Burger Consumption on the Rise

CHICAGO -- Consumers are eating burgers more often than ever before. The overwhelming majority (95 percent) say they eat burgers at least once per month, with cravings driving this high consumption, according to new research from Chicago-based Technomic Inc.

Half of consumers (49 percent) cited cravings as one of the top reasons they purchased a burger on their most recent purchase occasion. Additionally, year-over-year comparison data shows that the fast-casual "better burger" segment and customization formats are fueling the momentum around burgers.

"The 'better burger' sector continues to thrive in the overall burger category and that shows no signs of stopping," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic. "As the burger category evolves, consumer demands are changing. Consumers expect 'something extra' when dining out and better burgers — with quality ingredients and customer-chosen toppings or specialty preparations — can really help deliver that as part of a solid value equation."

Other highlights from Technomic’s "Burger Consumer Trend Report" include:

• Burger-chain value menus are evolving from a sub-$1 pricing model to one that emphasizes high quality, variety and craveability for a low price.
   
• Burger consumption is up at fast-casual restaurants: 51 percent of consumers report eating fast-casual burgers at least once per month, an increase from 43 percent in 2011.
   
• Quality is key, as 51 percent of consumers say it's highly important that the burgers they order are made from never-frozen beef -- an increase from 43 percent two years ago. In addition, more than half (55 percent) want menus to specify the type of beef used, up from 48 percent in 2011.
   
• Nearly two-thirds of consumers say build-your-own burger concepts are appealing, and 64 percent also say the ability to customize burger toppings and condiments is important.
   
• Interest in special diets -- driven by younger consumers -- continues to grow. More than a fifth of all consumers who eat burgers say gluten-free (23 percent), vegan (23 percent) and vegetarian (22 percent, up from 18 percent in 2011) burger options are important.