Destination Deli

Mix-and-match meal preparation, changing employment patterns, and a surge in at-home entertaining are among the factors creating deli department sales opportunities.

Consumers in nine out of 10 U.S. households buy deli prepared foods. Two-thirds of consumers buy deli salads, about half purchase prepared meats, and one-third buy entrées or side dishes in the deli department, according to data from market research firm Circana (formerly IRI and NPD Group) and the International Dairy Deli Bakery As…