Roller grill offerings that signal quality to the consumer are likely to drive sales in 2023. Although many convenience stores are focusing on making investments in on-site kitchens and food preparation, roller grill items are still an important part of c-store foodservice strategy, said John Benson, partner in the restaurants, hospitality and leisure practice at…

From mental health to physical well-being, consumers show greater interest in over-the-counter health options. COVID-19 dramatically changed the health and beauty aids (HBA) category at c-stores.  Three years later, the need for pandemic-related products has eased. Instead, seasonal illnesses push demand. From late fall into early 2023, Americans struggled with the triple-demic: new COVID variants,…

Energy drink sales are surging and are expected to continue to gain strength throughout 2023 and beyond. The energy drink category posted sales of $12.2 billion, a sizeable gain of 8.5%, with unit sales up 3.5% for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 1, 2023, according to Chicago-based research firm IRI. Leading brands included Red Bull,…

Without a doubt, modern oral nicotine products, especially pouches, shone the brightest within the tobacco/nicotine category for convenience stores throughout 2022. According to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm, units of spitless tobacco grew by more than 31% for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 1, 2023. Consequently, dollar sales also jumped nearly 34%, while the…

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…

With consumers back on the go and needing a clean vehicle, car washes are expected to be popular with drivers in 2023. C-store chains are looking to grow their car wash operations in the year ahead, in terms of both new locations and services, to meet growing customer demand. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused many…

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…

Loyalty programs used to be a punch card and a phone number. But while physical cards have been generally replaced by mobile apps, the importance of loyalty programs remains. “Having a loyalty program is a way to direct market to consumers, and most retailers have a measurable difference in visits and basket size for customers…

Over 15 years ago, Fleet Morris Petroleum’s Fleetway Market locations added Hunt Brothers Pizza to its foodservice mix. And, according to Casey Comfort, the company’s food and beverage director, in just over the past three years sales have increased by 20%. “We chose Hunt Brothers for our pizza program because it is simple to execute,…

Sandwiches give c-stores opportunities for innovation, with multiple options available in terms of sandwich types and toppings. At Neon Marketplace, which has seven sites in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, customers can choose from customizable grinders, signature sandwiches, grilled or fried chicken sandwiches and burgers. “I’m really seeing (sandwiches) expand to things that you might get…