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PANDEMIC WHACKS SNACKS BUT SENTIMENT REMAINS POSITIVE Snacks in P&C outlets had their strongest growth in the three years pre-pandemic, but took a dive with the advent of Covid-19. By Nerine Zoio. D uring buoyant times before the Covid era, consumers showed a definite preference for ‘healthy’ and savoury snacks, although chips retained their popularity and delivered the greatest value contribution to the snacks space. Despite the upheaval and downturn this year, snack manufacturers and retailers remain confident of a slowly evolving uplift in sales. They acknowledge the trend towards healthier (but still tasty) snacking, and the interest in new dietary regimes from gluten free to vegan. The space remains competitive, with trial by consumers difficult, making locally manufactured, correct positioning, online marketing and eco-friendly packaging important differentiators in the quest for success. TO PAGE 48 SEP/OCT, 2020 CONVENIENCE WORLD 47 SNACKS