In 2020, snacks matter more than ever to convenience store owners and operators. This is a channel, after all, where operators can capitalize on the fact that consumers gobble up 2.7 snacks a day, on average (with 47% eating three or more snacks daily), per data from Chicago-based IRI.
But it’s the kind and quantity of noshes that are making c-store snack experts sit up and pay closer attention lately. That’s because snack drivers and occasions continue to evolve. For example, polling from CSP sister research firm Technomic shows that consumers are more likely to eat smaller meals across their day, with the period between breakfast and lunch proving to be a winner for promoting in-store snacks; it’s no surprise, then, that 73% of convenience stores provide midmorning snacks among their offerings—more than any other foodservice channel.
Curious what other snacking trends are observed among convenience store customers? Read my newest article for CSP Magazine, available here.