Convenience stores play a huge role in satisfying modern consumers who are looking for great value and a variety of ready-to-eat choices. They want options, including flavors that push the envelope and others that are familiar and comforting. All of these choices need to be available any time of day, as consumers increasingly opt to eat at nontraditional mealtimes or make a meal from snacks. It's a tall order for operators, but it's as important as ever to have an array of foods available throughout the day so consumers can grab a meal or snack whenever the mood strikes.
About half of all consumers buy a retail food item when they go to a convenience store, according to Technomic Q4 2024 C-Store Consumer Market Brief. But operators could entice about 60% of consumers to purchase an LTO that features a new flavor or a spin on an already existing item.
When it comes to lunch, dinner, and afternoon or evening snacks, consumers are taking note of what's available at the roller grill and hot case. In Technomic's survey of shoppers, over 90% of customers surveyed said that food options in these formats were important. For retailers, areas like roller grills and hot cases are a great way to encourage customers to try something new or tuck in to an old favorite on the menu.
Finding the familiar in flavors
Just as fashions from a few decades ago are making a comeback, so are flavors. The Technomic 2023 Flavor Consumer Trend Report states 40% of restaurant goers said they'd like establishments to offer more nostalgic items or flavors. Gen Z and younger millennials, as usual, are leading this trend. Over half of the 18-34 age group crave those flavors. Consumers are also embracing familiarity with a twist. In the Technomic report, we learn 47% of those 18-34 agreed with the phrase: "I am more likely to try a new or unique flavor if it is showcased in a traditional/familiar way." That number was up 6% since 2021. This growing trend represents an opportunity for retailers.
Tornados® from Ruiz Foodservice, a division of Ruiz Foods meet the varied demands of today's consumers and convenience store operators. These convenient handheld taquitos come in a wide variety of options, including comfort food flavors like Bacon & Cheddar Loaded Potato Skins and Ultimate Beef Nachos. These Tornados® fulfill consumers' desire for nostalgic flavors and familiarity with a twist.
Rolling up great taste
The Bacon & Cheddar Loaded Potato Skins Tornados® take the classic, home-cooked flavors consumers love, including skin-on potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, butter, sour cream, and chives, and wrap them all up in a crispy tortilla. The Ultimate Beef Nachos Tornados® are just like stadium nachos, only rolled up and ready to go with seasoned ground beef, slightly spicy jalapeños, and melty nacho cheese.
For retailers, Tornados® offer a big opportunity without adding a lot of prep. Tornados® are ready for consumers to grab and go whether they're looking for lunch, dinner, or a hearty, comforting snack. You can find more information about working with Ruiz Foodservice and adding Loaded Potato Skins Tornados® and Ultimate Beef Nachos Tornados® to your C-store menu here.
This post is sponsored by Ruiz Foods Products, Inc.