Category Management | Snacks
SNACK SALES
HEAT UP Post-pandemic snacking is driving bigger bags, hotter flavors and more sales despite supply and pricing challenges. Thomas Mulloy • Senior Editor
The snacking consumer returned to c-stores in 2021, driving double-digit sales increases for both salty and meat snacks. Hot and spicy flavor profiles are on fire in the category as supply chain disruption and an inflationary economy failed to douse flavor innovation and optimism for the coming year. “2021 has seen huge growth in center store,” said Joseph Bortner, center store category manager for York, Pa.-based Rutter’s, which operates 79 locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. “Two categories experiencing the largest gains are salty (snacks) and meat (snacks).” The overall trend throughout 2021, Bortner observed, was that the instant consumable shopper had returned. Through 2020, he said, he saw a shift to larger pack types as consumers indulged at home. “With consumers back on the move, they’re shifting back to instant items and with higher demands than ever before,” said Bortner. 48
CSTORE DECISIONS •
January 2022
cstoredecisions.com
