Spicy flavor profiles and brands featuring trendy flavor extensions are attracting attention from convenience store customers.
As the potato chip category stages a post-pandemic comeback, the most popular items continue to be those that feature spicy, dramatic flavors and/or are perceived as a healthier choice.
Chips are a c-store staple, of course, but COVID-19 put a solid dent in the business. Sales within convenience stores declined in 2020 primarily because pandemic-related concerns moved consumers to limit their shopping to a single stop, mostly at mass/grocery/club stores, according to NielsenIQ.
As expected, however, the business has bounced back. According to statistics from IRI, for the 52-week period ending Oct. 31, 2021, the convenience store channel saw sales of potato chips reach nearly $1.8 billion, and 8.0% increase over the previous year. At the same time, tortilla/tostada chips recorded sales of just over $1.2 billion, a 10.4% rise.
A look at some of the top-selling potato chip flavors across America shows where consumers are at taste-wise: Backyard Barbeque, Salt and Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion, Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño, Flamin’ Hot, Sea Salt and Crushed Black Pepper, Roasted Chicken, Cheddar and Sour Cream, Southern Biscuits and Gravy, Honey Dijon, Chile Limon, Aged Cheddar Horseradish, Cool Ranch, Pizza, French Onion Dip, Sweet Maui Onion.
“I think anything that has a spicy flavor profile is doing well right now,” suggested Mike Jackson, category manager for High’s Stores in Baltimore, Md. “Spicy flavor extensions on existing brands have been seeing some increased sales.”
Indeed, more than one leading brand has introduced “hot” extensions to its product offerings. “These extensions have done very well without cannibalizing core flavors,” Jackson said of one of them. Another manufacturer based in the South purchased a spicy chip brand in order to broaden its flavor selection. “We have brought these into our stores and they have done very well.”
Because of the rising health consciousness among consumers worldwide — spurred in part, ironically, by the pandemic — several potato chip manufacturers are launching value-added products that are healthier than traditional potato chips, according to marketresearch.com. These include products with reduced fat and calorie content, fortified with healthy ingredients, lower cholesterol and more. Chips that are gluten-free, non-GMO-verified and made with sea salt and natural colors and flavors are gaining more popularity than the traditional varieties.
"chips" - Google News
November 29, 2021 at 09:38PM
https://ift.tt/3rgbsvP
What Are the Most Popular Types of Chips at C-Stores? - Convenience Store Decisions
"chips" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2RGyUAH
https://ift.tt/3feFffJ
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "What Are the Most Popular Types of Chips at C-Stores? - Convenience Store Decisions"
Post a Comment