As competition heats up in the convenience store beverage market, manufacturers and distributors are eager to identify the latest trends and consumer preferences. As such, there is now an abundance of research materials that can inform product development and sales strategy. With all of the data available in the market, it can become difficult to identify which factors are the most important and should thus be taken into account during the product planning process.
This article is intended to provide food and beverage distributors with an overview of the top 10 things to consider regarding convenience store drink trends, and to provide them with the data-driven insights needed to make informed decisions about their product offerings. By examining the data and intelligence available in the food service industry, distributors can make educated guesses as to what customers will be looking for in the future, as well as where the greatest opportunities lie.
The following insights can assist in the selection of convenience store drinks and in developing smart, efficient strategies.
1. Convenience is Key
When it comes to convenience store drink trends, convenience is key. Products need to be easy to grab, reasonably priced, and aesthetically pleasing. Consumer’s time is valuable, so products that can be enjoyed quickly and at little cost are usually a hit.
In addition, convenience stores have always been known for their focus on quick and easy solutions, such as pre-packaged beverages. Products that are packaged simply, with ingredients easily recognized by customers are more likely to be bought.
2. Health-Conscious Selections
Today’s consumers are increasingly concerned about their health, so health-conscious selections should be in demand. This means that beverage choices should contain little or no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients.
Organic, natural, and low-sugar options tend to be extremely popular in convenience stores. For those who choose to consume beverage alcohol, products offered at convenience stores should have cleaner ingredients and lower alcohol content.
3. Products Tailored Toward Varied Taste Preferences
In the beverage market, options that offer both interesting and familiar flavors are sure to be a hit. Consumers enjoy exploring new flavor profiles, such as exotic fruits and spices, while still being able to appreciate familiar tastes like cola and lemonade.
When expanding product offerings, distributors should keep an open mind as to what people may be looking for. A few offerings that seem unexpected at first may turn out to be crowd-pleasers when it comes time to make a purchase.
4. Food Pairings
Studies have indicated that food pairings are an important factor when it comes to convenience store drinks. For example, if drinks are being sold alongside a sandwich or wrap, flavor profiles such as savory or spicy should be heavily considered. In contrast, if drinks are sold with a sweet dessert, beverage options should lean towards the sweet side.
It can be tricky to navigate the relationships between foods and beverages. Therefore, food and beverage distributors should be mindful of what their convenience store customers are likely to purchase together, and craft their product portfolio accordingly.
5. Competitive Pricing
The pricing of convenience store drinks is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. As with any product, customers are looking for the best value. Accordingly, distributors should compare their product offerings to those of their competitors and be sure to meet or exceed them in terms of flavor, price, packaging, and value.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of current market trends and be sure to adjust pricing models accordingly. By doing so, distributors can ensure that their product offerings remain attractive to potential buyers.
6. Inventive Packaging
The use of inventive packaging can go a long way to make a product stand out on the shelf. Packaging is one of the most important factors when it comes to convenience store drinks, since customers want something convenient to pick up and go.
Many customers prefer smaller packaging for single-serve servings, while others prefer larger packaging that is great for sharing. Creative packaging can increase the appeal of any product, so distributors should consider a range of packaging options in order to reach different types of customers.
7. Custom Label Options
Custom label options can be a great way for distributors to add value to their product offerings. For example, manufacturers may choose to include their logo or other custom details on their product packaging. This can help to increase brand presence and recognition, as well as leverage customers’ loyalty in the long-term.
In addition, custom labeling can be used to differentiate between beverage sizes or product versions. Thus, when creating convenience store drinks, distributors should consider the use of custom labels in order to craft a more unique and personalized product.
8. Targeted Promotions
When launching convenience store drinks, it is important to consider the potential for targeted promotions. By offering limited-time discounts, free samples, or promotional giveaways in specific markets, distributors can increase the exposure of their products and drive sales.
In addition, promotions can be used to generate buzz about a certain product or product line. By planning well-targeted and well-timed promotions, distributors can maximize the return on their marketing investments and reach more potential customers.
9. Kiosk Offerings
It is no secret that customers are increasingly relying on digital offerings when it comes to convenience stores. As such, kiosk offerings should be taken into consideration when planning product offerings. Customers may be more inclined to purchase convenience store drinks if they are able to order them quickly and easily through a digital kiosk.
In addition, customers could be rewarded with discounts and exclusive deals if they purchase through a kiosk. By providing customers with attractive options, distributors can increase their chances of selling ahead of their competitors.
10. Social Media Presence
Social media has become an integral part of the convenience store experience. Distributors should do their best to promote their products across social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. By leveraging the power of their customer base, distributors can help to increase the visibility of their products and drive more sales.
In addition, social media is a great way to track customer preferences and reactions. With the right strategies, distributors can stay informed of customer trends and update their product portfolio as needed.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to convenience store drinks, there are many things to consider. By leveraging the data and insights available in the foodservice industry, distributors can make informed decisions about their product offerings.
The above-mentioned factors are some of the most important ones to consider when creating convenience store drink trends. By understanding consumer preferences and leveraging the latest technologies, distributors can stay ahead of their competitors and create successful products that customers will love.
