Hot dispensed beverages, most notably coffee, remain a lynchpin of the convenience store foodservice business and a key to its continued growth. Growing sales will be a crucial task in the months and years ahead. Chicago-based research firm Mintel International reported that c-stores and other retail coffee marketers must begin to actively recruit younger drinkers…

Thanks to a surge of new products focused on ethnic diversity, the roller grill—the original anchor for most convenience store hot food programs—is hotter than ever before. And the one thing c-store operators like and appreciate most about roller grills is that you hardly notice they’re there. Grills don’t take up much room and can…

Following a solid 2009, the Brewers Association, the trade association representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, reported strong 2010 numbers for small and independent craft brewers. Dollar sales were up 12% in the first half of 2010, compared to 9% growth during the same period in 2009. Volume of craft brewed beer sold grew…

Versatility makes chicken one of the most popular segments in foodservice. Chicago-based market research firm Mintel International reported new menu items in convenience stores and QSRs in 2010 were chicken-based as these retail segments expanded to compete with supermarkets. Mintel’s QSR report noted that 43% of respondents said they wanted healthier menu options at restaurants…

Watch out, soft drinks. Teas and juices are looking to capture health-conscious consumers in 2011 with flavor innovation and antioxidant power. The refrigerated juices and drinks category in the c-store sector saw total dollar sales of $423,746,400, according to SymphonyIRI data for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 26, 2010, up 5.73% compared to the previous…

QSR pizza sales have hovered at $33–$36 billion for the last few years and projections for the upcoming year are very strong, Pizza Marketplace reported. The grim economy of the past couple of years has not crushed the spirit of folks who like to eat out. Although pizza sales slowed in recent months due to…

Carbonated soft drink sales dipped in 2010, but are expected to show positive growth in 2011. “Because the economy is better and products like Coke Zero have done well with customers, we are predicting 2.3% growth in 2011 for carbonated beverages,” said Garima Goel Lal, senior consumer analyst for Mintel International. Overall sales of carbonated…

Bottled water sales nationwide continue to rise. Sales in convenience stores reached nearly $2.9 billion for the 52-week period ended Dec. 26, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group, a growth of 2.19%. Of that, more than $2.6 billion came from convenience/PET still waters. Leading brands include Glacéau, Aquafina, Dasani, Nestlé Pure Life, Poland Spring, SoBe and…

Dispensed cold and frozen beverages enjoyed another solid year of growth in 2010, and 2011 is shaping up to be another strong year, according to the NPD Group in Port Washington, N.Y. “Our latest research is telling us 3% of consumers going into a convenience store are purchasing a frozen beverage or slushy drink,” said…

Gaining and retaining loyal customers in 2011 is crucial. According to Chicago-based research firm Mintel International, 35% of customers in the U.S. say their choice of store is determined by special offers or discounts. This means convenience stores need to find new and innovative ways to stand out from the crowd. This is one reason…