Convenience Retailer

New product of the day—Crunch Pak Flavorz™ line

Crunch Pak, the fresh sliced apple specialist, recently introduced Flavorz™, sliced apples infused with natural flavorings that give the apples the flavor of another fruit. The Flavorz line includes three unique flavor combinations, each sold in eye-catching Disney-themed packages. Peach/mango Flavorz come in packages with Disney characters Phineas and Ferb. Grape Flavorz’ packages feature Mickey Mouse and Friends. And strawberry vanilla cream Flavorz packages carry Disney Princess characters. Created in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, Flavorz™ meet the strict nutritional guidelines created by Disney just for kids, assuring parents that they are nutritionally balanced. The natural flavoring is applied to the apples post-slice and does not change the look or texture of the apple slice. While Flavorz™ were developed for kids, Freytag said there is a sales opportunity with adults who will enjoy having the flavor of peach/mango or strawberry vanilla in salads, but with the added benefit of apples’ texture. Crunch Pak’s Flavorz line is now available nationwide at a MSRP of $3.99-$4.29.

Crunch Pak
509.782.7753
www.crunchpak.com

Dynamic Growth in Flavored Vodka Market Fueling Overall Vodka Sales

Consumer interest in flavored vodka is expanding, as is evidenced by the 23.3 percent gain that catapulted the segment to the forefront of the spirits marketplace last year. In fact, sales of flavored vodkas accounted for more than one-quarter of total U.S. vodka volume in 2011.

Flavored vodka sales increased by 3.3 million 9-liter cases in 2011, ranking it among the fastest-growing segments of the spirits industry. These statistics were recently released by foodservices industry consulting firm Technomic in its “Special Trends in Adult Beverage Report: Vodka Category Close-up.” The report projects ongoing growth for the vodka category in 2012, with flavored vodka expected to fuel that expansion with yet another double-digit percentage gain.

“With flavors ranging from citrus to peanut butter and jelly, and entries available in all price points, flavored vodka truly offers something for everyone,” said Eric Schmidt, director of research for Technomic’s Adult Beverage Resource Group. “Innovation around flavors is non-stop, which means suppliers are keeping consumers engaged by constantly bringing new offerings to the marketplace. Flavored vodka is one of the most dynamic categories in spirits today, and is growing in both the retail and on-premise channels due to its approachable and highly mixable positioning.”

The Technomic Vodka Category Close-up contained a number of additional findings on the recent successes of the flavored vodka segment. According to the report, nearly three-quarters of the vodkas introduced in 2011 were flavored offerings. While raspberry and citrus remained the most popular flavors, vodkas with sweeter profiles gained traction, with whipped cream vodkas surging in volume to rank as the third largest flavor.

Smirnoff led the flavored vodka segment, but all of the leading flavored vodka portfolios grew in 2011. Pinnacle Whipped Cream grew 324.5 percent, emerging as a leading flavored vodka brand. In addition, significant volume increases were achieved by several other imported brands.
In addition to comprehensive information on the flavored vodka segment, the Vodka Category Close-up report also delves into the performance metrics for the overall vodka category. It includes information on imported and domestic segment trends, leading brands and suppliers, price tier performance and category and segment projections.

To purchase or learn more about the Vodka Category Close-up, or to read other industry reports on the adult beverage market, visit www.technomic.com

*photo by Jan Peter

New Federal Fuel Economy Standards Expected to Increase Popularity of Clean Diesel Autos

The new fuel economy standards for automobiles and light trucks recently announced by Obama Administration officials will expand the opportunity for more clean diesel cars, light trucks and SUVs in the United States.

The automotive industry has a variety of possible avenues to pursue in its attempt to meet higher fuel economy requirements. It is probable that the industry will work to minimize vehicle size, making autos lighter in weight across the board, thus reducing energy requirements.

Advancements in gasoline engines such as turbo-charging and direct injection with yield a higher fuel economy. More vehicles are sure to be developed with electric and hybrid motors. And more vehicles are likely to run on lower carbon biofuels.

However, one shift that many in the automotive industry seem already poised to make is toward clean diesel technology in cars and light trucks. Clean Diesel delivers 30 percent more miles-per-gallon than a comparable gasoline engine and is expected to gain in efficiency as the technology improves over the coming years.

“Because clean diesel autos are 20 to 40 percent more efficient than gasoline vehicles, diesel will be a major player in the nation’s effort to achieve the new mileage standards,” said Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum. Schaeffer said that the fuel-efficiency of clean diesel technology is expected to “play an expanded role in improving fuel economy…needed to achieve the 54.5 mpg level by 2025 as mandated by the new greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency standards.

“Meeting these fuel efficiency targets will likely require diverse technology solutions and we’re extremely confident that clean diesel technology is one of those solutions,” said Schaeffer. “American consumers are already showing us they are interested in more clean diesel passenger vehicles.”
 
In fact, sales of diesel automobiles in the United States have increased 27.5 percent in the first six months of 2012. The automotive industry has seen increased domestic sales for diesel vehicles in 22 out of the past 23 months. With more than 15 new diesel autos expected to be introduced to the U.S. market over the next two years, the industry is anticipating dramatic sales growth for diesel vehicles over the coming years.

In Europe, where drivers have long made increased fuel efficiency a priority when picking out a vehicle, nearly 50 percent of all automobiles on the street run on diesel. Although today just three percent of cars and light trucks in the United States run on diesel this percentage is almost sure to skyrocket as fuel efficiency becomes increasingly prioritized here as well.

New product of the day—AdvancePierre Foods Fast Bites Breakfast Sandwiches

AdvancePierre Foods has introduced a new line of breakfast sandwiches for convenience markets. The new Fast Bites product line is value-priced for consumers to help drive in-store morning traffic and increase sales. The five brand-new Fast Bites® sandwiches include a Sausage Biscuit, Sausage Sandwich on a bun, Sausage and Cheese Sandwich on a bun, Breaded Chicken Biscuit and Spicy Breaded Chicken Biscuit. Fast Bites’® value pricing is ideal for “2 for $2.22” promotions or as part of a combo meal deal. Their attention-grabbing, hand-wrapped paper packaging appeals to consumers with its fresh-made appearance. To further increase sales potential, the breakfast sandwiches can be served either hot in a sandwich warmer or merchandised cold, to be heated on demand. AdvancePierre Foods’ sandwiches provide convenience retailers a quick, mouth-watering breakfast option for their customers. “Market research has shown that ‘2-for’ deals, meal bundling and value-menu promotions can drive breakfast traffic and increase total sales,” said Tony Schroder, President of Convenience at AdvancePierre Foods. “The Fast Bites® breakfast sandwiches are an easy-to-merchandise and easy-to-sell option for on-the-go consumers.”

AdvancePierre Foods
580.237.6656
www.advancepierre.com

New product of the day—ACLinx™ Modular Wiring System

The ACLinx™ Modular Wiring System allows retailers to configure multiple power distribution layouts for their stores without the use of costly electricians, thus reducing labor and installation costs for store remodels or reconfigurations. ACLinx modular wiring works throughout the store, powering checkout registers, gondolas, stationary and portable coolers. The system can also power in-store stations and merchandisers that provide customers with coffee, hot dogs, hot and cold sandwiches and impulse purchases. ACLinx components can be used anywhere power is required on the sales floor, and it works in tandem with ground-fed connections as well as top-fed power pole connections. When it is time to remodel or reconfigure a convenience store layout for seasonal displays, ACLinx quickly and easily allows the store’s own personnel to connect and install ACLinx components in-store, without the use of specialized electrical labor. ACLinx connectors snap together quickly and easily and are error-proof.

D&P Custom Lights & Wiring Systems
800.251.2200
www.dandpcustomlights.com

C-Store Industry Struggles Against Federal Menu Labeling Mandate

By Lucas Witman

In March 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, a piece of legislation that introduced a number of reforms to health care and health policy in this country. One of the more talked about elements of this 2,000-page bill was a provision requiring retail food establishment chains with more than 20 locations to post nutritional information on menus, menu boards and at self-service locations. Two and a half years later, this provision has not yet gone into effect, and its role, its efficacy and its viability are as much a source of debate as they were when the law was first conceived.

According to the original Affordable Care Act provision, all retail food establishments, defined as businesses where 50 percent of total floor area is used for food service, as well as companies that operate vending machines, are required to publicly post calorie counts on the items they serve. Additional nutritional data, including fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, sugar, fiber and protein must be made available upon request. The law applies only to companies that operate at least 20 separate food service establishments under the same name.

As the law was written, it originally would have exempted most convenience stores, which do not devote the necessary 50 percent of their floor space to prepared food service. However, in April 2011, the Food and Drug Administration issued revised standards for how the law would be implemented, expanding its scope to establishments that sell pre-packaged foods. Under the revised law, most convenience stores will in fact be required to comply with the menu labeling guidelines, as they devote 50 percent of their space to food service as it is newly defined.

Since the FDA issued its revised guidelines, many in the convenience store industry have been vociferously decrying a law they see as placing an unnecessary and disproportionate burden on their industry. Industry leaders argue that it is nonsensical to include pre-packaged foods in the law, as their nutritional information is already clearly labeled. In addition, as the convenience store business model is clearly different than the business model for restaurants, it simply does not make sense to legislate the two entities in the same way.

“Convenience stores and their food offerings vary greatly—even those like mine that are part of the same chain—based largely on their location and customer base,” said Jeff Miller, President of Virginia based Miller Oil. Miller advocates for changes in legislation that set more realistic expectation as to which retailers are required to participate.

In September, the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing officially put its support behind a new type of federal menu labeling legislation, when it praised the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2012, a new bill introduced by Mo. Sen. Roy Blunt. If passed, the act would change the menu labeling mandate to apply to businesses where 50 percent of revenues are made from the sale of restaurant-style prepared foods. The floor space requirement would be removed. In addition, pre-packaged food sales would not be included in the calculation. As a result, most convenience stores would be exempt from the new law.

“This legislation would allow [the] FDA to meet the objectives of the menu-labeling law without unnecessarily burdening retailers that rightfully should be outside of its scope,” said Miller. “It sets realistic requirements for how businesses are classified under these regulations.”

Regardless of the eventual outcome of the ongoing debate over which businesses should be covered under federal menu labeling guidelines and what they should be required to reveal, many opponents of these laws continue to argue that such legislation is not an effective way of fighting obesity and promoting overall public well being.

“A narrow, food-only approach entirely misses the complex causes of obesity, especially physical inactivity,” argues the Center for Consumer Freedom, a pro-consumer choice organization. “Countless studies have shown that physical inactivity, not certain foods and ingredients, is responsible for obesity.”

As more and more retail food establishments begin posting calorie counts and other nutritional information on their menus, even in advance of the official federal mandate, it will become increasingly apparent precisely what effect this law has on both the food service industry and on overall public health in this country.

New product of the day—Spot On Energy, "Energy in a Patch"

Spot On Energy® Patch, a new delivery method for energy, recently launched to widespread acclaim. Consumers are concerned about the effects of many energy shots and drinks and are looking for an effective and healthy alternative for increased energy and mental focus. Spot On Energy comes at an opportune time when many negative reports on energy drinks are being released. Spot On Energy Patch is an exciting, new, all natural product that works.

While there are plenty of energy beverages, shots, and supplements on the market, Spot On Energy Patch represents a unique, innovative, healthy and safe alternative that is easy to use, effective and economical. Every ingredient is listed in the homeopathic pharmacopoeia as safe and effective. Spot On Energy is the only such energy product that can make this statement.

The small transparent patches release natural, homeopathic ingredients gradually and provide users with hours of sustained energy and enhanced mental focus and concentration. Energy is released over time in a patent pending system, so only a small amount can be delivered at any one time.

The product contains no sugar, calories, chemicals or sodium. It contains ingredients that promote energy and mental clarity, including naturally derived caffeine, zinc and black tea, but it contains none of the preservatives, sugars, chemicals, sodium and calories found in energy drinks.

Spot On Energy has no side effects. Users will not experience the nervousness, jitters, bloating, bad taste or aftertaste caused by energy drinks. In addition, the product avoids the digestive tract, eliminating any potential for stomach problems.

Finally, Spot On Energy is economical. Available for half the price of energy drinks, the product is a very affordable option.

“The product is ideal for people who need to get things done in their lives,” said Nicole Pigott, Brand Manager. “Truck drivers, working professionals, doctors, nurses, construction workers, blue collar and white collar job holders, golfers and card players alike are looking for an alternative product that will give them energy without side effects.”

Spot On delivers a controlled and steady release of energy and mental focus for five hours, without any jolt and crash. “Patch wearing is becoming more common among consumers, so we were excited to develop energy in a patch,” said Pigott. Spot On Energy is easy to apply, discreet and comfortable for hands-free energy. Consumers can peel, press and go.

At a MSRP of $3.49 for a two patch pouch, Spot On Energy is competitively priced among energy products. The pouch is small, portable and requires no refrigeration. As such it is easy to merchandise in point-of purchase displays. As an impulse buy item, Spot On Energy is an ideal fit for convenience stores.

ROCASUBA, Inc. recently kicked off the multi-media regional and national campaign for Spot On Energy, “Take Your Energy Drink and Stick It!” The campaign will consist of social media, online viral marketing, radio and TV coverage, PR and editorial, out of home advertising and massive sampling programs throughout the country.

Spot On Energy is currently available at 23,000 CVS, Walgreens and Family Dollar locations, with more chain, mass and convenience store doors coming soon. For more information, contact Nicole Pigott at 508.539.7077, or email her at nicole@rocasuba.com.

New product of the day—Crunchies Single Serving Veggie Munch Paks

In early 2012, healthy snack company Crunchies® launched its brand new line of single serving Munch Paks® in six fruits, including Pineapple, Strawberry, Cinnamon Apple, Mixed Fruit, Pear and Mango. With the warm reception of the fruit Munch Paks, Crunchies has decided to add four Veggie Munch Paks to the line. Veggie Munch Paks will feature BBQ Roasted Veggies, Buttered Sweet Corn, Salted Edamame and Buttered Power Veggies. 

Each of the new Veggie Munch Paks are naturally seasoned to perfection, for an explosive flavor mixed with a great crunch. They are a truly one of a kind snack. The BBQ Roasted Veggies Munch Pak is filled with corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes, red bell peppers and a kick of BBQ seasoning.  The Salted Edamame Munch Pak, full of protein with just a dash of sea salt, is the perfect snack to crunch any craving.  And Buttered Sweet Corn and Buttered Power Veggies round out the new Munch Pak line, creating a savory, on-the-go snack that replaces high calorie nuts and chips without sacrificing the much needed crunch.

In response to the high demand for the Crunchies Munch Pak line, the company is also introducing some innovative new Munch Pak display vehicles. The colorful Crunchies graphics make these displays pop out at the consumers, helping to drive sales even further. 

Crunchies freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are all natural with no added sugars or preservatives.  Crunchies are gluten free, Kosher, vegan, non-GMO and Made in the USA. They make the perfect nutritious and delicious snack for consumers of all ages, especially now that they are available in a convenient single serving size. Munch Paks are the perfect snack to take on the go and enjoy anytime, making getting your recommended servings of fruits and veggies “easy as crunch.”

Crunchies products are made in the United States, through a unique freeze-drying process in which individually frozen fruits are placed in a refrigerated vacuum chamber that removes up to 97 percent of their moisture. This special process gives Crunchies their crunchy texture and allows them to retain a high percentage of the nutritious enzymes that are invariably lost through traditional heat drying.

Founded in 2005, Crunchies Food Company, LLC has created a nationally-distributed line of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables that are redefining healthy snacking for the 21st century. Free of additives, chemicals, preservatives or unhealthy ingredients, Crunchies are truly “Nature’s Ultimate Snack Food.” For more product information, please visit www.crunchiesfood.com  or call 888.997.1866.

Power Profile—D&S Car Wash Systems Offers a Custom Wash for Every Vehicle

Jon Jansky, President and CEO of D&S Car Wash Systems, recently spoke with Convenience Retailer about the company’s mission and its plans for the future.

CR: Can you talk a little bit about the company? What is D&S Car Wash Systems bringing to the larger industry?

JJ: D&S provides the self-service car wash industry with innovative, technologically advanced products at competitive prices. The company’s mission is simple. To fulfill the needs of the car wash industry, our customers and their clients, and in doing so, to exceed their expectations for service, quality and value. We strive to earn our customers’ long-term loyalty by working to deliver more than promised, by demonstrating honesty and fairness, by listening to our customers and by developing systems and equipment that meets or exceeds the industry standard for quality and performance.

CR: What sets D&S apart from other car wash equipment companies?

JJ: D&S’ reputation and experience in the car wash industry is unmatched for quality and reliability. All of our products are built with simplicity in mind. They are easy to install and maintain. Customers are our focus at D&S. Their success is our genuine concern. We are a team-based organization built on trust, respect and dependability.

CR: Is D&S planning to introduce any new equipment in the coming months?

JJ: We recently unveiled at the NACS show the new IQ Soft-touch, In-bay Automatic, a state-of-the-art 3D vehicle profiling and mapping system. A first of its kind innovation for the industry, the IQ Soft-touch uses a three-dimensional scan to capture each vehicle’s unique shape, while “mapping” details like the luggage rack and spoilers. This technology provides a custom wash for every vehicle, from MINI Coopers to dually trucks. The IQ Soft-touch produces a smarter, more efficient and safer wash. Lightweight and nimble, this machine delivers on performance while consuming less power, water and chemicals than many friction in-bay automatics currently on the market.

CR: How does the IQ Soft-touch fit into D&S’ focus on simplicity?

JJ: First of all, installation is fast. No forklift is needed. No welding or heavy-duty tools are required. Fast install equals lower installation cost. Less weight equals less overall freight cost. Similar competitor in-bay automatics take weeks to install and dial-in, before you can wash a single car. The IQ Soft-touch, in-bay automatic is truly smarter, cleaner, and greener. In addition, the IQ Soft-touch’s innovative design and advanced components make for easy repairs and less overall maintenance throughout the life of the equipment. This machine has very few moving parts to wear out or break. And a preventative maintenance program is essentially a clean-and-inspect procedure. The IQ platform was engineered with the goal of lowering annual and lifetime operational costs.

CR: Where can our readers learn more about D&S Car Wash Systems?

JJ: For more information on D&S Car and the new IQ Soft-touch In-Bay Automatic, visit www.dscarwash.com or call 800.844.3442. You can also watch a video on the IQ Soft-touch in action on YouTube [at www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ch6aW2Pok].

Product of the day—Tres Picosos Burritos

Tres Picosos, maker and purveyor of hand-made, hand-wrapped burritos for the convenience store market, is committed to producing an authentic homestyle product, made from superior ingredients with superior flavor. Tres Picosos’ burritos have no fillers or artificial preservatives. The company prides itself on providing customers with a premium-value product that does not compromise on taste. “Value doesn’t mean cheap,” said Jane Hartgrove, President of Tres Picosos. “It means getting seriously tasty flavors. Premium value is better tasting food for your money. Why would you want your customers to trade down?” Tres Picosos burritos feature a variety of unique flavors, such as Egg, Spinach and Feta and vegetarian Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, and Chipotle Chicken Green Chile for the rest of the day. This fall, Tres Picosos is launching its new Mucho Muncho line of huge 11-13 oz. burritos, priced at a premium value. Mucho Muncho burritos are available in three flavors, including Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita and Breakfast Skillet.

Tres Picosos
303.329.0900
www.trespicosos.com