CONSUMABLES | CANDY AND SNACKS
Sweet and Salty The candy and snack categories continue to evolve as consumers look to enjoy their favorites while also making smarter choices By Carol Radice
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eople love candy and snacks for all types of reasons. For some, it’s all about sitting down with their favorite comfort foods after a stressful day. Others view candy and snacks as treats they allow themselves to have on special occasions. And for a growing group, they want to incorporate better-for-you snacks and candy into their daily food routine. Throw a global pandemic into the mix and other reasons for purchasing snacks and candy begin to emerge. For instance, Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay’s recent U.S. Snack Index survey earlier this year
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found that an overwhelming majority of respondents are turning to their favorite snack or treat as a way to preserve some level of normalcy in their lives during the COVID crisis. With increased access, people are snacking around the clock and, after a year of indulging, are discovering the importance of snacking smarter. Manufacturers are trying to meet these evolving needs in a variety of ways. Some are creating new brands while others are extending the forms and formulas within existing brands. “The retail landscape evolved rapidly in the past year, and the way people shop for
treats and snacks has changed as well,” said Monica Jain, vice president of sales, small format, at Mars Wrigley U.S., headquartered in Newark, N.J. “People are spending more time than ever at home, entertaining family and friends, and they are turning to trusted brands they love.” Clark Taylor, senior vice president of sales and marketing at CandyRific in Louisville, Ky., said this past year, snacks and candy have played instrumental roles in helping people cope with the stress of living through a pandemic. “Consumers are looking to reward their kids and themselves for working through the current challenges
August 2021 DRUGSTORENEWS.COM
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7/30/21 5:03 PM
