When it comes to meat snacks, c-stores are noting an expansion from the traditional offerings. Stinker Stores has seen a “huge explosion” of private-label meat snacks, said Billy Colemire, marketing director, Stinker Stores, which operates 110 c-stores in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming. Also, “we’re seeing some interesting flavor profiles come through with different brands that’s…

Dollar sales for non-chocolate items at c-stores including candy, gum and mints showed a 15% increase in 2022 at more than $3 billion, according to IRI. Some 1.5 billion units were sold, down 0.1%. Non-chocolate unit prices increased 15.1%. Joseph Bortner, senior category manager for The Rutter’s Cos., which operates 83 locations in Pennsylvania, West…

Indulgence still reigns supreme with sweet snacks, but low-sugar options could see more traction in 2023. “Triple chocolate, chocolate chunk, red velvet, snickerdoodle, Oreo, s’mores and birthday cake flavors continue to perform well in options like snack cakes, brownies and cookies,” said Mike Kostyo, trendologist and associate director for market research firm Datassential.  New product…

Drinking more water is consumers’ No. 1 health goal for 2023, which is good news for bottled water sales at c-stores. A whopping 68% of consumers indicated they want to increase their water consumption this year, noted Mike Kostyo, trendologist and associate director for market research firm Datassential. According to NielsenIQ, more than 1 billion…

Customers are demanding more chocolate innovation in 2023. “Over the past three years, many brands have focused on their core offerings, so when a new flavor or line is released, we see customers gravitating towards these new products,” said Nathan Arnold, director of marketing for Englefield Oil Co., which operates 120 Duchess convenience stores throughout…

C-store retailers saw sales increase across chocolate and non-chocolate in 2022 and are optimistic about the candy sales outlook for 2023, despite price increases and supply chain woes. Heading into 2023, “despite severe out of stocks, candy sales are stronger than ever,” said Eric Patterson, merchandising manager for Beacon & Bridge Market, which operates 25…

A trend toward an increased demand for spiked or alcoholic slushies started to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic amid lockdowns when customers turned to convenience stores for ready-to-drink cocktails for home consumption. “Frozen alcoholic blended beverages continue to be a consumer favorite,” noted Mike Kostyo, associate director and trendologist for Datassential. “America’s favorite cocktail is…

With fewer people wearing masks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, convenience stores are experiencing an uptick in candy, gum and mint sales and are strategizing to maximize sales in the back half of 2022. But c-store retailers expressed cautious optimism given ongoing market trends. “Everybody’s experiencing the same thing: supply chain issues, labor issues…

C-store operators are reporting increases in overall sales, with cold and frozen dispensed beverage demand among the factors influencing the surge as thirsty customers flock to stores. In fact, c-store operators are currently faring much better than retailers overall, noted Mike Kostyo, associate director and trendologist at market research firm Datassential. “Nearly half — or…