Is FOOD a Product or a Service?
Have you ever stopped to think about whether food falls under the category of a product or a service? It’s one of those intriguing questions that might pop into your head when you’re out grocery shopping, enjoying an all-you-can-eat feast, or simply waiting for your favourite takeout to arrive.
So, is food a product or a service? The answer? It’s a bit of both! Food has proven itself to be incredibly versatile, adapting to our ever-evolving needs and preferences.
This article will take you on a fascinating journey through this continuum, exploring the blurry boundaries between food as a product and a service.
Whether you’re a foodie or someone captivated by the service industry, this exploration will open your eyes to the delightful complexities of our modern culinary landscape. Let’s unravel this delicious mystery, one bite at a time.
The GOODS - SERVICE Continuum
The goods-service continuum is like a spectrum that helps us understand how products and services blend, ranging from tangible goods on one end to intangible services on the other.
🔵 Complete Tangible Products: Think about buying groceries at your favourite supermarket, taking them home, and crafting a delicious meal from scratch. It’s a product-centric approach where the tangible item (the food) takes centre stage.
🟢 Tangible Products with Supporting Services: Picture an all-you-can-eat buffet. While the food is still a crucial element, the service provided becomes equally significant. It’s a blend of products with the added service.
🟡 Hybrid Offerings: This is where we order our favourite Subway sandwich or tap into a food delivery app. It’s the bridge between tangible products and the convenience of services. The focus shifts towards efficiency, speed, and ease of access.
🟠 Major Services with Supporting Products: Think high-end gourmet restaurants. Here, the service experience takes the lead, complemented by meticulously crafted, high-quality food. It’s about creating an unforgettable culinary journey.
🔴 Pure Services: Consider diet and nutrition counselling. In this context, the service is paramount, and tangible products are secondary. The expertise, advice, and guidance are what you’re after.
Here’s a visualization:
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