Dream Dinners Case Study: addressing consumer convenience and health demands with the meal preparation store concept

Publication Date	July 2009
Publisher	Datamonitor
Product Type	Report
Pages	11
ISBN Number	not applicable
Product Code	DAT15173

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Summary

Introduction

This case study on Dream Dinners forms part of Datamonitor's case studies series, which explores business practices across a variety of disciplines and business sectors. It looks at how the meal preparatioon business has grown quickly by addressing health and convenience demands.

Reasons to Purchase

Gain insight into the methods used by important industry players to give them a competitive edge
Identify specific areas for operational improvements
Capitalize on the knowledge of experienced companies when entering a new niche or market

Content

DATAMONITOR VIEW
CATALYST
SUMMARY
ANALYSIS
Meal preparation stores rode high on the convenience trend, but the recession is slowing the sector's progress
The meal preparation concept capitalizes on a demand for easy and healthy home-style food
The recession has halted the high growth of the sector, with many meal preparation franchises closing down
However, the concept could be marketed as an economical and convenient alternative to eating out
Dream Dinners has grown quickly and has utilized customer bonding strategies to help it weather the downturn
Dream Dinners was the original meal preparation business and now has franchises across the US
The company focuses on providing wide-ranging healthy meal options for families
The company has outlived many rivals by developing a bond with consumers
The Taste of Dream Dinners option encourages new users to sample its services in a social atmosphere
The Dream Rewards program offers discounts for repeat visits and high volume purchases
Dream Dinners is addressing new challenges by expanding its concept to include ready-made meals for collection
A delivery option could offer consumers more choices
Company-subsidized sessions offer another new avenue that the company wants to expand on
Conclusions: offering variety, value and convenience provides a successful formula for running a meal preparation store business
APPENDIX
- Case study series
- Methodology
- Secondary sources
- Further reading
- Ask the analyst
- Datamonitor consulting
- Disclaimer
- Table 1: The five largest meal preparation businesses in the US, May 2009
- Table 2: Dream Dinners offers a wide-ranging and changing monthly menu for customers to choose from
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Cooking at home from scratch is an irregular occurrence for many US consumers
- Figure 2: Over half of US consumers are eating out less often due to the recession
- Figure 3: Dream Dinners is the largest meal preparation store business in the US
- Figure 4: Dream Dinners encourages repeat visits through its rewards program