Nisa Local Torridon Road in South London has seen a remarkable 30% increase in chilled sales, thanks to the addition of Co-op ready meals to its range.
The store’s owner, Kaual Patel, credits the uplift of £6,000 per week in chilled product sales to the quality and appeal of the Co-op range and the store’s recent refurbishment.
Kaual said, “In November 2022, we refurbished the store and added significant chiller space, which allowed us to take full advantage of the Co-op ready-meal range.
"Since then, we’ve seen an uplift in sales of at least 25% to 30%, amounting to around £6,000 a week.“
The chillers are now our biggest department, stocked with everything from fresh soups to pizzas, curries, and takeaway-style meals. This has made a huge impact, allowing us to compete against larger chains in a way we couldn’t before.
“Our customers are drawn to the quality of the ready meals, with multi-buy offers like two-for-one pizzas being especially popular. The chilled range has even overtaken alcohol and tobacco sales, which is great for our margins.”
Convenience plays a major role in the success of this category.
“Many of our customers lead busy lives and appreciate being able to grab a fresh, high-quality meal they can prepare in minutes. The Co-op brand is iconic and trusted, offering a variety of seasonal and Fairtrade products that inspire consumer confidence,” Kaual added.
The success of Co-op ready meals is evident across the Nisa network, with 54% of retailers now stocking the range. Co-op own branded products are not only high-quality and made with 100% British meat, but are also ethically sourced, supporting Fairtrade and sustainable farming practices, ensuring customers can enjoy their meals with confidence in the quality and integrity of every product.
Jayne Brown, Co-op Brand Planning and Comms Manager at Nisa, commented: “Kaual’s story demonstrates the incredible potential of the Co-op ready meal range. The products are not only high-quality but also meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers for convenience and variety."
Seeing Kaual’s chilled section outperform traditional categories like alcohol and tobacco is a testament to the power of great branding and strong margins.”
With its ability to drive footfall, increase sales, and deliver outstanding customer satisfaction, the Co-op ready meal range is proving to be a game-changer for retailers like Nisa Local Torridon Road.
