Why You Should Stock Popcorn and Corn Puffs in Your Convenience Store
Convenience stores are known for providing quick and easy snacks to customers on the go. As a retailer, stocking your convenience store with popular snacks is essential for maintaining a steady revenue stream. Two popular snack options that should be stocked in your store are popcorn and corn puffs. Both snacks have their unique benefits and appeal to different types of customers, making them a must-have in any convenience store. The category of corn snacks was up 14% at the end of 2022, largely driven by flavor innovations.
Appeal to Different Taste Preferences
Popcorn is a versatile snack that can be marketed towards health-conscious customers who want a low-calorie, low-fat snack. In fact, according to the article Popcorn’s versatility positions it as innovation front-runner by Food Business News:
- Popcorn is now a $1.5 billion industry in the United States.
- Sales of gourmet popcorn varieties have increased by 60% since 2012.
Corn puffs, on the other hand, are a newer snack option that has quickly gained popularity. They are made from puffed cornmeal and are flavored with various spices and seasonings. Corn puffs have a light, airy texture and are perfect for customers looking for a crunchy and flavorful snack. They also come in various shapes and sizes, making them a fun and exciting option for children. By stocking both options, you can cater to the needs of different customers and increase your sales. At Lehi Valley, our puffs are trending up 7.8% versus last year.
Long Shelf Life and High-Profit Margin
In addition to appealing to different customers, both snacks have a long shelf life, making them ideal for any store. Popcorn and corn puffs are easy to store so you can keep your inventory stocked without worrying about spoilage or waste.
According to Food Business News "popcorn is a high-margin product that can be sold for 400% to 500% of its raw cost." These snacks are easy to price competitively and are often purchased in impulse buys, making them a profitable addition to your store.
Cross-Selling and Up-selling Opportunities
Stocking both popcorn and corn puffs in your convenience store can also provide opportunities for cross-selling and upselling to other products in your store. For example, you can pair popcorn with soft drinks or candy to create a combo deal or promote corn puffs alongside other snack options such as chips or pretzels. This can increase sales and attract customers to other products in your store.
Popcorn and corn puffs are versatile and can be sold in various sizes and flavors.
One of the great things about stocking both popcorn and corn puffs in your store is the versatility of these snacks. They can be sold in various sizes and flavors, allowing you to cater to different customer preferences and price points. For example, you can offer small bags of popcorn or corn puffs as a quick snack option for customers on the go, or larger bags for those who want to share with friends or family. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as buttered popcorn, caramel corn, or spicy corn puffs, to keep your offerings interesting and appealing to a wider range of customers.
In conclusion, stocking both popcorn and corn puffs in your convenience store is an excellent way to attract a wider range of customers, increase your revenue, and provide opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling. Both snacks are affordable, have a long shelf life, and appeal to different types of customers, making them a must-have for any convenience store looking to maximize its profits.
For a free product consultation for your store, reach out to Lehi Valley. Our team of snack experts are knowledgeable about the latest trends and strategies for snack merchandising. They'll be happy to advise you on which items are best suited for your business. You can also request free samples so you can experience Snackworthy puffs and popcorn firsthand.