Page 69 - Demo

Milk tea finds its place in the sun Milk tea is just such a drink, with Australians showing their appreciation of 9CHA, which was launched to the P&C sector in November. “Having a product that’s ambient also gives us huge distribution advantages as well as advantages to the consumer in that they don’t need to keep it cool or hot to be pleasurable.” Mr Issell says the product is also perfectly aligned with the consumer’s general focus on health, and on “bodies and bare” over the summer months as it contains less sugar, sodium and fat than other milk drinks while not compromising on taste. He says the product is set to evolve even more along these lines as the company looks at new flavour varieties and formulations. “The product, with a 3.5 \\\[Health Star\\\] rating, already has no preservatives or artificial colours, and now we’re looking to offer different alternatives, such as no sugar or lower fat. “The fact that we have the best milk powder and water in the world also naturally makes a difference.” Mr Issell highlights that this focus on health has been reinforced by discussions with major petrol groups that confirm they’re looking increasingly at stocking products that promote health and wellbeing. “This is particularly the case in what I call the traditional dairy cabinet in convenience stores, which has had a pretty staid selection of strawberry, vanilla, chocolate and iced coffee milk drinks over the past decade,” he said. “Now, more non-dairy options and healthier alternatives are claiming that space. “With this taking place, being able to give a brand marketing support and provide consumers with information will be more important than ever before to get people to trial the product.” Mr Issell says the pandemic has put people off queuing to buy products as they avoid close proximity with others. “Consumers are keen on grabbing something and then retreating to the safety of their car, home or whatever, and because of this I believe the convenience side of FMCG will increase, with impulse purchases playing a big role.” he said The snack factor in outdoor pursuits Blue Dinosaur Director Mike Watts- Seale tells Convenience World that diet is a focus for many during summer, as well as exercise in the form of hikes, day trips, surfing, cycling and running, contrasting with winter when people are happier to hibernate “and pull up in front” of heaters or fires. “Blue Dinosaur snack and protein bars and bites have their place in summer because they meet the requirement for nutritional and better-for-you snacks that help people achieve their hike or adventure for the day,” he said. “This is contrary to winter when people want hot beverages, chocolates, home baking and all those sorts of things. So, this is where the difference lies: a different use for snacks. “Summer brings with it a renewed interest in exploring a new diet or a new way of eating or thinking about food, which makes our snacks a popular choice as they fit in with the need for clean energy intake as well as a good taste. Here, low kilojoule intake is no longer the point of concern but rather adequate kilojoule intake of quality nutrition.” As to sales over summer, he says consumer behaviour will have to normalise before sales go back to where they were, but that’s not to say they won’t have some traction because of all the outdoor activity that will CONFECTIONERY This is in line with an estimate from Allied Market Research that milk tea ready-to-drink products will be worth US$3.2 billion by 2023, with 9Cha Managing Director Sean Issell telling Convenience World the milk tea category is already a $2 billion category globally. With flavours of Original (black tea), Wildberry and Jasmine, 9Cha comes in a “handy” 200ml pouch targeted at 12-24-year-old females. “The product’s summer fun flavours and easy-to-manage pouch make it a perfect drink over the summer months,” Mr Issell said. “Nobody in Australian convenience, as far as I know, has a beverage in a pouch, apart from organic imported juices from the Middle East. Pouches are massively popular elsewhere, with many retailers having over 300 products in a pouch, and with good reason. “So being a pioneer of pouches in convenience will stand us in good stead as pouches are so easy to consume, reduce spillages and are easy to fill. be taking place. TO PAGE 68 SEP/OCT, 2020 CONVENIENCE WORLD 67