1. Convenience Redefined

Consumers have been a bit spoiled in recent years. The emergence of third-party delivery and frictionless options have shifted their expectations on ease of ordering and wait time. Seventy-three percent of consumers say getting in and out of stores fast is important in creating an overall convenient experience, while 66% say the same regarding speedy checkout services, according to Technomic’s Winning the War for Convenience report.

38% — Amount of consumers who say they would order food and beverages from c-stores if they offered delivery, according to Technomic’s Winning the War for Convenience report

2. Java Jolt

C-stores continue to elevate the coffee bar with fresh, carefully sourced ingredients and offerings. Many c-stores are holding their own in the coffee space, with premium blends and on-trend cold-brew and nitro coffees. About 40% of consumers who are increasing their foodservice purchases are doing so because c-stores have good quality coffee, according to Technomic’s C-Store MarketBrief Q4 2018. While men are leading the growth of foodservice sales, women and Gen Z are driving innovation in coffee and beverage. About 70% of females purchase foodservice beverage items when they visit c-stores, and 75% of Gen Zers do the same.

51% — Amount of consumers who purchase coffee from c-stores once a week or more often, according to Technomic’s C-Store MarketBrief Q4 2018

3. CBD at the Ready

As marijuana legalization moves forward state by state in the United States, convenience retailers might be wondering when they’ll be able to tap into what is expected by 2026 to be a $50 billion market. That inroad may be more accessible than retailers think as a new offshoot category that’s loosely tied to marijuana becomes a viable opportunity for more and more c-store operators. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a nonpsychoactive component of marijuana or hemp that can reportedly help with common ailments such as anxiety and insomnia.

70% — Amount of millennials who say they would be interested in prepared food or beverages containing CBD in a convenience store, according to Technomic’s C-Store MarketBrief Q1 2019