Asda is closing all of its in store meat and fish counters and replacing them with 'food to go' counters.
The traditional supermarket staples will be scrapped to make way for sections selling ready to eat products, including hot chicken, pies, sushi and curry.
Asda has large stores in Ashington, Byker , Benton, Gateshead, Blyth , Gosforth and Cramlington and smaller branches in many other North East towns.
The supermarket giant has been trying different alternatives to the counters across 13 stores over the past year, including partnering with brands such as Sushi Daily and Subway, and says it is planning more partnerships with well known brands.
The trial also included introducing a 'food court' style feature in one of its Edinburgh branches.
Asda bosses say the counters will be in place in 150 stores by the end of the year, and that pre-packed meat and fish options have become increasingly popular with customers.
Elizabeth Ruddiman, senior manager of Asda's 'Food for Now' department, said: "The success of our counters trials last year shows there is a demand for an offer which is better aligned with our customers’ lifestyles.
"The popularity of our sushi concessions and international cuisine, along with 'Food for Now' options shows there has been a shift in customer behaviour and there is a need to provide a greater choice in our stores.
"The trials were well received by both colleagues and customers in 2019 and will be used to inform our rolling programme of counter innovation from February onwards."
"We will be trialling a number of exciting options, which will see Asda partner with new and innovative brands, as well as popular favourites, to provide a better experience for our customers.
"Asda has a long history of innovation and trials aimed at providing increased customer choice and we want to use this as an opportunity to better meet customers’ needs at a local level."
Unions have been informed that there will be no job losses or reduction in hours for staff as a result of the changes.
