The new European lunch break
Lunch Breaks Are Changing, Yet They Remain a Key Part of Everyday Life – McKinsey’s The State of Grocery Retail Europe 2026 explores how eating habits are evolving across Europe
Lunch remains an essential part of everyday life, although the way people experience it has changed significantly. More dynamic working patterns, greater mobility, flexible schedules and new ways of organising work are reshaping meal occasions and influencing how Europeans choose their food.
According to McKinsey‘s The State of Grocery Retail Europe 2026, demand for ready-to-eat, food-to-go and other high-service meal solutions continues to grow, particularly among younger generations. The report highlights that 47% of Generation Z purchase food-to-go products at least once a week, while 82% consume “ready-to-(h)eat” products at least once a month.
Rather than replacing traditional eating habits, these solutions expand the range of available choices. People naturally alternate between different occasions: a restaurant lunch, a meal enjoyed in the office, a quick break while travelling or products purchased from modern retail for immediate consumption.
Within this evolving landscape, convenience has become much more than simply saving time. Today’s consumers look for complete meal solutions that are easy to carry, practical to enjoy and suitable for a variety of situations, while maintaining taste, quality and consistency.
This is precisely the environment in which Corte Parma-Amoretti has developed its product portfolio. Over the years, the company has expanded its offering to meet changing meal occasions through dedicated product ranges. The Bread Range includes focaccine, XXL focaccine, milk bread sandwiches, piadine, toast, pinse and wraps; the Aperitif Range delivers complete aperitif solutions with a high level of service; the Sliced Meats Range features ready-to-enjoy cured meats, cheeses and mixed selections; while the Ready Meals Range includes the Apri & Gusta and Pocket Lunch lines, designed to offer practical and complete ready-to-eat meals. Together, these ranges reflect the company’s commitment to supporting modern lifestyles with reliable, versatile and convenient food solutions.
*This image was generated using AI.
