When it comes to drinks in c stores, consumer trends and preferences are constantly evolving. With technological advancements and more innovative options hitting the market, it’s becoming ever more important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in order to maximize sales.
At Brizo, we provide our customers with comprehensive foodservice market data to help inform decisions and gain insights into the industry. With our research services, you can understand who is buying what, and which drinks are going to be most popular for your customers. Knowing the trends before they happen will be invaluable for your sales team and help you stay ahead of the competition.
Here are the top 10 things to consider when it comes to c store drink trends:
1. Expansion of high margin products: High margin products, like premium and specialty drinks, are increasingly finding their way into c stores. Consumers are willing to pay more for drinks that offer something unique or special, so don’t hesitate to stock up on high-margin goods and give customers variety.
2. Health & Wellness: Health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking for healthier drink options at convenience stores. This trend is expected to continue in 2021, as more consumers pay attention to what they consume and the impact it has on their overall health.
3. Cold Beverages: C stores have long been filled with traditional sugary drinks like soda, but there is now a massive demand for healthier options. Cold beverages such as cold brew coffee, carbonated tea and kombucha, and even natural fruit juices, have become staples in many convenience stores.
4. Fresh Juices: Fresh juices have been steadily growing in popularity for years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2021. Consumers are looking for fresh, raw juices with natural flavors and whole produce. This is great news for c store owners, as fresh juices typically have higher margins and appeal to a wider variety of customers.
5. On-the-go Alcohol Alternatives: Consumers who are looking for an alternative to alcohol are turning to on-the-go options like ready-to-drink cocktails and wine. These products are easy to grab and are becoming increasingly popular with people who are looking for an enjoyable, lower-alcohol experience.
6. Organic & Natural Ingredients: Organic and natural beverages are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to see continued growth in 2021. Consumers are paying attention to the labels of what they drink and are looking for ingredients that are free of artificial flavoring, additives and preservatives.
7. Kombucha: Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that is associated with various health benefits. As consumers are increasingly looking for healthier beverages, kombucha has become increasingly popular in convenience stores, and is expected to continue to rise in popularity.
8. Craft Brews & Ciders: C stores have traditionally carried mass-produced beer, but craft brews and ciders are increasingly gaining popularity. Craft drinks are unique and have interesting flavors that appeal to a wide variety of consumers, so stocking up on craft drinks will definitely be a plus for your store.
9. Specialty Drinks: Along with the ever-growing demand for craft drinks, consumers are increasingly looking for specialty beverages. s of specialty drinks include nitro coffee, kvass, and cold pressed juices. These drinks offer something unique and satisfy a wide variety of consumer tastes.
10. Grab & Go: With the rise of convenience store delivery services, grab and go products are becoming increasingly popular. Consumers can just grab and go without worrying about shipping times or extra costs, so stocking up on these products will be a great idea for your c store.
These are just a few of the top trends in c store drinks that you should consider. In order to stay ahead of the competition, it’s important to know what products consumers want and to stock up accordingly. Utilizing market data from Brizo is invaluable in developing informed decisions and insights about the foodservice industry and leveraging these trends to your advantage.
