At the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE), held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 29-31, the emergence of cannabidiol (CBD) and its potential for the industry were the talk of the show. The burgeoning assortment of products containing CBD holds both promise and uncertainty for convenience store operators, according to panelists in a session titled…
Hard Seltzer Shakes Up Adult Beverage Scene
C-store shoppers’ tastes in beer and adult beverages continue to evolve, with a more diverse group of consumers looking for healthier and craft brands, as well as hard seltzers. Corrie Burdick, category manager for Alltown Fresh, which just opened its most recent location in Waterbury, Conn., said the chain has seen an influx of guests…
Besting the HBA Competition
As customers prioritize health, c-stores are offering shoppers more health and beauty aid (HBA) choices, including products infused with cannabidiol (CBD). HBAs in the c-store channel provide an irresistible combination of consumer motivators: the convenience people want and the products they need. From health maintenance to cosmetics, the magnets drawing consumers to the HBA shelves…
Negotiating Supply and Distribution Contracts
Managing supply and distribution from contract negotiation through inventory processing is no mean feat. But by following some basic guidelines and savvy advice, it can become a strong suit for any convenience store retailer. A plethora of challenges are sewn directly into the fabric of contract negotiations, noted Ryan Mathews, the principal of Black Monk…
Cigars Await Future Regulation
Cigars — both mass market and, increasingly, premium varieties — remain popular in convenience stores, but dark clouds continue to gather over the segment in the shape of potential restrictions. For the 52-week period ending March 24, 2019, the c-store channel saw total cigar sales of just under $3.5 billion, a healthy 7% increase, according…
RYO Flies Under the Radar
As traditional cigarettes and vape soak up the limelight with frequent news of regulations and restrictions, roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco has kept a low profile, but is nonetheless subject to ever-expanding rules both by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local legislators. Nationally, RYO finds itself subject to the same federal proposals that…
Considering CBD
The CBD market is expected to skyrocket over the coming years, driven by strong demand from consumers for wellness products, favorable regulatory momentum spurred by the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and mounting investment by major corporate players. CBD, short for cannabidiol, comes from the cannabis plant, but contains no THC, so it doesn’t…
Salty Snacks Get Hot and Healthy
While salty snacks, and especially chips, continue to drive traffic and sales in convenience stores, the product profiles consumers ask for — fueled by popular promotions — are shifting alongside evolving trends. While shoppers will always pick up their traditional favorites, Americans increasingly clamor for better-for-you items and a host of daredevil flavors that are…
BFY Trend Comes for Cold Dispensed
Convenience store operators are reconfiguring cold and frozen dispensed beverage selections to meet growing consumer demand for healthier options. The uptick in interest in better-for-you (BFY) dispensed beverages has, logically, resulted in a decline in soda consumption. Gary Hemphill, managing director of research for Beverage Marketing Corp. in New York City, pointed out soda sales…
Sweet Snacks Roll Up Profits
From muffins to snack cakes, hand pies, cereal bars and more, sweet snacks, powered by strong brands, are enticing customers looking for on-the-go satisfaction, especially during the breakfast daypart. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor Some industry veterans expect a continued shift away from packaged sweet snacks in 2019 as consumers more fully embrace healthier and…