If you’re looking to branch out from your standard Publix Deli sub, sliced meats and cheeses, and fried chicken, now’s the time. The deli is offering new, innovative products to keep customers coming back for more.
A lot goes into developing new products. It starts with reviewing trade journals and watching industry data to see trends in what’s being reported and how similar businesses are growing. Once trends are identified, consideration is given to how they apply to Publix. It takes collaboration from several business areas — and lots of time and work — to develop new products or services so they meet Publix’s standards.
What may seem like small improvements are leading to big opportunities in future product offerings. The deli retail business unit (RBU) plans to sustain growth in three ways.
Convenience
Our customers appreciate the variety and availability of our grab-and-go items. Hot soup kiosks are rolling out to all stores by the end of the year. These soups give a new option for a quick meal when you’re on the go. And while you’re filling a bowl of soup, you’ll soon be able to grab one of our new deli chicken sandwiches to go with it.
Customer service
Because customer service is top of mind for all of us, we’re offering more service-based programs to reach out and connect with customers. For example, to help customers understand the different flavors and characteristics of cheeses — and help Publix stand out from the competition — the deli RBU created the Spotlight Cheese of the Month program. Check the weekly ad or talk to a deli associate to learn more about Hirten cheese, this month’s featured specialty cheese.
Quality products
Producing quality products is a top priority for Publix. We know our customers want a variety of quality products. We also know they look forward to seeing new things and trying interesting, unique flavors.
With the TurboChef oven — a microwave that toasts or presses traditional deli sandwiches and subs — we can build on our cold subs with hot options like the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sub and the Reuben Sandwich. Another option is our new deli entrees, which will be available companywide this month. These five new heat-and-serve options will satisfy those of you who are crunched for time.
For other products, offering them seasonally or for a short time creates excitement. You’ll see examples of seasonal offerings when the Turkey Cranberry Sub and Fiery Cranberry Rotisserie Chicken return this month.
