Older Millennials and Gen Xers are now snacking at least once per day and are the most likely to replace a meal with a snack
To get a glimpse at valuable marketplace intel, the folks at Prime Planet Tostones have compiled a quick review of “Top Spots to Shop for Snack Foods On the Go” for those of us in the business of supplying bulk snack products to the busiest of retail points.
But first, let’s set the stage: The “on-the-go” snacking sub-category of sales represents at least $1.1 billion in annual business and has experienced double digit annual growth over the past several years. And older Millennials and Gen Xers are the “snackiest” generations with 74.4 percent and 72.2 percent, respectively, snacking at least once per day.
In addition, according to a consumer survey completed by Progressive Grocer along with sister company EIQ Research Solutions, those generations are the most likely to replace a meal with a snack. Something our moms would never let us do, but hey, we’re all grown up now.
So here we go: The continuation of Prime Planet’s “Top-Spots” review starts with a pit stop at the gas station convenience store, where more and more consumers now go for snacks on the go.
Fill ‘er Up
Next stop on our tour is gas-station based stores, because when it’s time to fill ‘er up, customers are not just heading out to pump gas, they’re increasingly popping into the local station to buy water, a soda – and, of course, snacks. It’s estimated that there are almost 11,000 stand-alone gas stations in the U.S. In addition, the NACS 2018 Consumer Survey (National Association of Convenience Stores) says about 79 percent of 155,000 convenience stores also sell gas.
In fact, these robust gas station convenience marts (think RaceTrac or Wawa) are fast becoming destinations in their own right. A GasBuddy 2019 C-Store Beverage Study found that 51 percent of those surveyed said they purchase a beverage at a gas station convenience store and 20 percent do so daily. People also head to gas convenience stores’ snack aisles to grab kettle-cooked, baked and flavored potato chips; pretzels; beef jerky; nuts, snack bars, packaged cakes, cookies and crackers; candy, gum, and other treats.
Not to say these venues aren’t looking for new and different products to catch the their customer’s eye, because, stats also show that more and more consumers are looking for something new and different, like a bag of Prime Planet all-natural green plantain chips. They figure that if it looks crunchy and salty delicious – “let’s try these!”
It’s no surprise that customers with increasingly busy lives are navigating the impact of COVID-19 and looking for ways to connect with products and services with maximum ease and speed. They’re also consolidating trips whenever possible and want more out of every retail interaction. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, about 20 percent of convenience store visits were classified by shoppers as “a quick trip to pick something up.” But research shows that number has more than doubled to 47 percent nearly two years after the pandemic began.
Another shifting trend with positive snack industry benefits is that while morning convenience store trips have fallen to 14 percent from 18 percent pre-COVID, in contrast, afternoon and evening trips have grown to 17 percent from just under 14 percent. What’s notable is that more than a third (36 percent) of afternoon and evening commuters are stopping in for snacks, meal stand-in, and “meal bridges.” Millenials and Gen Xers are the most likely to replace a meal with a snack.
Prime Planet is Shifting Gears
Prime Planet is now shifting gears in order to rev up consumer attention to its multi-flavor line of crunchy green plantain chips – by shifting its packaging design.
Reflecting the natural essence of the tasty all-natural product within, Tostones come in brightly colorful bags designed with flair and purpose. But now, with a few new twists to the bag’s appearance, the snack maker is making its popular snack chip will look even more appealing on the retail shelf.
The design now features plantain leaf veins fading across the new line of tostones bags, and a slightly modified bold yellow typography, and an updated logo that more clearly shows a banana leaf wrapping around the earth. This let’s you know we’ve gotchya covered with four great varieties – whether its lime flavored tostones, the habanero, sweet chili, or the classic original flavor (sea salt).
With increasing grab-and-go options and places that sell those, we believe the business of snack production and wholesale/retail snack distribution and sales has a bright future. Fortunately, it’s an appetizing equation for those of us in grocery supply and transport, and one that should bode well for future sales.
About Prime Planet
An innovative international food company based in Miami, Prime Planet’s corporate mission is simply to bring to market the best gluten-free snacks – that are delicious, nutritious, and healthier for you. Its all-natural brand of Tostones offer not only the most delicious flavor, but a healthier snack option that is also certified Vegan and Non-GMO.
Be a Plantain Snack Distributor
For more information, or to become a distributor yourself, visit Prime Planet; or contact Business Development Manager Marie Gonzales at 305-592-2044; or via at bdm@primefreshproducts.com.