How Convenience Stores Are Winning at Beverages: Leaving Restaurants Playing Catch-Up

 

Convenience stores have become an integral part of our daily lives, with over 152,000 stores across the United States. These stores play a pivotal role for consumers, and their impact extends beyond just quick snacks and essentials. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, wants explore just how convenience stores are dominating the beverage market, leaving restaurants scrambling to keep up. 

1.      Fact: According to Lori Buss Stillman, vice president of research and education at NACS, 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes of a convenience store. 

2.       Insight: Half of the U.S. population over the age of 14 shops at a convenience store every day. When people treat themselves, they often seek a snack as part of their convenience trip. 

3.       Fact: The No. 1 trip driver for convenience store shoppers is a carbonated beverage. Insight: Shoppers are not only looking for their favorite soda but also something to complement it. 

4.       Fact: 75% of salty snack shoppers visit a convenience store once a week.

5.       Fact: One in five salty snack shoppers are in a c-store every day. 

6.       Fact: 48% of candy shoppers visit a convenience store once a week. 

7.       Fact: 25% of candy shoppers are in a c-store every day. 

8.       Fact: 11.8% of all inside sales come from the candy and snacks category. 

9.       Insight: Media, Pa.-based Wawa Inc. aims to become a go-to food retailer. They encourage customers to pick up not only foodservice items but also candy bars, energy bars, or bags of chips. It's about building a complete shopping basket. 

10.   Insight: La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip Inc. capitalizes on candy and snacks. Their bakery offerings and private-label line position them well. Additionally, their loyalty program, drives sales—especially among Generation Z. 

11.   Insight: Manufacturers and suppliers must make it easy for retailers to introduce innovative products. Listening to retailers' needs and understanding their stores is crucial.

12.   Trends: Freeze-dried candy, mashups, and Asian-infused brands are exciting innovations that bring customers back to the category. 

13.   Insight: Finding space for new products can be challenging. Data plays a vital role in making informed decisions. It removes emotion and ensures efficient merchandising. 

Think about this, convenience stores continue to evolve, offering more than just convenience. As restaurants strive to catch up, these stores remain at the forefront of beverage sales, meeting consumer demands effectively. Whether it's a quick soda or a snack, convenience stores have mastered the art of satisfying our cravings. The next time you grab a candy bar or energy drink, you’re part of a larger trend, one that convenience store have perfected.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869