Technomic Surveys the Canadian Chain Restaurant Landscape

CHICAGO-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- A first-ever industry report from foodservice consultants Technomic provides previously-unavailable reporting and analysis of the Canadian chain restaurant market. While overlaps and similarities with the U.S. chain restaurant market are certainly evident, Canadian chains and their customers display numerous qualities unique to Canada.

Several of the more interesting findings documented in the landmark 2007 Technomic Top 100 Canadian Chains Restaurant Report include:

• Among the Top 200 Canadian chain restaurants, limited-service concepts dominate the market, representing 72.6 percent of sales and 86.4 percent of units in 2006.
• The largest Canadian chain is Tim Hortons. Specializing in donuts, fresh coffee, baked goods and homestyle lunches, the company had an estimated $3.7 billion in sales and over 2,600 units last year.
• The fast-casual subsegment is negligible in Canada. Even though these types of restaurants, led by Panera, comprise almost a quarter of the top 200 U.S. limited-service chains, they have yet to make an impact in Canada and represent an important growth vehicle for Canadian limited-service chains.
• Healthy eating, especially trans-fat awareness and strong interest in natural and organic foods, is increasingly important to Canadian consumers and expected to grow over the coming year.

Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic Information Services points out that the Canadian market provides important opportunities for chain operators and suppliers alike, although detailed information on the composition of the market and emerging opportunities have been much harder to come by. “This benchmark report provides an in-depth snapshot of the industry, essential for any company interested in pursuing a growth strategy that involves expansion within the Canadian market,” explains Tristano.

To purchase or learn more about the 2007 Technomic Top 100 Canadian Chains Restaurant Report, please visit www.foodpubs.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

About Technomic Information Services

Technomic Information Services has been tracking the foodservice industry for over 40 years, providing industry intelligence, forecasts, data and training support to manufacturers, operators, distributors and others allied to the field. Our numerous publications and digital products—featuring quick-read newsletters, analytical annual reports, training handbooks, sales guides and restaurant chain profiles—help industry leaders keep a finger on the pulse of the entire foodservice terrain. Technomic Information Services delivers distinctive, premium content to its customers.

About Technomic, Inc.

Technomic provides food and foodservice clients with the research, insights and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include category and channel analyses, customer satisfaction studies, opportunity assessments, benchmarking programs and brand equity enhancement.

Technomic, Inc.

Press Inquiries:

Darren Tristano, 312-876-0004, extension 3850

dtristano@technomic.com

or

Purchasing Details:

Chris Urban, 312-876-0004, extension 3929

curban@technomic.com

or

Report Details:

Naomi Van Til, 312-876-0004, extension 3844

nvantil@technomic.com