Wholesale Report

We’ve mentioned before the formation of the “Power Brand Partnership”, featuring cross-marketing of brands by Frito-Lay, Quaker, Gatorade, and Tropicana (all of which are owned by Pepsico.)  It’s officially up and running, and the first offering is called “Grab ‘Ums”, a variety of popular brands repackaged to fit small vending spirals.

There are two varieties of Quaker Chewy Granola Bar, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chunk. Frito-Lay offers Rold Gold Zesty Ranch Flavor Rush Pieces (hard sourdough pieces); Doritos Mini 3-D Nacho Cheese corn snacks; and Cheetos Asteroids, described as “Flamin’ Hot”. Finally, Cracker Jack offers Butter Crunch.  There are some bagged products: Cheetos Cheese Crisps, Grandma’s Animal Cookies, and Munchies, a combination of Sun Chips, Doritos, Cheetos, and Rold Gold Tiny Twists—all in one bag.  Wash them  down with ice-cold Pepsi!

“Line extensions” are new products under existing brand names; Reese’s Pieces, for example. In the upcoming months, Nestlé will extend the Crunch line with “Crunch with Caramel”, and “Crunch Minies”—designed to combat Snickers Cruncher and Reese’s FastBreak. They will also build a new “platform” for Nestlé Treasures and Turtles with Nestlé Signatures, a more “indulgent” line of candies.

Nestlé has long had a winner with Baby Ruth. Studies show their top demographic is males aged 18-34, and this year Nestlé is spending almost $7 million dollars with a new advertising campaign—so watch for increased interest in this favorite!

Hospitality Mints has an interesting seasonal marketing strategy for their product “The Mint”—and going M&M’s one better. Not only are they going to change the color and packaging, but each season will feature an entirely different variety. Summer is Buttermint Creams; Fall will be Pastel Chocolate Mints; Winter will feature Chocolate Covered Mints; and Soft Peppermint Creams will arrive in Spring.

Here’s a new product that’s been on the horizon for a while: vendible water in a smaller size. The Suntory Water Group has several brands of special 11.5 oz. plastic bottles that are designed to fit 12 oz. can vending machines—but as with any new product, you should first test vend a single bottle, and make any adjustments necessary to your equipment. The brands are Crystal Springs, Hinckley Springs, Kentwood Springs, Belmont Springs, and Sierra Springs.  This can be a fantastic alternative to carbonated drinks!

In a recent issue we mentioned Swiss Miss; there’s some news: Swiss Miss was acquired by Golden Valley Microwave Foods (the Act III microwave popcorn folks), who were themselves gobbled up by ConAgra Snack Foods. Whew! Back to Swiss Miss... yes, it’s summer, but there might be some customers wanting cocoa! The formulation in the Swiss Miss No Sugar Added Hot Chocolate has been changed so there’s no “typical sugar-free aftertaste”; and they now have Swiss Miss Vending Mix Cocoa, with a “refined grind” that instantly mixes with water and leaves no residue. All Swiss Miss cocoas come with or without marshmallows.

National Diabetes Outreach has recommended Joseph’s Lite Cookies sugar-free line as the best in the industry. They’ve already won the American Taste Award as well as numerous other awards. The cookies have a six-month shelf life and come in eight flavors: Chocolate Chip. Almond, Lemon, Oatmeal, Pecan Shortbread, Peanut Butter, Coconut, and Chocolate Walnut. They qualify for the Weight Watcher Program, and are kosher! Good job, Joseph!