9 Suppliers Tailoring New Snacks to C-Stores
By Kristina Hurtig on Feb. 17, 2017ORLANDO, Fla. -- It was said more than once by suppliers on the CDA Marketplace show floor: Consumers are snacking more, and they want more options.
Whether that snacking is better for you, indulgent, spicy or with more protein, the new products showcased at Reston, Va.-based Convenience Distribution Association’s event in Orlando, Fla., checked these boxes and more. Also, the products are tailored just for convenience stores.
Click through to see what these nine suppliers have in store ...
The Hershey Co.
Krave, the protein snack company that was purchased by The Hershey Co., Hershey, Pa., in 2015, launched its meat bars last year, but it just started shipping Krave Sticks. These single-serve 1-ounce meat snacks are available in Sesame Garlic Beef with Sweet Potato, Rosemary Lemon Turkey with White Beans, and Spicy Red Pepper Pork with Black Beans.
Oberto
Kent, Wash.-based Oberto is now offering Oberto Trail Mix in Teriyaki Chicken, Spicy Sweet Beef and Original Beef in 2-ounce packs. Each variety contains 12 grams of protein and features a mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit, in addition to Oberto jerky chunks.
Thanasi Foods
Thanasi Foods, Boulder, Colo., recently launched Duke’s Shorty Sausages in convenient single-serve three-packs. The sausages come in artisan flavors such as Hatch Green Chile, Hickory Peach BBQ, Chorizo & Lime and Hot & Spicy.
The company also is excited about its latest flavor of Bigs sunflower Seeds: Tapatio Chile Limon. The variety is currently available in 5.35-ounce peg bags, but 2.75-ounce “slammer” tubes are coming soon.
General Mills
From Minneapolis-based General Mills, Nature Valley Granola Cups in Peanut Butter Chocolate and Almond Butter flavors speak to the recent nut-butter trend. But these snacks' chocolate bottoms also make them slightly indulgent.
General Mills also showcased its new Pillsbury Mini Chocolate Cake Bites—four-packs of chocolate cake covered in chocolate and then drizzled with white icing—which appeal to the afternoon snack occasion, the company says.
Clif Bar & Co.
Emeryville, Calif.-based Clif launched its Nut Butter Filled Bars last year, but three more flavors will join the line this June. The flavors are Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter, Carmel Chocolate Peanut Butter and Blueberry Almond Bar. These organic energy bars are USDA-certified organic.
Snyder’s-Lance
Coming soon in March from Charlotte, N.C.-based Snyder’s-Lance are 1.5-ounce sizes of Snyder’s of Hanover Wholey Cheese baked crackers. Two flavors will be available: Mild Cheddar and Smoked Gouda. The snacks are gluten-free and do not contain artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
And new from the Snack Factory Pretzel Crips brand are Bacon Habanero Pretzel Crisps in a 3-ounce size. Like other Pretzel Crips, this bold and spicy variety is Non-GMO Project verified.
Kraft Heinz
Chicago’s Kraft Heinz showcased new products from its Planters brand, including P3 Portable Protein Packs, Dessert Mixes and Heat Peanuts. The P3 packs feature peanuts, jerky and sunflower seeds for better-for-you-snack seekers, while the Dessert Mixes in Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Turtle Sundae and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie are for those looking for a more indulgent snack. Heat Peanuts come in a 2.25-ounce tube and hit on the trend toward spicy items.
Hostess Brands
Hostess, Kansas City, Mo., also had an array of new products on hand, including two-packs of Fudge Covered Twinkies, White Fudge Ding Dongs and Peanut Butter Ho Hos. For the summer, limited-edition Summer Berry Donettes and Star Spangled CupCakes will be available.
Promotion In Motion
Allendale, N.J.-based Promotion In Motion is debuting its Go Organically fruit snacks in 4-ounce peg bags for convenience stores. Originally launched as a grocery item, these fruit snacks are gluten-free, non-GMO and USDA-certified organic. They will be available in Fruit Medley and Mixed Berry.