LAS VEGAS — In the realm of foodservice, no market may have performed better through the pandemic than pizza, given its portability, customizability and ease of delivery. According to The NPD Group, Q2 2021 closed with 1.2 billion servings of pizza ordered, a 4% increase over the same quarter last year.
But pizza is not the only foodservice sector seeing growth following the lockdowns in 2020. Quick-serve restaurant (QSR) operators have enjoyed a steady comeback for many of the same reasons. QSR sales reached pre-pandemic levels around the March-April mark this year, according to Market Watch, and Research and Markets projected the global QSR market to experience a 5.1% CAGR by 2026.
Looking at the combined trends reveals a host of opportunities for baking companies such as Northbrook, IL-based Highland Baking, a first-time exhibitor at Pizza Expo 2021, which took place Aug. 17-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
From small, regional or independent operators to larger chains, many QSR pizza establishments also serve sandwiches. For many of them, the need is growing to keep the items on the menu.