The deli department has probably evolved the most out of any area of the supermarket in recent years. For one thing, it’s not just a deli counter anymore. More and more often, there is a sandwich area, a soup and salad bar, and selections of pre-packaged meals and special areas for gourmet cheeses or wings. Even the traditional deli meats and cheeses behind the counter have been upgraded, with spicier and healthier options than ever before.
“More and more, the deli is becoming a food court, with diverse specialty stations or even a sit-down restaurant in some instances,” comments Jenny Anderson, director of research and consulting for Technomic Inc.