A shopper stops by the local petrol station, fills up on fuel, and walks towards the cashier, but can’t resist glancing through the frost-layered freezer doors with bright coloured boxes behind. ‘Ah just one ice cream can’t hurt’, the shopper thinks, and opens a door to see two types of chocolate ice cream, with the difference being that one box has a label advising the product contains ‘less sugar’.
Which one do you think he or she will choose?
Shadi Hajj, Manager of a Top Juice store in Sydney, is adamant that the health trend will never go away. He takes pride in offering fresh, convenient, healthy snacks and treats for his community. Despite this involving added time and effort, he says providing healthy options is “worth the challenges”.
“I came from the motor industry,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I was giving someone something that’s good for them.”
According to 7-Eleven Australia General Manager Customer Experience Julie Laycock, the trend towards healthier options will continue to grow.
7-Eleven is catering to the more health conscious consumer by introducing some “traditional sweet treats” in different portion sizes, Ms Laycock says.
“In addition to our fresh fruit, yoghurts and the 7-Eleven Muesli Slice … new Krispy Kreme Glazed Bites are smaller portions in a share pack, perfect for sharing a little indulgence,” she said.
All board
Earlier this year, Convenience World featured FroPro introducing its “96% sugar-free” ice creams into Caltex (now in transition to Ampol) stores.
“Since our FroPro Singles have launched in Caltex, we’ve seen a big impact in sales. Caltex has even taken to creating ‘Treat yourself better’ menu boards for the impulse freezer, headlined by FroPro Singles.
Denada, which promotes its ice-cream range being more than 99% sugar free, fully supports the idea of the dessert section in P&C being upgraded to incorporate healthier options.
“Denada was started from the realisation that people should be consuming less sugar, but also that everyone deserves dessert,” says Denada co-founder and Marketing Director Sophie Lawrence.
On the topic of health trends and how long they will influence convenience dessert and snack options, Ms Lawrence said: “I’d hope that health in general isn’t a trend, but more of a normal consideration in day-to-day life.
To learn more about the ‘better for you’ dessert market in p&c, click here to view the latest Convenience World magazine.
