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CONFECTIONERY A SEA OF NPD FOR THE A look at just some of the new launches in a category choc-full of them lately. 48 CONVENIENCE WORLD MAR/APR, 2021 By Emily Devon. There must be something sweet in the air, because the confectionery category is now overflowing with new product developments. Perhaps it has something to do with the Easter season, or perhaps with companies reacting to and capitalising on the great changes that 2020 caused. “2020 saw a significant impact to the confectionery category, with a real shift towards sharing formats,” Nestlé Australia Convenience and Impulse Channel Manager Anna Matheson said. Perhaps the most notable, she adds, is the swing from formats catering to ‘consume now’ to those catering to ‘consume later’ with shoppers shifting to formats they could share and indulge in with friends and family. “This has been emblematic in the growth of blocks, up 9.9 per cent \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[AC Nielsen AUS Convenience Scan Year 2020\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\] and chocolate bags, up 20.7 per cent \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[AC Nielsen AUS Convenience Scan Year 2020\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\], which both grew ahead of the chocolate category and, combined, contributed an incremental $7.9 million \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\[AC Nielsen AUS Convenience Scan Year 2020\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\].” Bite-sized believed to please Ms Matheson discusses the launch of Allen’s Mini Bites. “To guarantee 2021 starts off sweet, Australia’s iconic lolly brand Allen’s and choc favourite Chokito are launching three new bite-sized treats,” she said. “The new Bites creations bring together familiar favourites in miniature form. After all, everything is always better with chocolate! Perfect for all occasions and shareable in size, Allen’s Mini White Choc Raspberries, Allen’s Mini Chocolate Black Cats and Chokito Bites are sure to bring a smile to your next gathering.” Touching on consumer reaction to the Bites, Ms Matheson said: “New news and innovation drives excitement within the confectionery category and plays a pivotal role in driving frequency. “Initial launch performance of Nestlé Chocolate Bites range has exceeded expectations with high trial.” Expanding on how convenience retailers can ensure that consumers are aware of these latest products, Ms Matheson said: “Off location displays in stores are a key way to drive conversion and interrupt the shopper on the path to purchase. TO PAGE 50