McLane Company, Inc. Expands Fresh Foodservice Portfolio at Convenience Retailing University 2026
McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in the United States and a trusted supply chain partner to many of the nation’s leading retail and restaurant brands, has announced a significant expansion of its McLane Fresh retail foodservice portfolio. The latest additions are designed to help convenience retailers accelerate sales growth, reduce operational waste, and better respond to rapidly evolving consumer preferences. The company is introducing these new offerings at Convenience Retailing University (CRU), taking place February 24–26 in Austin, where attendees can sample products and explore merchandising and operational solutions firsthand.
Retail foodservice continues to be one of the most dynamic and profitable categories within the convenience channel. As shoppers increasingly seek high-quality, ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meal options, convenience retailers are under pressure to deliver restaurant-level experiences while maintaining speed, efficiency, and profitability. McLane’s newest product innovations directly address these operational and consumer-driven challenges.
Prendisimo Duo Slice Pizza Delivers Flexibility and Waste Reduction
A centerpiece of the expanded portfolio is the launch of the new Duo Slice Pizza under the Prendisimo brand. Prendisimo is McLane’s turnkey pizza program built specifically for convenience retailers, providing operators with a comprehensive solution that includes ingredients, equipment guidance, merchandising support, and operational best practices.
The newly introduced Duo Slice Pizza offers a premium pizza experience in a format engineered to enhance flexibility and profitability. Traditional convenience store pizza programs often require operators to bake entire pies, which can lead to excess product, especially during slower dayparts. Unsold slices contribute to food waste and erode margins. The Duo Slice format directly addresses this issue by enabling operators to bake just two slices at a time rather than committing to a full pie.
This smaller-batch baking model allows stores to better align production with demand throughout the day. By minimizing overproduction, retailers can significantly reduce waste while still offering fresh, hot pizza to customers. The result is a more agile foodservice operation that protects margins without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction.
In addition to waste reduction, the Duo Slice Pizza is designed to deliver a premium sensory experience. From crust texture to flavor profile, the product is positioned to meet rising consumer expectations for convenience food that rivals quick-service restaurants. The flexible format also supports varied merchandising strategies, allowing operators to highlight pizza offerings during peak meal times or as impulse snack options.
Central Eats Expands Ready-to-Heat Meal Lineup
Alongside the Prendisimo innovation, McLane has expanded its Central Eats portfolio with new ready-to-heat meal solutions. Central Eats is crafted to meet the needs of today’s time-pressed consumers who are looking for convenient, high-quality meal options that require minimal preparation.
The new ready-to-heat offerings are made with premium ingredients and chef-inspired recipes, reflecting the growing demand for comfort food with elevated flavor. Packaged in safe, microwaveable containers, these meals are designed to deliver convenience without compromising taste or food safety. The packaging format also simplifies back-of-house operations, reducing preparation time and minimizing cleanup requirements for store staff.
Consumer demand for ready-to-heat meals continues to grow at a rapid pace. Nearly half of consumers report purchasing such meals on a weekly basis, underscoring the opportunity for convenience retailers to capture repeat traffic and incremental revenue. Central Eats enables operators to respond to this demand by offering consistent quality, strong value, and diverse menu options that appeal to a broad customer base.
The initial lineup of new Central Eats meals includes a variety of familiar, high-demand dishes. Customers can choose from Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti, Penne Alfredo with Chicken, Chicken Enchiladas with Cilantro Lime Rice, and Firecracker Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice. This diverse selection allows retailers to cater to multiple flavor preferences, from classic Italian comfort food to bold, globally inspired offerings.
By providing these ready-to-heat meals, McLane supports convenience retailers in transforming their stores into credible meal destinations. The format encourages incremental purchases for lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacking occasions, helping drive basket size and customer loyalty.
Strengthening Retail Foodservice as a Growth Engine
Retail foodservice has emerged as one of the strongest growth drivers within the convenience channel. As fuel margins fluctuate and traditional center-store categories face competitive pressure, foodservice presents a critical opportunity for differentiation and profit expansion.
Jon Cox, vice president of retail foodservice for McLane, emphasized the company’s strategic role in enabling retailer success. He noted that McLane’s mission is to help operators convert foodservice opportunity into consistent performance. The new product extensions are designed to deliver more variety and flexibility, enhance operational efficiency, and align with modern consumer tastes.
By combining product innovation with operational insight, McLane positions itself not just as a distributor but as a strategic partner. The Prendisimo and Central Eats expansions reflect a broader commitment to helping retailers optimize labor, control waste, and improve overall profitability.
Showcasing Innovation at CRU 2026
Convenience Retailing University serves as a key platform for unveiling these innovations. The annual event brings together more than 120 exhibitors and industry leaders, creating a collaborative environment focused on education, networking, and product discovery. As a title sponsor of CRU, McLane is reinforcing its leadership position within the convenience retailing sector.
At booth #201, attendees have the opportunity to sample select products from both the Prendisimo and Central Eats lines. McLane experts are available onsite to discuss operational strategies, merchandising recommendations, and implementation best practices. This hands-on engagement allows retailers to better understand how the new offerings can integrate seamlessly into their existing foodservice programs.
Participation in CRU also highlights McLane’s commitment to innovation and industry collaboration. By engaging directly with operators, the company gains valuable insights into evolving challenges and opportunities within the convenience channel.
Supporting Retailers Across Channels
Beyond the new product launches, McLane continues to provide comprehensive solutions across retail, restaurant, and e-commerce segments. Its integrated approach combines distribution excellence with category expertise, enabling partners to streamline operations and stay competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
The expansion of McLane Fresh demonstrates the company’s ongoing investment in high-growth categories. By focusing on premium quality, operational efficiency, and consumer-driven innovation, McLane aims to empower convenience retailers to capture greater share of the foodservice market.
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, retailers require adaptable, scalable solutions that balance quality with profitability. Through the introduction of the Prendisimo Duo Slice Pizza and the expanded Central Eats ready-to-heat lineup, McLane is delivering targeted innovations that address these needs directly.
With strong visibility at CRU 2026 and a robust pipeline of retail foodservice solutions, McLane reinforces its position as a key growth partner for convenience retailers nationwide.
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