What is a key element of Panda Express's marketing strategy?

Highlighting the freshness of ingredients is a key element of Panda Express's marketing strategy because it differentiates their offerings in a competitive fast-casual dining market. Emphasizing freshness signals to consumers that the food is prepared with care and quality, which resonates with health-conscious customers. This focus on freshness not only appeals to current dining trends where consumers prefer healthier and ethically sourced food options but also builds trust and loyalty among customers who value these attributes.

Other elements, such as reducing advertisement expenditures, relying on franchise owners for promotions, and expanding into non-food product sales, do not address the direct consumer experience with the product quality. While these strategies might be part of a broader operational or financial approach, they do not effectively engage or attract customers in the same way that highlighting ingredient freshness does. Therefore, the decision to focus on the quality of their ingredients effectively reinforces Panda Express's branding and market positioning.