Offering craveable items, assuring consistency of preparation and ingredients, maintaining safety, and developing menus and packaging for delivery and curbside pick-up are some of the many things retailers juggle in energizing their foodservice programs in 2022. And how are labor and supply chain continuing to affect c-store operations? Resilient retailers come together to learn, share challenges and seek solutions. 

As one of the strongest traffic drivers for convenience stores, today’s consumer wants innovation and variety. Are concerns about sugar still top of mind? Are ingredients like CBD and CoQ10 still resonating with consumers? What’s packed inside the cold vault is ever-changing, from beer and chilled wine to waters of all sorts, carbonated soft drinks, teas, energy drinks and milk. We’ll talk with this years CMOY Finalists on trends and how they vary by demographics and geography. 

Local, state and federal regulations, combined with new taxes and health warnings, add pressure to c-store tobacco and nicotine sales in 2022. Where is the FDA in its process to assess/approve/deny applications for new products? Are tax increases driving your customers across state lines? Is CBD steady, growing or declining? Cannabis has been in the wings, as regulation varies from state to state and awaits federal action. Uncertainty still reigns in this category that remains the top sales and profit generator in the c-store channel.

Dispensed beverages recovered from the steep declines suffered in 2020, but safety concerns have generated changes in equipment for hot, cold and frozen beverages. Touchless dispensers, staff-served beverages and a focus on condiments have driven up costs as retailers struggle to maintain sales momentum. Quality beverages in the foodservice segment have a “treat” appeal that can draw customers in the doors. We’ll look at what influences consumers to stop in your stores for a fast and fresh drink.

The future of fuels at c-stores is the trillion-dollar question. Is gasoline here to stay, even if demand declines? Where do ethanol fuels fit into the equation? How soon and how many electric charging stations are needed? How does a retailer charge for electricity? Come learn what educated prognosticators are saying to help you draft a plan for your chain’s fuel future.

Are robots the answer to retail’s labor woes? What innovations in technology are most important to successful operations at a c-store? How can an operator separate solution from headache? There’s no question that technology has a critical role, and retailers need education and information to spend limited resources on solutions with the best return.

Find out what flavor-forward innovations are certain to make a splash in the center store  (Snacks/Candy/GM/HBC) with this panel that discuss unique trends and merchandising best practices.

C-stores are managing customer relationships with digital loyalty programs, encouraging and rewarding shoppers with discounts and rewards in a frictionless app that often also encompasses payment options. As new tools help retailers learn more about their guests, they also provide a means of giving each shopper individual attention. Share and learn how these advances help reach customers wherever they are and offer a marketing lift to your stores.

Innovating in the Foodservice space looks different these days.  Operations and processes are continually refined and retailers are driven to make changes across their menus and adapt to ongoing supply chain challenges.  Technology plays a key role as drive-thru, catering, delivery, and self-check come together to ensure the customer has access to their favorite menu items however they choose to shop.

As one of the strongest traffic drivers for convenience stores, today’s consumer wants innovation and variety. Are concerns about sugar still top of mind? Are ingredients like CBD and CoQ10 still resonating with consumers? What’s packed inside the cold vault is ever-changing, from beer and chilled wine to waters of all sorts, carbonated soft drinks, teas, energy drinks and milk. We’ll look at trends and how they vary by demographics and geography.

Local, state and federal regulations, combined with new taxes and health warnings, add pressure to c-store tobacco and nicotine sales in 2022. Where is the FDA in its process to assess/approve/deny applications for new products? Are tax increases driving your customers across state lines? Will the FDA or other governmental authorities ban flavored tobacco products?  How will other FDA regulations impact the category?  Uncertainty still reigns in this category that remains the top sales and profit generator in the c-store channel

The dispensed beverage customer has changed. However, disruptions in trends and dispensed consumer continuity hold opportunities—and some surprises—for retailers. Understanding the evolving needs and behaviors of dispensed beverage users will help c-stores as they bravely face numerous daily challenges in every aspect of their foodservice business. This session will leverage Technomic data and insights designed to help entice consumers to rekindle their relationship with self-serve hot, cold and frozen drinks.

The future of fuels at c-stores is the trillion-dollar question. Is gasoline here to stay, even if demand declines? Where do ethanol fuels fit into the equation? How soon and how many electric charging stations are needed? How does a retailer charge for electricity? Come learn what educated prognosticators are saying to help you draft a plan for your chain’s fuel future.

Are you busy analyzing your past or are you ready to analyze your future? Explore the world of data analytics in a retail environment and how to take it to the next level. We'll look on building the right team, focusing on the right problems, and finding the right solutions in this dynamic session. 

The Convenience channel’s importance in driving center store sales is amplified by the magnitude of units and dollars driven by this segment of the channel. As US consumers begin to return to a post-Covid normal, the lineup of products available to quench thirst, fuel snacking needs and provide a hassle-free quick trip, make this portion of our stores vitally important to drive growth, and more importantly, to partner with consumers to fill their needs while navigating their lives.

Join IRI’s Larry Levin as he brings to life the impact driving growth in center sales and the impact it has on the channel and the impact innovation plays to enhance sales potential

The COVID pandemic has changed the way customers make their shopping destination choices.  A loyalty programs is one of the factors you can use to help your customers spend more money with your brand, but is no longer just about giving away free stuff!  Join us to hear about a different perspective on loyalty program strategies and examples of what industry leading (and innovative) companies are doing to increase transaction numbers and basket size.