What could possibly be trendy about rotisserie chickens, the longstanding staple of supermarket grab-and-go convenience? And why are we talking about it in a produce magazine?
Consider the possibilities.
Every generation we study, from millennials to boomers, places a high value on convenience, especially when it comes to grocery shopping.
What’s more convenient than a main course, hot and ready-to-eat?
More than 2.2 billion deli-prepared chickens were sold in the U.S. in the 52 weeks ending Sept. 3, according to IRI data, and 230 million of those were classified as rotisserie.
61 million of those were sold at Costco alone
“They’re probably the best value in the entire warehouse at $4.99 for a 3-lb. minimum bird,” says Frank Padilla, vice president, general manager, for produce and meat for Costco Wholesale, Issaquah, Wash. “It’s our signature item in the service deli and similar to our award winning hot dog and soda for $1.50, we won’t be changing them any time soon.”
Padilla says Costco leaves no bird uneaten.
Chickens are held warm for a maximum of two hours, which Costco believes is the peak time for moisture and flavor.
After that? Birds are harvested for chicken strips, chicken alfredo, quarter chicken dinner kits, chicken salad, chicken tamale bake, chicken enchiladas and chicken noodle soup.
Here's where the trend comes in.
Have you heard of "bone broth?"
It's also closely-related to one of the trendiest kitchen gadgets out there right now, the 'Instant Pot' counter top pressure cooker.
Instant Pot was the No. 1 item on Amazon Prime day, the No. 1 wedding gift item on Amazon, and the Instant Pot cookbook is the No. 1 selling book on Amazon.
But, what does this have to do with
PRODUCE?
Bone broth is simple:
- Leftover chicken bones (rotisserie is great for this)
- Onions
- Celery
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Sometimes, recipes also call for vinegar
Incremental sales. Delicious home-made food, and a way to get the most out of a rotisserie chicken purchase.
Win-win.
