Taco Bell Fresh Fast Innovation Success

Success does leave clues and Taco Bell continues to edify its fresh food offerings with innovative new menu ideations that complement consumer expectations of affordable fresh flavorful food.  The new product research and marketing team at Taco Bell understand that menu brand differentiation does not mean different it means familiar but with a twist according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. 

Facts first Taco Bell sold 53 million of the fries, starting at $1, over the first five weeks of the promotion, making it one of the most popular product introductions in the chain’s history. In fact one out of every four orders during that period included the fries according to a Taco Bell spokesperson.

Leadership matters and the ‘man’ at the top of Yum Brands CEO Greg Creed stated “Consumers frequently added the fries to existing orders, driving incremental sales. ..The $1 fries helped the business,”. .. “The good news is a 25% incidence is great.” Regular readers of this blog know that price is a key driver within all sector of food retail.  There is little doubt that this was the right product at the right price for Taco Bell according to Johnson.

We must note that Taco Bell heavily advertised the $1 Nacho Fries during the quarter, and aggressively marketed its $1 items this year amid a tough, competitive fast food where consumers have been focused on value. Take note that all of that advertising did not take place online.

What’s next $1 Triple Melt Burritos and $1 Triple Melt Nachos at all 6,400 of its locations. The company is also testing new $1 products, including a Crispy Chicken Taco and a Beefy Crunch Burrito. The chain has vowed to introduce 20 new $1 menu items this year.

Creed continued “We’re not a one-trick pony when it comes to value,”…“We’ve got a lot of really smart plays around value. We continue to do very well in a tough marketplace.”

Without doubt the retail foodservice price, value, service equilibrium is once aging resetting.  There is a battle for share of stomach underway and customer frequency is top of mind with consumers and pricing marketing tool that has been taken out the food marketing tool kit to garner incremental customers, product trial, and customer migration.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/ or twitter.com/grocerant

Grocerant Niche Private Label Brand Managers are Needed

Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared food aka grocerant niche retail food offerings are driving top line growth in every sector of retail food service in 2018. According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® grocerant niche products are increasing top line revenue, customer continuity, bottom-line profits for both retailer and manufactures.

Customer continuity means maintaining a level of excitement in your menu or food products that drive contemporized relevance for your customer in order to maintain or increase frequency levels for branded retailers.

Creating or identifying distinctive differentiated food consumable’s as an entity with identity by day part is an area brands must focus.  Understanding the unique balance between palate, price, pleasure and the consumer’s drive for qualitative distinctive differentiated new food consumables creates a platform for ongoing success. It is at that intersection brand managers are needed. 

The food value proposition equilibrium for the consumer today balances; better for you, flavor, and traditional products all blended into something with a twist.  In industry speak, differentiated does not mean different to the consumer it means familiar.  With or help many private label brand managers have been contributing by expanding quality offerings while displacing legacy national brands.  Are you edifying your menu or product offerings?

Outside eyes can bring new light and assist in your pace of growth, redevelopment, and deployment of your new menu’s sku’s with appropriate COG’s. The Foodservice Solutions® team is very good at assisting companies, teams, and individuals exceed their goals. The grocerant niche is in need of private label brand managers too assist in building long term brand value for both individual products and brands. Should we be talking with you?

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.

At 7-Eleven Innovation Drives Trial & Sales

7-Eleven understands that the new electricity driving retail foodservice sales success is partnerships specifically partnerships with food and beverage manufactures with innovative new consumer focused products as regular readers of this blog know.    Combine innovation in new products or packaging consumer interest peaks driving trial and adoption according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Partnering with The Joseph Co. International Inc. 7-Eleven debuted the first self-chilling can to shelves in the U.S. with its proprietary Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee creating interest, trial, and buzz all of which combined for propel new electricity driving branded food sales. We must note; the innovative Chill-Can technology filled with the Fizzics coffee is being tested exclusively at 15 participating 7-Eleven locations across Los Angeles.

The Chill-Can containers are purchased at ambient temperature and chilled when ready to consume. When activated, the patented technology utilizes reclaimed CO²  to automatically chill the can and the sparkling coffee beverage inside. 

To consume Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee by its intended purpose, the Chill-Can needs to be placed upside down on a flat surface and its base twisted to activate a constant hissing noise. Once the hissing stops after about 75 to 90 seconds, the can can be turned right-side up, opened and enjoyed. Consumers are instructed to not handle or touch the can until the hissing stops because the warmth of being handheld can inhibit the cooling process.

Tim Cogil 7-Eleven director of private brands stated "Because the self-chilling can technology is so groundbreaking, we wanted to introduce it with a super innovative beverage. Sparkling coffee sodas met all the criteria,” "Previously available in some coffee shops, a handful of exclusive canned carbonated brews began showing up last summer."

"Fizzics will be the first that can be chilled on demand, bringing a new level of convenience to customers who want to enjoy a chilled drink whenever and wherever they are," Cogil added.

Fizzics Sparkling Cold Brew Coffee drinks are available in three on-trend flavors, including regular, French vanilla and caramel. Made with 100 percent Arabica beans and all natural flavors, each 8.4-ounce can of the brew contains 50 calories, 10 grams of sugar and less than 80 milligrams of caffeine.

The patented Chill-Can and the MicroCool technology created by The JosephCo. International utilizes a built-in heat exchange unit in concert with reclaimed CO² to create its chilling technology. The Environmental Protection Agency-award winning process uses CO² that is recaptured from the atmosphere and is reused. The Chill-Can is 100 percent recyclable and does not introduce any new CO² to the atmosphere, according to the company, who took 25 years to develop the technology behind the can.

What is your new electricity? Johnson sated “Branded food & beverage innovation is the platform for the new electricity.  Partnerships specifically strategic partnerships are driving retail success today.  Johnson stated that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, grocerant consultants, urban farming (produce, seafood, etc.), family meals, meal components, meal kits, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, cash-less payments, digital hand held marketing for food and beverages.

So just what is your New Electricity? Success does leave clues www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  is the global leader in grocerant niche business development.  We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities.  Has your company had a Grocerant ScoreCard completed a Grocerant Program Assessment, or new Grocerant niche product Ideation?  Want one?  Call 253-759-7869 Email: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

Grocerant niche Meal Components Drive Food Retail Success

Alice May Brock said: “Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian, wine and tarragon make it French, sour cream makes it Russian, lemon and cinnamon make it Greek, soy sauce makes it Chinese, garlic makes it good.”

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® stated “Convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization; are each hallmarks of the Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat fresh prepared grocerant niche.  That is the recipe for retail food success in 2018 and the new electricity driving foodservice sales.”

Meal components allow customers to select from Italian, American, French, Russian or Greek and utilize the components at home any way they like.  The new American meal can be a composite of any prepared food components that the individual may want and they can mix and pair them any way as well.  The United States is a melting pot of people from all over the world, with different cultures, traditions and flavor preferences.  The new American meal is a melting pot of flavor and choice.  Meal components that can be mix and matched for home consumption are integral to retail success.

Fresh prepared and portable Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat foods are now available for all comers and can be found at Convenience stores, Drug stores, Grocery stores, Restaurants, Mobile trucks all just waiting for the taking.  When developing new menu items do you consider where the food will be consumed?

Consumers have been exposed to a plethora of flavors and have not the time to master the skill of cooking each.  The rapidly growing grocerant trend is empowering the consumer to establish new customs and traditions in eating better, more flavorful food.  The Grocerant niche is about convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a brand leveraging integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit Facebook.com/Steven Johnson, www.Linkedin.com/in/grocerant/  or www.twitter.com/grocerant

Chipotle from Food Marketing Leader too Bandwagon Marketing

The old adage still works; ‘when you can’t beat them join them’. When you get a new CEO from ‘out-side the company the old adage of CEO’s ‘do no harm’ takes on added importance.  Chipotle Mexican Grill has since Brian Niccol came on board been staying the course with proven industry trends, while looking more like today than tomorrow and that has paid off for investors in Chipotle stock.

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® asks is that what Chipotle customers expect or is Niccol repositioning Chipotle from sector leader to something else?  

Recently Chipotle Mexican Grill teamed up with DoorDash to offer delivery nationwide. Clearly nothing new here except the partnership.  Now Chipotle delivery will be available from more than 1,500 Chipotle restaurants across the country, the company's largest delivery footprint to date.

Curt Garner, chief digital and information officer for Chipotle stated "Delivery is an important way we are making Chipotle even more convenient and accessible to our customers who want to get Chipotle delivered right to their home, office, or wherever they are," "By partnering with a delivery leader like DoorDash, we are making it even easier for customers to enjoy all the real ingredients that make up our delicious food."

At times brands need to play catch-up to industry trends and there is nothing wrong with bandwagon marketing, positioning, or new alike products.  After it sure has worked for McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s well you get the picture.  However leaders lead, the rest follow. Will Chipotle continue to follow main-street or will they return to a leadership position? What is Chipotle’s new electricity? 

So just what is your New Electricity? Success does leave clues www.FoodserviceSolutions.us  is the global leader in grocerant niche business development.  We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities.  Has your company had a Grocerant ScoreCard completed a Grocerant Program Assessment, or new Grocerant niche product Ideation?  Want one?  Call 253-759-7869 Email: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

The Melting Pot Generation or Gen Z are in search for ‘Clean’ Food

Generation Z is a multicultural population is younger than millennials born after 1997 that just might disrupt food manufactures of the past, the current supply chain, and food retailer focus according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Generation Z represent 27% of the U.S. population, and a majority view “clean eating” as improving quality of life, according to the market researcher The NPD Group. Households with at least one consumer who falls into the Gen Z demographic account for some of the heaviest use of organic and non-G.M.O. foods.

Gen Z are the first digitally native generation, that is they grew up with easy access to information through handheld devices. They demand fast transparency, and will look things up on an smart phone or tablet.

Gen Z view personalized marketing efforts more favorably than millennials or Gen X, and they seek experiences through the products they buy. The number of unique universal product codes purchased in households with Gen Z children is significantly higher than those without, according to the market research company I.R.I..

Gen Z’s interest in organic food, mitigating the impact of climate change, and their willingness to rapidly embrace new technologies and technology platforms may one day resonate far more deeply across the food and beverage supply chain. “(Gen Z) see windows where others see walls. They are not afraid to create those things that they want but cannot find.” — Lynne Gillis, I.R.I.

 As Gen Z ages into adulthood, they have an increased comfort with and ability to seamlessly switch between digital and brick and mortar will lead to the full blossoming of the omnichannel marketplace. Gen Z consumers will seek value and variety on-line, and frictionless experiences in store.

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit www.FoodserviceSolutions.us for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.

Grocerants Fresh Fast Flavorful vs Grocery Stores Cook & Do Dishes

Grocery stores, Conveniences stores, Restaurants, and Dollar Stores are all evolving, expanding or exploiting the undercurrents of fresh food, halo of ‘better-for-you food’, and food experiences that are customized, personalized, or create a new point of distribution according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Whole Foods is growing oyster mushrooms right in the store, Domino’s Pizza has voice ordering via Amazon’s Alex.  Even Kroger is testing Scan, Bag and Go technology. Fresh food, fast service with digital marketing, with a halo of ‘healthy’ offerings will drive customer migration from legacy grocery stores to food retailers that evolve in every retail sector. Here are a list of findings from two different studies that were conducted recently: 

1. 88% of those we surveyed desire more healthy offers.

2. 52% of shoppers say they always read the labels.

3. A surprising 20% strictly follow special diets like gluten-free, Paleo or vegetarian.

4. Shoppers are looking for keywords on the labels like all-natural, heart-healthy, sugar-free, low-sodium, low-fat, or clean.

5. 60% would love digital scanning for nutritional information.

A. They want you to reward their loyalty with exclusive offers. And their desire for more personalization has increased over the previous year. If they are your loyal customers, they feel you should truly know them.

B. For many shoppers, true personalization and convenience would equate with one click-option to select all the available digital coupons.

C. They want stores to provide new offers on a regular basis.

D. Shoppers prefer stores to provide information in a way they want it, whether that is by mobile or online/offline.

E. 32% of shoppers want bundled offers that naturally go together. Shopper data can provide insights into items that are frequently purchased together.

F. 86% of shoppers want stores to highlight the coupons and deals for them.

G. Many shoppers enjoy the convenience of digital coupons so that they don’t lose them and find it easier to track them in a digital wallet. But 43% report they forget to redeem their digital coupons. Geo-location technology has the potential to identify shoppers on their shopping journeys so timely reminders can be sent.

Fresh products sit alongside convenience and price as top desires of today’s shoppers. Beating out assortment, cleanliness and high-quality products, freshness is now in the top three most important characteristics for a grocery store today.

H.77% of our respondents said they typically go no further than 5 miles to get their shopping done. These trips are not fill-in trips but stock-up trips. And while they’re out, they visit on average two stores to get everything they need — choosing to shop at supermarkets and mass merchandisers.

I. 45% know what they are going to buy before they go to the store. 89% create shopping lists and 62% purposely look at store circulars and pair offers with digital coupons. In fact, 79% use the physical or online store circulars on a regular basis.

Evolving what type of food you sell and how you sell it is evolving with consumers.  Does your retail brand look more like yesterday than tomorrow?

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