success of P&C retailers in Australia and beyond.
This article was written by Deb Jackson and originally published in the February/March issue of Convenience and Impulse Retailing Magazine.
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