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As consumers rush to finish their holiday shopping, they say they will rely more on convenience stores for beverages and snacks, stocking stuffers, party items and cash from ATMs, according to a consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Alexandria, Va.

New data from Chicago-based Technomic Inc. reveals that adult beverage programs at leading chain restaurants also enhance guest satisfaction. In a new white paper, “Adult Beverage Consumption at the Leading Restaurant Chains,” the market research firm shows how adult beverage consumption across 40 casual-dining and fast-casual restaurants serving adult beverages is associated with higher ratings of the overall experience and stronger loyalty to that restaurant.

Between 2010 and 2012, the mass merchandisers channel declined nearly 3 percent, according to data from Euromonitor International, Chicago.

Wine on tap began to catch on in the late 2000s in major metropolitan areas like New York City and San Francisco as a way for cost-conscious consumers to sample premium wines without having to purchase an entire bottle. In recent years, the popularity of wine on tap has spread inland.

Smashburger, Denver, announced that it will carry Bethesda, Md.-based Honest Tea’s fresh-brewed organic iced teas at all of its restaurants nationwide. Each Smashburger location will brew a selection of iced teas from the independent operating unit of The Coca-Cola Co.

Consumers’ interest in the health and wellness benefits of natural and organic food products has translated into the creation of beverages to meet these market needs.

Approximately two out of three “health and eco” consumers identify selection of healthy and organic products or produce as the most important factor when deciding where to shop regularly, according to the August 2013 “Market Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) MamboTrack Health & Natural Shopper Research & Beverage Market Industry Insight” report.

Thirty years ago, many consumers had a negative perception OF buying food at a gas station.

Following up on last year’s new standards for school meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled its new “Smart Snacks in School” nutrition standards that will affect food and beverages sold in vending machines and a la carte.

The foodservice industry tends to be a leading indicator of how well the economy is going to perform, says Joe Pawlak, vice president of Chicago-based Technomic Inc.