LAS VEGAS -- While the convenience channel remains a strong option for snacking consumers, c-stores lose out to other classes of trade in offering options like fresh fruit and yogurt at important between-meal snacking occasions,VbCrLf according to a researcher with The NPD Group Inc.
Speaking at CSPs Snack & Candy Category Roundtable Meeting held in Las Vegas last week, Joseph Derochowski, a director with NPD in Rosemont, Ill., said c-stores are strong in fulfilling the gum and breath-mint needs of the snack-and-candy consumer in mid-meal timeframes ([image-nocss] between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner). But the industry scores poorly in addressing needs for items like fresh fruit and refrigerated yogurt"essentially needs consumers fill by looking to other channels of trade.
The information, compiled exclusively for CSPs roundtable meeting, used NPDs database of 750,000 consumers and sought to compare c-store purchases to those of other classes of trade (inclusive of grocery stores, drug stores and all other retail sources). The information is here to make you think,VbCrLf he told the 43 retailers and suppliers in attendance. You have to decide if its worth the time and resources for you to fulfill that need for the consumer.VbCrLf
Connecting the dots, James Fiene, senior vice president, Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Pleasant Prairie, Wis., said the data emphasizes the opportunity for c-store retailers to better address the needs of female shoppers. Our dominant consumer is Bubba, which means we sell snack cakes and snack pies,VbCrLf Fiene said. Were not focused on the female snack buyer.VbCrLf
For other retailers, the issue was one of supply. Diane McCarty, president, Lone Star Food Stores, Sherman, Texas, said Its not a lack of interest in fresh fruit; its finding a supplier whos willing to supply a 15-store chain [like ours.]VbCrLf
Other quick-hits from NPDs findings include the following:
C-stores scored lower as an option for buying snacks eaten during breakfast. C-stores scored well for snacks eaten before breakfast,VbCrLf which Derochowski inferred may mean something eaten prior to a consumer having what he or she considers a proper breakfast. Younger people are less interested in healthy options, but do want newVbCrLf healthy options, meaning packaging and marketing plays a big role in this area. The older the consumer, the more likely their healthy intentions match their actual behavior. The industry scored well as an overall source for snacks eaten between meals. The industry also scored well on snacks eaten away from home.I want you to think not so much about product,VbCrLf Derochowski told the group, but what is the fundamental need youre filling so you can become a destination.VbCrLf
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