Canadians prefer pizza over other quick-serve items

According to the first Canadian National Pizza Month survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, pizza is the most favoured quick-service food item among Canadians. Thirty-three per cent of Canadians surveyed selected pizza as their favourite quick-serve item compared to 25 per cent for hamburgers and 20 per cent for sub/sandwiches. Other revelations from the survey include: 91 per cent of Canadians enjoy pizza in the company of someone versus eating alone; Maritimers prefer bread and bread sticks as a side order while Ontarians love their chicken wings and Quebecers their French fries.

The survey also confirmed that 88 per cent of Canadians eat quick-serve pizza and seem to be adventurous when it comes to trying new toppings. Participants in the survey confirmed having tried lobster and cabbage on their pizza, as well as smoked salmon or eggs.

“I think the survey explains, in part, why our industry continues to experience growth and a steady flow of new personnel, franchise operators and consumers,” said Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Pizza. “Pizza is relevant, appreciated and highly personal. The way our society is going, I can only see the popularity of pizza increasing. That is one of the reasons why we decided to conduct this survey, and we want to ensure that we’re on pace with what customers want.”

The survey was commissioned by Pizza Pizza to commemorate National Pizza Month, an industry observance that takes place each year in October to showcase the love affair Canadians have toward the famous food. National Pizza Month was first declared by the U.S. Congress in 1987 and was imported to Canada in 2007 by Pizza Pizza, the country’s leading pizza chain in terms of total sales.

Fresh gourmet pizzas – now within reach for all

Pizza Pizza has chosen National Pizza Month as the platform to launch an important new expansion to its menu. Starting today, consumers will benefit from a new option in their world of pizza choices – a line of 10" personal-sized, gourmet pizzas that are thin-crust, affordable, quick and flavourful. The line will be available for walk-in customers at more than 390 traditional Pizza Pizza locations in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.

The result of extensive product development, Fresco Ultra Thin Pizzas will feature a hand-stretched, whole grain, thin crust, as well as high-quality toppings that include arugula, cipolline (balsamic onions), asparagus, sliced potato, tuna, a variety of cheeses, mushrooms and more. Made in approximately five minutes and somewhat different from the company’s current offering, the pizzas also include a high-end pesto sauce, home-style sauces and premium extra virgin olive oil.

“This launch propels our menu to a whole new level, putting even more control and choice into the hands of consumers,” said Finelli, one of the key architects behind the new line. “Offering gourmet pizzas at reasonable prices is the right thing to do. We’ve kept the quality cheeses, the fresh toppings and the signature ingredients, but at a competitive price. We are constantly looking at opportunities for innovation and are proud to launch this new offering to our loyal and new customers.”

About Pizza Pizza Limited

Founded in 1967, Pizza Pizza Limited is Canada's pizza pioneer and one of the country’s most successful quick service restaurant chains. With its Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73 banners, the company offers a broad range of menu items that include hot and fresh pizza, gluten-free pizza, chicken wings, chicken bites, family-sized pasta, shrimp and salads. The company is guided by a mission to provide the “best food, made especially for you” with a focus on quality ingredients, customer service and continual innovation.

About the survey

The survey was completed online from September 4th to September 5th, 2012 using Leger Marketing’s online panel, LegerWeb, with a sample of 1,505 Canadians aged 18 and older. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.