Channel Strategies

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Although the eCommerce effect has presented a new dynamic for the retail market, the convenience store (c-store) channel has shown itself to be resilient. However, experts note that the channel still is navigating other consumer packaged goods (CPG) trends in order to meet the needs of today’s consumer.

The tenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that outside of the powers delegated by the Constitution, states and their people possess the remaining power. Because of this, the U.S. alcohol sales laws can vary greatly from state to state; however, deregulation by states for various reasons is offering new opportunities for alcohol retailers but also is intensifying competition.

Whether quick-service, fast-casual or a full-service restaurant, consumers are experimenting with new flavors and seeking more premium offerings like specialty coffee, cold-brew coffee and iced tea while dining out.

Since homebrewing became federally legal in 1979, the number of people brewing beer at home has climbed to more than 1.2 million in the United States alone, according to the Boulder, Colo.-based American Homebrewers Association (AHA).

Sonic Drive-In, Oklahoma City, is teaming up with Paramount Pictures and the upcoming June 21 theatrical release of “Transformers: The Last Knight,” directed by Michael Bay, to deliver a new lineup of icy Slushes and a chance to win thousands of prizes with the Sonic Transform Your Summer Sweepstakes.

Although category management and merchandising commonly are associated with shelf resets and assortment rationalization, for White Plains, N.Y.-based HEINEKEN USA, it is much more than that. The global beer company works to thoroughly understand its consumers’ beer-drinking occasions while building relationships with retailers that will drive long-term, sustainable customer loyalty, says Vikas Satyal, senior director of category development.

Although more than half of consumers have purchased milk, juice and/or carbonated soft drinks in the past 30 days, sales were stagnant during 2014-2015 with top categories struggling to grab consumer attention, according to Chicago-based Mintel’s June 2016 “Beverage Packaging Trends” report.

Regardless of whether consumers are drinking beer, wine or spirits when dining out, suggested food pairings and recommendations from influencers, like bartenders and wait staff, can motivate consumers to try something new or trade up to a more premium product.