How to create profitable combo deals that increase your margin

This is the day-to-day reality in cafés, bakeries and foodservice outlets: a customer walks in and makes a purchase decision within seconds. There is not much time to create a major impact, which is why simplifying the choice can make the difference between a basic sale and a more complete one. But how do you move from one to the other?

This is precisely where combos come into their own. Far from being just another promotion, they become a strategic tool to increase margins, improve the customer experience and encourage consumption naturally. The key is to build propositions that make sense and deliver value, and frozen bakery products are the ideal way to make the most of the excellent food solutions available to you. Let us tell you more.

Combos: making the choice easier and building logical propositions

As we know, customers do not always want to think too much and, especially during quick consumption occasions, they appreciate finding clear options that solve their need in just a few moments. That is exactly why combos work so well.

And that is because they:

- Reduce decision time.

- Offer a complete (and delicious) solution.

- Increase the establishment's perceived value.

That said, the combo must respond to a real consumption occasion and be put together with purpose. It is not about grouping products at random, but about thinking about how the customer consumes and what may feel appealing, even irresistible, to them.

An effective strategy is to combine more innovative products with all-time favourites. This allows you to attract both customers who want to try something new and those who prefer familiar options. It is a balance that helps broaden your audience and also makes it easier to drive rotation across the full range.

Packs that increase value without raising prices

Here are some ideas to help you build your packs. Take note!

- Breakfast deal. Hot drink + sweet pastry. Dubai Style Muffin, Dubai Style Hoops or a classic chocolate pastry paired with a coffee are hard to beat. Ideally, you should focus on indulgent, recognisable and easy-to-choose options for early morning or mid-morning consumption, and sweet pastry has a great deal to offer here, as you can find all kinds of options. Instead of coffee, you could also offer matcha tea, which is very on-trend right now, or chai tea.

- Quick meal deal. Savoury snack + drink. These should be complete solutions designed to be enjoyed with no fuss. For example, you can opt for new products such as the Chicken Curry Square or the Burger Square, or timeless classics such as the Tuna Square Pie. Pair them with soft drinks or beverages such as colas, lemonades, iced teas, plant-based drinks or water.

- Sharing pack. An assortment of sweet or savoury pieces designed to enjoy together always catches the eye. You can choose sweet mini products, such as the Mini Margarine Croissant, or savoury options, such as the Mediterranean Ratatouille Mini Selecta Turnover - whatever suits your needs.

- Treat packs. Propositions that increase perceived value and work particularly well during break moments. Some attractive options include the Cinnamon Croissant Palmier and the Apple Puff Pastry. You can offer them with the classic coffee or tea, but also opt for kombucha or even a mocktail.

With combos, customers feel they are getting a more complete solution, while the business increases the average ticket - all advantages.

A compelling presentation

The visibility of the combo is just as important as its content. If the customer does not see it or understand it, they will not choose it. In this respect, there are several practical steps you can implement:

- Communicate clearly and directly. Messages such as "complete breakfast", "your perfect break" or "quick combo" work better than complex descriptions.

- Place combos in visible areas. Ideally, they should be displayed in prominent spots on the counter, in the display case or on the menu.

- Rely on visual appeal. Showing the products that will be offered together makes the proposition easier to understand and stimulates desire.

- Train the team. Direct recommendation remains one of the most effective tools for driving combo sales.

In an environment where customers make quick decisions, offering clear solutions is a competitive advantage. Combos and packs help guide that decision, deliver value and increase margins naturally. Give them a try!