FMCG Business December 2024-January 2025

SUPER SNACKS

Bold flavours and healthy snacks are driving sales.

Shoppers are looking for convenience, big flavours and healthy snack options. Protein snacks, gluten free and ‘better for you’ innovations are trending.

Wilson Consumer Products markets and distributes three market leading brands in the popcorn category: Pop’n’Good and Sweet As (ready-to-eat popcorn) as well as ACT II (microwave popcorn) “Pop’n’Good, which celebrates its 40 year anniversary in 2024, is still the number one ready-to-eat popcorn brand in NZ and is popped locally in Te Awamutu. Pop’n’Good popcorn is air popped, gluten free and is the perfect little snack for the whole family to enjoy,” says Susan Harvey, Marketing and Business Development Manager.

“We know that customers are looking for healthier snack options and popcorn is a great option. With this in mind we launched Pop n Good Thai Sweet Chilli popcorn, so you can skip the chip! We have had wonderful feedback “amazing, addictive, the crack”. If you haven’t tried it, do give it a pop.

“We are pleased to continue our support of the Pop’n’Good brand with marketing activities including sampling, radio, and events. This year the nation’s favourite Christmas party, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, is on again and Pop’n’Good is proud to be a sponsor of this event with free samples while stocks last.

“The Pop’n’Good brand has a strong 27.3% share of the total popcorn market and Sweet As popcorn, is the number one premium ‘wet-popped’ popcorn brand in NZ and is batch made.

Harvey adds: “We are delighted to be bringing back our Christmas limited edition Sweet As Gingerbread popcorn again this year – get it while you can! Sweet As has 7.4% share of the total popcorn market.”

She adds: “ACT II is the number one microwave popcorn brand in New Zealand, which has 29.8% share of the total popcorn market.

“ACT II is the perfect companion for watching movies and snacking at home. Nothing beats the taste and experience of making fresh popcorn at home and enjoying the aroma of fresh hot popcorn!”

*Circana data $ share of total popcorn market MAT to 15/9/24

Mother Earth brings bold new flavours to the snacking nuts category

Responding to strong market growth and evolving consumer tastes, leading snack manufacturer Mother Earth has introduced a range of adventurous nut flavours under its Nutty Sensations sub-brand.

With nuts increasingly becoming a popular, better-for-you snack, Mother Earth saw an opportunity to blend health-consciousness with bolder taste experiences, redefining the category with unique flavour innovations.

Mother Earth already holds a strong position in the flavoured nuts market with favourites like Chilli & Lime Cashews and Tamari Almonds. Now, the brand is expanding with new Nutty Sensations flavours such as Dill Pickle and Cheddar, Tangy Sriracha, and Smokey Spanish. Additionally, two sweet options – Maple Coconut and Caramelised Peanut Butter –

offer a unique, non-chocolate option for a satisfying, nutritious treat.

Recently, Mother Earth launched a chip-inspired Nutty Sensations flavour, Caramelised Onion & Vinaigrette, alongside two dessert-inspired mixes, Apple Crumble and Berry Shortcake. These mixes combine nuts, snack pieces, fruit, and chocolate to create textural, flavourful options for consumers seeking a healthier snack that doesn’t compromise on taste.

As consumer demand grows for bold taste experiences with a better-for-you profile, Mother Earth continues to lead as a pioneer in the evolving snacking nuts category, combining mindful snacking with inventive flavours.

For more information and to order the range contact your Prolife Foods Sales rep, or phone 0800 352 352.