The Audio Long Read
10 years of the long read: How the sandwich consumed Britain (2017)
Oct 23, 2024
Discover the fascinating world of the British sandwich, a £8bn industry that's reshaped lunch, breakfast, and dinner. From its 18th-century origins to a contemporary staple, explore how consumer habits and innovations have transformed this beloved food. Learn about the sandwich's cultural significance and its evolution amid Brexit and the pandemic. With insights into emerging trends, like flexitarianism, this deep dive reveals why the sandwich remains a resilient icon of British dining.
43:11
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Quick takeaways
- The introduction of chilled packaged sandwiches revolutionized British lunch culture, transitioning them from simple leftovers to convenient meals worth billions.
- The sandwich industry's evolution faces challenges from Brexit and the pandemic, demanding adaptability in workforce management and consumer preferences for future growth.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the British Sandwich
The introduction of the chilled packaged sandwich in Britain marked a significant shift in daily dining habits. This concept emerged in 1980 when Marks & Spencer began selling ready-made sandwiches, fundamentally changing the perception of sandwiches from leftovers to convenient meals. Early offerings, such as salmon and cucumber or egg and cress, were received with skepticism, as many questioned who would pay for something easily made at home. However, the immediate popularity of these sandwiches led to rapid expansion, inspiring a multi-billion-pound industry that reshaped how the British approach lunch.
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