Popularised by the 4th Earl of Sandwich, his namesake has been a staple in British cuisine since the 18th century. So why are we talking about sandwiches? The answer is simple: there has been a rise in both the versatility and overall consumption of this classic food in recent years.
With the popularity of sandwich shops such as Subway and Pret a Manger, many people are eager to infuse new ideas into the sandwich industry. With National Sandwich Week around the corner, we at Alliance Online would like to highlight a few key reasons and suggestions for why sandwiches should be a consideration for any commercial food service establishment.
Evolution of the Sandwich
Since its inception, the sandwich has been a source of creative freedom in the food industry, as various combinations have been tested to find the ideal mixture. When people think of sandwiches, we often envision the dull image of a piece of ham between two pieces of white bread, perhaps with a light spread of butter. However, this shouldn’t be the case, as there is a wide array of variations available to create your ultimate sandwich.
The brilliance of a sandwich lies in its simplicity, making it almost impossible to overcomplicate, and even the most basic bakers can master it. With more and more alterations being introduced, the future of this industry looks bright with increasing daily production of sandwiches. Here are a few of the most popular sandwiches currently in the UK:
- Chicken & Bacon
- Ploughman’s Cheese
- Egg & Cress
- Ham Salad
- Cheese & Onion
There is a growing appetite for convenience foods that do not compromise on flavour or quality. Sandwiches, with their portability and versatility, are perfectly positioned to meet this demand. Consumers seek not only quick meals but also gourmet experiences, leading to the rise of artisanal sandwiches and gourmet delis.
From 2024 to 2027, the UK sandwich market is expected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 4.7%, reaching an estimated value of £8.2 billion in 2027. This growth underscores the increasing role sandwiches play in the everyday diet of British consumers. This rise in the sandwich industry highlights the need for commercial establishments to consider selling sandwiches, or if they already do, to restock for the anticipated increase in demand. We recommend the Cartonboard deep fill sandwich wedge as it is completely compostable and biodegradable.
Vegan and Vegetarian
Unsurprisingly, the last decade has seen a significant surge in the sandwich sector towards vegan and vegetarian demographics. Since 2019, the UK has experienced a 620% increase in the use of alt-protein sandwich fillings. Unfortunately, due to rising living costs and affordability issues, several major retailers have removed some meat-free options post-lockdown, with Marks & Spencer, Tesco, and Waitrose being notable examples.
For many in the sandwich industry, the uncomfortable truth is that vegan plant-based sandwiches are up to 8% more expensive than meat options. This is a key factor that makes retailers across the UK hesitant to stock an increasing variety of products, as there are no assurances of better profitability. However, at Alliance Online, we argue that the growing demand for vegan goods across all sectors signals that this customer base can maximise potential profits while also improving animal welfare.
Since 2024, there has been a noteworthy 23% increase in sales of vegan and vegetarian sandwich options. This rise indicates the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the sandwich market’s responsiveness to these dietary trends.
Meal Deals and Opportunities
It is no secret that meal deals have been a key factor in revitalising the sandwich sector in the UK. An example of this high demand for meal deals can be found at Tesco, where they claim to currently offer over 20 million possible combinations. This provides a perfect opportunity for commercial establishments to capitalise on this trend by offering sandwiches that cater to all demographics at competitive prices. When selling sandwiches, we strongly suggest purchasing these excellent sandwich boxes, boasting a modern and contemporary black design ideal for restaurants or takeaways in 2025.
There are additional opportunities in this industry for business owners confident enough to enter the market, such as addressing the overabundance of meat-eater options and the lack of healthier products. The influence of the meal deal culture continues, with competitive pricing and varied combinations being crucial for consumer retention.
One opportunity for any commercial establishment is that there has been a pronounced shift towards healthier options, with a projected 30% of sandwiches featuring low-calorie or superfood ingredients. This is an important step that many commercial establishments can take as this appears for many to be a brief insight into the outlook of the sandwich sector in the UK going forward.
At Alliance Online, we understand that modern commercial establishments need to make operational adjustments to stay current with trends. Since the end of 2024, the sandwich industry is still further developing and reacting to popular and current trends in relation to fillings within the UK. With the information provided in this article, any business owner should be able to make an informed decision regarding what to stock and at what prices.
