Convenience Retailer

Hispanic Men Presenting Unique Opportunities for Marketers

Although the Hispanic population continues to grow at a fast pace, as does the population’s purchasing power, over the last several years, much of the marketing to this demographic has been specifically directed at Latinas, thus neglecting Hispanic men, an equally important market segment.

According to recent research from Mintel, 42 percent of Hispanic men and more than half (55 percent) of Hispanic dads are the top decision makers on the purchases made in their households. Around half (54 percent) of Hispanic men aged 45 to 64 have the most influence on their household purchasing decisions, as do 50 percent of Hispanic men aged 35 to 44. These statistics reveal how valuable Hispanic men can be to potential marketers.

“Everywhere we look, marketers are directing their focus on Latinas, but brands are forgetting to talk to Hispanic men. Ignoring Hispanic men is an unwise mistake, as this growing group, like most men in the U.S., has taken on a greater role with household chores, caring for children and shopping for the household,” said Leylha Ahuile, Senior Multicultural Analyst at Mintel.

“Marketing efforts that discuss how Hispanic men, and Hispanic dads in particular, can obtain top value in their household purchases could set a…retailer apart from its competitors, leading to greater loyalty among Hispanic men who are shopping for the household. By failing to reach out to Hispanic men, brands and retailers will miss out on the chance to establish themselves as the first choice among a segment of shoppers poised to gain great influence in the coming years.”

Despite their active role in their households, when it comes to their portrayal in the media, two-thirds of Hispanic men believe they are stereotyped by advertisers. “Hispanic men feel like they are misrepresented in the media. This means that marketers may be missing the mark with their advertising initiatives in both Spanish- and English-language media,” said Ahuile. “By having greater sensitivity to Hispanic culture, stereotypes could be omitted from ads, and a higher level of engagement could be reached.”

When it comes to where to shop, three in four Hispanic men shop for food items at a traditional grocery store, making it the leading destination among Hispanic men for food shopping for their households. However, Hispanic fathers are more likely to purchase groceries at mass merchandisers, with 71 percent of them doing so, compared to 63 percent of Hispanic men without children.

As for key purchasing factors, Latinos like to play it safe. Some 44 percent of Hispanic men bought a new product after first sampling it in a store, while 42 percent made a purchase after a friend or family member recommended the product. Moreover, around a third of Hispanic men are more likely to be influenced by ads on Spanish-language TV than ads on English-language TV.

What’s more, in certain categories, Hispanic men are more brand loyal than the larger Latino population, often willing to pay a bit more for their preferred brand. Some 35 percent of Hispanic men think more expensive brands of laundry detergents are more effective than bargain brands, and some 58 percent of them only shop at their favorite stores, as they are confident they will find the brands of merchandise they like there.

For more information on the study, visit www.mintel.com.

Product of the day—Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer is a quick spray lotion that moisturizes deeply and absorbs in seconds, so women can put their clothes on right after moisturizing and get on with their day. Leaving skin instantly soft, not sticky or greasy, this breakthrough lotion is now available nationwide. Unlike traditional bottled lotions, new Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer delivers category changing innovation through the union of three special elements: First, the product’s external structure consists of an expertly-engineered, twist-lock actuator that is easy to press and prevents spills. Second, Vaseline Spray & Go utilizes bag-on-valve technology for continuous spray delivery, using only compressed air. And third, the product is formulated so that it is thin enough to spray, while delivering a non-sticky sensory experience and effective moisturizing. The formula contains multi-layer moisture complex and infuses moisture across all layers of skin—at the top, the core and deep down. The Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer line includes three variants, Total Moisture®, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant™, each available in a 6.5-oz. can.

Unilever
800.298.5018
www.vaseline.com

Product of the day—AR Series LED Architectural Troffers from Cree Lighting

Building on the success of the CR Series LED troffer, Cree, Inc. is launching its new AR Series LED Architectural troffer, delivering soft, high-quality light with the exceptional efficacy of 100 lumens per watt. With its flush mount white housing, the AR Series troffers blend seamlessly into any ceiling design and softly illuminate the space through highly diffused performance optics. The new AR Troffer aesthetic provides increased architectural lighting options, while delivering industry-leading light quality and energy savings using Cree TrueWhite® Technology.

The exceptional performance of the AR Series enables rapid payback by providing 33 percent energy savings versus standard T8 fluorescent solutions and low maintenance costs with its designed lifetime of up to 75,000 hours. Like the CR Series LED troffer, the AR Series is covered by Cree’s industry leading 10-year limited warranty, offering increased investment protection.

“The AR Series provides an excellent option to the lighting specifier, designer or customer who is seeking aesthetic options to our standard CR Series LED troffer,” said Greg Merritt, Vice President of lighting at Cree. “We now have a fully luminous troffer, with a new architectural look suitable for applications such as corporate offices, up-market retail merchandising spaces and automotive retail applications.”

The AR Series troffers are available in two models, the AR22™ troffer and AR24™ troffer, as well as in a range of color temperatures to match existing fluorescent technologies. The AR Series supports dimming down to 5 percent with industry standard 0-10V controls. Lutron EcoSystem® enabled AR Series troffers supporting dimming down to 5 percent are expected to be available in mid-2013.

Cree is a market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting and semiconductor products for power and radio-frequency applications. The company’s family of products includes LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, electronic signs and signals, power supplies and solar inverters. For additional product and company information, visit www.cree.com/lighting.

Cintas Tile and Carpet Deep Cleaning Service Receives NFSI Stamp of Approval

A nationwide leader in safe floor solutions, Cintas Corporation recently announced that its tile and carpet deep cleaning service received certification from the National Floor Safety Institute as a “high traction” service. The first cleaning service to receive the certification, Cintas’ deep cleaning service restores floors to their original luster and traction by up to 35 percent, providing foodservice operators with an easy way to keep floors clean and safe.

“Dirty, unsafe floors are the leading cause for slip-and-fall accidents,” said Fred Wehby, Senior Director of Deep Clean Services for Cintas Corporation. “While independent testing has shown our service improves floor safety, this certification validates the fact that Cintas’ tile and carpet deep cleaning service enhances slip resistance, improves traction and reduces the opportunity for a slip and fall accident.”

To qualify for the certification, Cintas’ deep cleaning system underwent extensive testing to assess compliance with slip-and-fall standards set forth by the American National Standards Institute and NFSI. The first phase of the B101 testing requires a prescreening using a NFSI-approved tribometer, which measures standing coefficient of friction, or slip resistance of the floor surface before treatment. The second phase requires independent field testing over a 30-day period to measure the change in slip resistance after cleaning.

Testing results showed that Cintas’ deep cleaning service provided static coefficient of friction values of .6 or greater (the minimum standard for a safe floor) in all areas tested. Floor surfaces tested included glazed ceramic and quarry tile, the flooring types most commonly seen in many foodservice operations.

“The certification provides an easy way for businesses to identify floor care practices and programs that improve floor safety,” said Wehby. “[Foodservice operations] that use Cintas’ tile and carpet deep cleaning service will not only experience a significant improvement to the image of their floors, they will also reduce their risk for a slip-and-fall accident.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services and document management services for more than 1 million businesses. For more information on how businesses can reduce slips and falls with a safe floor program visit www.cintas.com/FacilityServices/Solutions/Floor-Safety/.

Product of the day—Mamma Chia Vitality Snacks

Mamma Chia, the organic food and beverage company that originated the chia beverage category, is pioneering a new food category with the Chia Squeeze™ vitality snack. Known for their nutritional benefits, chia seeds offer a complete nutritional profile of Omega-3, balanced dietary fiber, complete protein, antioxidants and minerals. Building on the rapid success of Mamma Chia’s vitality beverages, Chia Squeeze provides an exciting new way to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds, combining them with fruits and vegetables for a delicious, 70-calorie, no sugar added snack in an on-the-go squeeze pouch. Chia Squeeze is available in four tasty flavors for the whole family: apple cinnamon, blackberry bliss, strawberry banana and green magic. The product is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO verified, vegan and gluten-free. Packed with 1,200 mg of essential Omega-3, as well as complete protein and fiber, Chia Squeeze is the ideal choice for a delicious, healthy, anytime snack. Each 3.5-oz. Chia Squeeze pouch is lightweight for easy carrying and does not need refrigeration.

Mamma Chia
www.mammachia.com

Product of the day—Aunt Jemima Lil’ Griddles

Aunt Jemima® Frozen Breakfast recently announced the launch of its new Lil’ Griddles™ line of three delicious, bite-sized breakfast options. The new line includes Aunt Jemima Frozen Blueberry Mini Pancakes, Aunt Jemima Frozen Original Mini Pancakes and Aunt Jemima Frozen Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. With new Lil’ Griddles from Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast, families now have the big breakfast taste they love in “mini” options. At a MSRP of $2.99, starting the family out with a warm breakfast in the morning has never been easier. “We take great pride in making Aunt Jemima frozen pancakes, waffles, and french toast just like moms make breakfast across America,” said Lisa Barrette, Senior Director of Marketing for Pinnacle Foods Group’s breakfast brands. “I’m excited to introduce Lil’ Griddles to our loyal consumers, and to continue to help moms serve their families a warm, convenient and, most importantly, nutritious breakfast.”

Pinnacle Foods
800.432.3102
www.auntjemimafrozen.com

Product of the day—Blue Bell Lemon Bliss Ice Cream

The best way to describe the newest ice cream flavor from Blue Bell is to simply say its name: Lemon Bliss. Lemon Bliss is a flavorful lemon ice cream combined with tasty vanilla crème-filled cookies. “This is not your average lemon ice cream,” said Carl Breed, Director of Marketing for Blue Bell. “Combining cookies with lemon ice cream may not seem like a natural blend, but once our panel tasted this combination we knew we had to produce the flavor in a half gallon for our fans to enjoy.” The idea for Lemon Bliss Ice Cream actually came when tbe company’s shipping manager, Louis Castillo, heard about this combination from a friend. “He was so passionate about how good it was,” said Norris Seay, Blue Bell Sales Manager. “We had him make a sample, which we thought was great, and the rest is history in the making.” Lemon Bliss Ice Cream is available now for a limited time.

Blue Bell
800.327.8135
www.bluebell.com

Pepsi Launches First New Bottle In 16 Years

Pepsi has unveiled a new single-serve bottle for Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi MAX and Pepsi NEXT beverages. This marks the company’s first bottle design update since 1996. A visual expression of the brand’s “Excitement of Now” marketing slogan, the bottle is rolling out in markets nationwide starting in April, available in both 16-oz. and 20-oz. sizes. A new, 12-oz. glass bottle will also be offered as a premium package in select stores. Conversion of other Pepsi products into the new bottles will take place over the next few years.

“This new bottle is the next milestone in Pepsi’s Live For Now marketing campaign,” said Angelique Krembs, Vice President of Pepsi Marketing. “Our single serve bottle is the most visible and tangible connection point we have with our consumers, and we love how the new bottle expresses our brand DNA.”

The new bottle’s bold swirl and elevated profile reflect the brand’s attributes and youthful spirit. The etched, grip-able bottom allows consumers to have a more stimulating tactile interaction with the bottle itself. The new bottle is the first iteration of the redesign of the full portfolio currently underway under the stewardship of PepsiCo’s Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini. Customers can expect additional redesigns to be rolled out throughout the next year.

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. The company makes hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo is committed not only to providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats, but also to finding innovative ways to minimize the company’s impact on the environment, to conserving energy and water and other natural resources, to providing a great workplace for its associates and to respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where it operates. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

CSCAMEX Announces Warm Tortilla Merchandiser

CSCAMEX, a developer of innovative temperature controlled merchandisers for the retail industry, has introduced the T-01 Warm Tortilla Merchandiser.

“Over the past three years of listening to our clients in Mexico and the United States, they had expressed a need for a visual merchandiser that effectively displayed warm fresh tortillas. Our clients required that it be well lighted, temperature controlled, the ability to retain the moisture in the tortillas and be energy efficient," said Max Calva, Director of Operations in Latin America.

CSCAMEX worked with Mission Foods and thoroughly tested the merchandiser in Mission Food's labs with its New Tradicionales brand of fresh tortillas. The testing duration was one month. During the test the T-01 merchandiser repeatedly merchandised the tortillas as desired; warm, moist and fresh. Several large supermarket chains both in the United States and Mexico have placed orders for the T-01 tortilla merchandiser.

"We look forward to helping these supermarket chains increase their tortilla sales while reducing their shrinkage" said Chip Aschinger, President and CEO.

About CSCAMEX

CSCAMEX has over 70 years in experience of working collaboratively with the world's leading retailers creating innovative merchandising fixtures ensuring positive return on investment. CSCAMEX has operations in both the United States and Mexico with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and sales and manufacturing operations in Mexico. For more information, please visit www.cscamex.com

ZICO Beverages Announces Changes to its Senior Leadership Team

ZICO Beverages, maker of pure premium coconut water, recently announced that Mike Sharman, Senior Vice President of Sales is departing the company to join a start-up business in the pharmaceutical industry. “We’re sad to see Mike go and will miss his passion and drive but wish him well in this new venture,” said Mark Rampolla, Founder and CEO of ZICO. “Mike played a critical role in the development and growth of ZICO. Under his leadership, our top line results grew nearly seven fold in only three years, and we’re now well prepared for continued exponential growth in the coming years.”

ZICO also announced that it has hired Scott Uzzell as Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales. In this role, Scott will oversee sales and commercialization of all ZICO products for the company in North America. Scott has played a number of leadership roles for The Coca-Cola Company, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of Incubation for the Venturing and Emerging Brands group. Previously Scott held important positions as Vice-President of The McDonald’s Division North America and Managing Director of one unit within Coca-Cola North America’s Food Service business. He also led a variety of sales roles for Minute Maid. Scott began his career in sales at Procter & Gamble and received his MBA from the University of Chicago.

“We’re thrilled to have Scott join ZICO,” said Mark Rampolla. “He’s a talented and seasoned executive who has a track record for building and leading great teams, creating winning strategies and delivering results—exactly what we need for our next phase of growth. I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know Scott personally through working with VEB and know he shares the energy, passion and love for ZICO that all of us have. He is going to be a great fit for our organization because of the expertise and skills he has had in managing innovation efforts at VEB and their unique corporate entrepreneurial culture.”

Founded in 2004 by Mark Rampolla, ZICO Beverages, LLC is the maker of ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water. With five electrolytes and as much potassium as a banana, ZICO is the all-natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish. ZICO is the only major brand of pure premium coconut water available in both a tetra carton and a resealable, recyclable, on-the-go HDPE bottle. ZICO is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. For more information, visit www.zico.com.