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It has been really interesting in the last six months when working with major retailers, foodservice clients and food manufacturers whenever the topic of Food To Go comes up.

There is a real buzz of activity in the market about where this product category can go now... Are we going to follow the US (as always) and see the dominance of the triangular sandwich finally slip from pole spot?

I suppose it all comes down to how you define the category, but what is clear is that everyone is bringing new thinking to the sector. For too long the sandwich at lunch time has been the prime driver of the category, and yes there have been some significant developments into breakfast eating on the go, but there is so much more the industry could do.

And what about hot eating Food To Go? Or evening meal / snacking that isn't a Ready Meal. In the US hot sandwiches are a major product range, for example, with the addition of dipping sauces and side salads etc. These developments can mean a complete new way of selling in store of course - hot serve cabinets have been springing up in most petrol stations, but could you imagine how M&S would cope with that? Waitrose were interested in the EAT chain of sandwich, salad and soup shops, but that seems to have fallen by the wayside.

So if I were a Business Delevopment Manager, on in NPD or Marketing, I would be keen to get into the Food To Go sector just as it embarks on a complete re-definition of itself. The retailers are clearly keen to revitalize the sector, whilst the coffee shop and sandwich chains are always looking for more market share from each other. It's certainly a time to bring new ideas to the market.