CSP’s Thirsting for Innovation report take a deep dive into consumer attitudes, frequency, purchase drivers, format and category engagement for hot and cold foodservice beverages in c-stores. With these insights, convenience retailers and supplier partners will be empowered to make important decisions regarding their prepared beverage offerings.

Key Findings:

• 75% of c-store customers rate foodservice beverage as important to their purchasing decisions.
• Customization kiosks and DIY flavor shots are two of 20 areas of innovation.
• Fast service is secondary only to taste in terms of crucial attributes of customer experience.
• Innovation, in both beverage product development and beverage marketing initiatives, will enable c-stores to further differentiate in a highly competitive market.
• Frozen beverages hold potential for increased MTO sales while also aligning with the time-sensitive, freshly-prepared nature.

Questions we asked:

• What innovative or unique foodservice beverage options would you like to see offered at convenience stores?
• In general, what types of foodservice beverage options, including flavors, formats and packaging, would you like to see offered more often at convenience stores?
• Why are you decreasing your cold foodservice beverage purchases at c-stores?