While there may have been some concerns about the growth of shots and full-size cans, analysts report the category has never been stronger. By Joe Bush, Contributing Editor. Brent Howard isn’t just a retailer of energy drinks and shots. He’s a user. Division manager for Sun Pacific Energy in Kennewick, Wash., Howard has seen the…
Driving Snacks Sales
While private label products are improving, quality and value remain critical components for all snacking options. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor “Yes, but…” That’s the all-too-common answer to the question of whether or not price promotions can drive snack sales in convenience stores. Yes, in a lousy economy people look for and respond to savings.…
Chocolate Crème Filled Cookies
Meiji announces its Hello Panda Chocolate Crème filled cookies are now available in a 28-count vend pack, perfect convenience store counters. Each 0.75-ounce bag of cookies features one of four bag designs, including tennis, rugby/football, table tennis and soccer designs that feature the Meiji Panda playing each sport. Great for hot weather, the product does…
Gourmet Popcorn
Oogie’s Snacks, makers of Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn, launched new Kettle Corn flavors at the Sweets & Snacks Expo in May. Oogie’s Popcorn is best known for its savory pre-popped popcorn flavors made with distinctive cheese and spices. Now the two new Kettle Corn flavors— Orginal and Sticks & Stonez—are set to start shipping in August.…
Shock Top Gets Canned
Shock Top Belgian White is now available for the first time in aluminum cans. The bright, eye-catching orange can, with corresponding orange pull tab, is being sold nationwide in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans. Shock Top continues to increase in popularity year after year with a 24% growth in 2010 alone. Shock Top Belgian White is…
A Sheet of Energy
Pure Brands LLC, a holding company that creates, acquires and markets proprietary consumer products, has launched an energy delivery system called Sheets Energy Strips, which is being marketed as “the new way to do energy.” The co-founders, NBA All-Star LeBron James and marketing experts Warren Struhl, Jesse Itzler and Maverick Carter, are tapping into the…
EZ Trip Supports U.S. Soldiers and Their Families
“We here at EZ Energy understand that for those military families who have loved ones deployed in the theater of war, supporting their soldier(s) is the most important thing in their lives…and that support is constant – 24/7,” says EZ Energy spokesperson. Convenience retailer EZ Energy USA Inc. has teamed up with Support U.S. Armed…
NACS Releases 2010 State of the Industry Report
Convenience store in-store sales grew 4.4%in 2010, reaching a record $190.4 billion. NACS has released the NACS State of the Industry Report of 2010 Data, the industry’s premier benchmarking tool and most comprehensive collection of firm-level, store-level and category data and trends based on the convenience and petroleum marketing industry’s 2010 performance. Compiling and analyzing…
EZ Energy Announces New Hires
From chief financial officer to marketing category manager and support center assistant, EZ Energy introduces new faces to its team. EZ Energy is welcoming a number of new employees, including Michael Paull as vice president & chief financial officer. During his 21+ years of corporate finance and accounting experience, Paull has worked in multiple industries…
Police Ticket Good Kids with Slurpee Coupons
“Kids love it because they love Slurpee drinks. Police officers love it because it gives them a reason to approach youngsters in a non-authoritative role and build positive relationships,” says 7-Eleven spokesperson. To foster friendly relationships with local law enforcement and encourage good behavior, 7-Eleven Inc. is giving one million “FREE Slurpee” coupons to police…