Food Chain - Issue 199 - April 2024 | Page 21

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Veganism
realizing the importance of aligning themselves to consumer values and principles in order to set themselves up for long-term growth . Cultivating a wide and varied plant-based range can lead to enhanced brand reputation , appeal to socially conscious consumers , and differentiate brands from competitors who are solely focused on price . The result of this in the long term is increased customer loyalty , and therefore repeat purchases .
In response to the demand for plant-based snacks , convenience stores can capitalize on this by stocking and promoting a diverse range of plant-based options . Firstly , by considering plant-based replacements of the traditional products their shoppers are looking for , especially those that are considered inherently unhealthy . Placing these snacks prominently in high-traffic areas of the store , such as near the checkout counter , is a great way to get more eyes on them . Many plantbased snacks also meet the requirements of HFSS and so can fulfil a similar shopper requirement without compromising on legislative restrictions . Additionally , staying ahead of trends in the plant-based food industry is crucial - by regularly updating product offerings with new and innovative plant-based snacks , convenience stores can appeal to consumers ’ evolving preferences and remain competitive in the market .
Convenience is key when it comes to attracting customers seeking on-the-go snacks , so ensuring that plant-based options are convenient to consume while out and about is essential . This can be achieved through single-serve packaging or grab-andgo options . By providing snacks that are not only nutritious and delicious but also easy to enjoy on the move , convenience stores can meet the needs of busy consumers looking for quick and healthy snack options . A plant-based snack can be bought on impulse for the first time , but then encourage loyalty through great taste and health credentials in the long term . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
www . epicurium . co . uk
Epicurium is a UK based healthy snacks wholesaler , offering a wide range of delicious snacks and drinks to meet today ’ s hottest trends . It provides expert range and category advice to help customers find the right products for their business . Epicurium ’ s mission is to banish boring snacks and help businesses differentiate their snack offering to better satisfy modern lifestyles . The company helps retailers stand out from the competition and attract a wider range of shoppers ; workplaces engage better with their workforce ; and cafes , venues , and sports clubs better serve their visitors .
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