SKU’s Post

The Ice Cream Industry is Bringing Some Magic and Meaning to a Traditional Category So What? Ice cream brands are finding fertile ground to disrupt the market, create buzz, and stand out in the vast world of sameness. By focusing on creativity and play, these brands are winning over consumers by topping off their favourite cold treat with added joy— providing more than just a product—delivering magical and memorable experiences What is this about? Ice cream brands are evolving to capture consumers' imaginations with unique and joyful innovations. Brands are pushing boundaries and creating buzzworthy experiences that showcase how a traditional category doesn't have to stick to traditions. Its agreed that ice-cream makes us all universally happy, see other ways in which brands are taking a fun, joyful approach towards innovation Explore other views we have here: https://lnkd.in/ewiRW4Pq Starbucks , Mars , Chipotle Mexican Grill

EIN forecasts the functional beverages sector to attain a $200 billion value by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. 📈 This upward trajectory might tempt brands to dive headfirst into the category. However, a deeper analysis reveals a nuanced landscape. 🚀 The acceleration of new brands creates competitive tension, potentially diminishing individual brand category growth opportunities. 🔎 However, an often-overlooked facet in premium BFY beverages is the strategic use of data and consumer insight-driven shelf performance optimization. 🤏🏽 Only a small percentage of brands (including many big #CPGbrands) are fully harnessing this competitive advantage, leaving a significant opportunity on the table. To stand out, brands must focus on key purchase drivers that elevate: 1️⃣ Taste appeal 2️⃣ Claims distinction 3️⃣ Packaging differentiation ...and SRP (suggested retail pricing), brands can carve out a competitive advantage. 🥇 This multi-faceted approach positions them not just to participate, but lead in the expanding functional beverage category. 📰 Sign up for NICE PACKAGE to receive data-first category insights, thought leadership from our team, and more! Hit the Link ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gqtcNXNj 🔔 Want more tips here on LinkedIn? Hit the bell at the top of our company page 🔔 Source: https://lnkd.in/g3UGsdRN

Why “great taste” isn’t enough: Let me guess. You’ve got a killer food and beverage CPG product with unbelievable flavors that foodies swoon over. Awesome. But here's the truth: Great taste isn't enough. Why? Because you're missing a critical step in the CPG game: Go-to-market strategy. You don't need to do it alone — focus on what you’re great at and partner with experts who are great at go-to-market strategy, channel strategy, design, scalability, and optimization. From choosing the right sales channels to picking packaging that pops, successful CPG product launches require a team of experienced professionals. Your product tastes fantastic. Your passion for food is undeniable. Now, it's time to get started building a brand that resonates with your target market and a strategy that sets you up for success.

In the ever-evolving spirits industry, we're witnessing an influx of new brands, yet many fade as quickly as they arrive. Consistency, paired with strategic market penetration, is key to staying relevant. It’s not just about launching; it’s about building lasting connections in an already crowded market. #SpiritsIndustry #BrandConsistency #MarketStrategy #HospitalityInnovation #BeverageDistribution #AlcoholIndustry #DrinkTrends #SEER

Solid insight from one of my favorite humans in beverage operations, Matt Sabo . "Your drink is never done". It may sound daunting but just like we all know rebranding aesthetic is necessary to stay relevant in the marketplace, reformulation is too. Market Analytics & Formulation go hand in hand at Ley Line Labs. Whether it's to stay on trend, improve your COGs, improve your shelf life or adjust for scale or supply chain, reformulation is a natural part of growth for a CPG brand.

A recent article from Reuters highlights a bold new strategy by a leading drink giant, shifting focus from quality to quantity. This risky move aims to capture a larger market share but raises concerns about long-term brand value and consumer trust. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial to balance growth ambitions with maintaining high standards. Will this gamble pay off, or will it dilute the brand’s reputation? Read more about this intriguing development. #BeverageIndustry #MarketStrategy #BrandManagement #ConsumerTrust #BusinessNews #reuters

Exciting to see the traction that the "little guy" made in 2023. This is a bit of a rebound from the COVID era where consumers were more likely to order quickly (in store) or look towards brands they knew on-line. With bars and restaurants back full force and people spending more time in retail, brands can return to the proven playbook of "liquid to lips" to drive sales and emphasize thoughtful brand building more broadly. InvestBev truly believes in the RTD shift that is happening. Consumers want the convenience and flavor profiles of the RTD. There is a place for value brands and those that emphasize quality ingredients. https://lnkd.in/gTDMBemK

Sip, sip, hooray! Total Wine & More recently became the largest alcohol retailer in the U.S. What's behind its success? Total Wine delights customers and employees with: 🍷 Variety 🍺 Affordability 🍹 Category expertise 🎉 Fun, multisensory store experiences, including product tastings Yet the retailer also faces risks like: 🥊 Increased competition 📉 Changing tastes, as more adults now forego alcohol 💰 Sustained inflation may reduce discretionary spending What do you think is driving Total Wine's momentum? See Tom Ryan's latest article for RetailWire (link in comments) and add your thoughts. #retail #ecommerce #CPG #growth

Last piece of analysis about the RTD category explosion (from market research firm NIQ’s bev-alc team) Spirits   In the spirits category, RTDs are driving significant changes. Without RTDs, spirits sales trends appear flat to declining. However, spirits-based RTDs are thriving and are bolstered by retail distribution and fluctuating local laws.   The rise of premiumization and consumer moderation trends offers spirits brands opportunities to innovate with high-quality, unique products. The flavor explosion within RTDs, from classic cocktails to seasonal twists, appeals to consumers seeking diverse taste experiences, helping RTDs capture market share from traditional spirits.   The success of spirits-based RTDs highlights the importance of flavor and convenience in driving consumer preferences. By offering ready-to-drink versions of popular cocktails, brands can tap into the growing demand for high-quality, convenient beverages.   Ready Or Not: RTDs Detracting From Spirits Growth?   The Future of RTDs   The future of RTDs is promising. It’s brimming with potential for continued fragmentation and growth within the bev-alc industry. As consumers increasingly seek products that match their usage occasions and taste preferences, extended loyalty may be challenging to secure.   However, this also opens up new avenues for innovation and market expansion. Retailers and brands must balance pricing and volume growth, ensuring that RTDs remain attractive and accessible while navigating rising costs.   Ultimately, RTDs are not just a trend, but a transformative force reshaping the landscape of beverage alcohol, creating new opportunities and challenges. By staying attuned to consumer preferences and market dynamics, brands can harness the full potential of this burgeoning mega category.   As the industry evolves, those who can innovate and adapt quickly will be best positioned to succeed in the dynamic RTD market. Diageo Pernod Ricard The HEINEKEN Company Carlsberg Group Molson Coors Beverage Company Suntory Global Spirits The Coca-Cola Company AB InBev  

Let's talk trends and strategy in the RTD category! According to IWSR data, the rapid growth of the RTD category in the US mirrors the explosive rise of craft beer. But are we heading towards a similar saturation point? As the market becomes flooded with options, consumers face decision fatigue, reminiscent of the craft beer phenomenon. At Strategic Sourcing Hub, we believe that differentiation and premiumization are key to overcoming this challenge. In this evolving landscape of consumer choice and brand perception, there is a pressing need to be unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of spirits to help your brand stand out from the rest! What strategies do you think are vital for RTD brands to stand out? Let us know your thoughts below! Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gexUc8jH