{"id":725,"date":"2017-11-01T22:59:13","date_gmt":"2017-11-01T22:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends\/?p=725"},"modified":"2019-02-03T15:56:31","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T15:56:31","slug":"conference-beat-national-association-of-convenience-stores-nacs-show-chicago-october-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends\/conference-beat-national-association-of-convenience-stores-nacs-show-chicago-october-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference Beat\u2122 – National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, Chicago, October 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Every year the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show attracts nearly 24,000 industry professionals. The attendees converge on the show floor and see the new trends, products and technology available for convenience stores.<\/p>\n

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Product Spotlight<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Restoring Energy \u2013<\/strong> many items touted functional claims; oxygenated water and energy drinks with stamina, metabolic and mental clarity advantages to \u201cpowerful\u201d oatmeal<\/p>\n

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Cold Brew Coffee \u2013<\/strong> multiple brands were showcasing their takes on the cold brew coffee trend, including several nitro varieties on draft and in bottles, and race car-inspired equipment designs<\/p>\n

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Premium Ingredients \u2013<\/strong> premium ingredients were used in several new products ranging from breakfast foods and sandwiches to snack packs<\/p>\n

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Small Footprint Foodservice \u2013<\/strong> specialty equipment to make foodservice hassle free and less intrusive in a small store<\/p>\n

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Less Is More \u2013<\/strong> yogurt targeted at \u201cwhat men want,\u201d products with zero added sugar, no artificial flavors, sweeteners, non-GMO and gluten-free<\/p>\n

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Natural and Organic \u2013<\/strong> the amount of drinks, meats and cheeses created with natural and organic ingredients is continuing to grow, and NACS showcased several new brands that were bringing organic ingredients to c-stores<\/p>\n

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All Day Satisfaction \u2013<\/strong> several vendors presented their all day products, which were often traditional breakfast foods re-imagined to boost their appeal across all dayparts, such as hardboiled eggs packaged with cashews and Gouda cheese<\/p>\n

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High Protein \u2013<\/strong> high-protein snacks were big at this year\u2019s show, and packed a big flavor punch along with protein. New meat snack flavors were smoky bourbon, taco, and apple chardonnay, while new high protein mini cakes came in flavors like red velvet and birthday cake<\/p>\n

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Foodservice Business Insights<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Upgraded food, beverage and merchandising are the most significant changes to foodservice in c-stores. From premium ingredients to tapping into fast casual trends, owners are realizing that the most profitable area of the store deserves extra attention.<\/p>\n

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Implications for Food Marketers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Going Digital \u2013<\/strong> technology is automating everything from digital menu boards to loyalty programs tracking consumers\u2019 purchase histories. Smart marketers are using this data to drive purchases with app offers and upselling at the point of purchase.<\/p>\n

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Packaging for Function \u2013<\/strong> foodservice packaging for eating on the go continues to evolve, including trays to facilitate dipping sauces and combo meals as well as upscale bamboo and butcher-style deli wraps moving into this channel.<\/p>\n

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Something For Everyone \u2013<\/strong> everything from state fair food served up in individual portions, to elevated chef inspired flavor profiles appealed to buyers. Managing product mix to appeal to consumers with different lifestyles can build business.<\/p>\n

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Taste Talk Tweet<\/h3>\n

Twitter chatter included:<\/p>\n