What Does the Pretzel Industry Look Like?

Who doesn’t like a good, soft pretzel? Buttery and salty, with a little bit of mustard or cheese, pretzels are a great on-the-go snack option. The pretzel industry is a continuously growing one, and a great investment if you’re thinking about becoming a franchisee. Here’s why:

Growing Demand in the Pretzel Industry

The pretzel industry falls under the category of a quick service restaurant (QSR), a segment of the market that earned $180 billion in 2016 alone. These are restaurants that you can find at virtually any mall, highway exit, and in any airport or sporting venue across the country. This industry is continuously growing and is expected to grow by 2.5% each year. The need for salty snack foods, such as pretzels, is increasing due to an increase in snacking and consumer demand for convenient foods, making this an ideal time to franchise.

Changes in Customer Tastes

Because customer tastes are changing, the pretzel industry has changed with it. While the demand for traditional pretzels continues to increase, customers want more variety. Franchises like Pretzelmaker have been able to adapt to include non-traditional offerings such as late night options and a new breakfast menu. These new offerings are made with the same care as the original, using the same tried-and-true methods that have made Pretzelmaker a success.

Consistency of Quality

Not all pretzels are created equally. Because our new options are made with the same quality ingredients, consumers experience consistency of quality across our stores. The pretzels are made in-house and customers can watch employees roll, twist, and bake them in front of their eyes! Millennials, in particular, like to know that they are paying for quality. Companies are listening to consumer demands for transparency about ingredients and sources. This shift is largely propelled by millennials who want to know how their food is made.

Time Restraints

Personal and professional demands often leave consumers without time to cook. As a result, ready-to-eat options have experienced rapid growth over the last few years. As part of this ready-to-eat food segment, the pretzel industry has experienced the same rapid growth, especially among millennials. According to the International Food Information Council’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, 55% of millennials say convenience is a main reason behind their food choices. Because of this, pretzel franchises have begun setting up shop in non-traditional locations, such as college campuses or convenience stores. Franchises, such as Pretzelmaker, are scaling down their locations to fit in as little as 250 square feet, making them easier to own and operate virtually anywhere. This convenience, in turn, drives customers to the franchise, increasing profitability.

The pretzel industry is booming and now is a great time to jump in and start franchising. If you’d like to learn more about the pretzel industry, and how you can be a part of it, contact us today.

1. https://www.franchisehelp.com/industry-reports/fast-food-industry-analysis-2018-cost-trends/
2. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-pretzel-market-2016-2020-300227923.html
3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/9-ways-millennials-are-changing-the-way-we-eat/2018/02/20/6bb2fe60-11eb-11e8-8ea1-c1d91fcec3fe_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ad27fe8907a0https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/9-ways-millennials-are-changing-the-way-we-eat/2018/02/20/6bb2fe60-11eb-11e8-8ea1-c1d91fcec3fe_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ad27fe8907a0