Snack World - May 2016 - (Page 30)

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT Healthy Versatility I n the cracker category, products are usually made of multi-grain and other flours combined with nutritious ingredients like vegetables, ancient grains and high-protein foods. These better-for-you attributes position them well in a food climate driven by health and wellness, according to a Transparency Market Research (TMR) report on the cracker market. The consumption of crackers has increased considerably worldwide. While the US cracker market has shown only a slight increase, the global cracker market is likely to demonstrate positive growth between 2016 and 2023. In addition to the health attributes, crackers' ability to accommodate many food occasions is being showcased by noted restaurants featuring them as popular snacks on their menus. They are served alongside wine, soups, seafood and salads, contributing to the healthy growth prospects for the category, according to the TMR report. "In the cracker category, there are a few flavors that seem to be hotter than usual," said Tom Vierhile, innovation insights director, Canadean Progressive Digital Media Group. "Rosemary was quite a popular flavor over the past year. Coconut flavors seem to be catching on for crackers, along with pretzels, which can be a flavor or a descriptive term for the mouthfeel of the cracker." In a classic example of the blurring of lines among snack categories, Plano, TX-based Frito-Lay's Rold Gold pretzel line now includes Sharp Cheddar Pretzel Cracker Sandwiches. Made with real pretzels, the cracker sandwiches with cheddar cheese filling resemble traditional cracker sandwiches but target pretzel lovers. Sweet potato is also a burgeoning flavor to keep an eye on as East Hanover, NJ-based Mondelez International's Nabisco brand's Good Thins launched a Sweet Potato version of Sweet Potato & Wheat Snacks, according to Mr. Vierhile. As far as flavor blends are concerned, it looks like Italian- or Mediterranean-inspired items seem to be doing well on the new product front with options such as Italian Herb and Rosemary and Olive Focaccia. Crackers are versatile and portable snacks for the busy consumer. They can be individually packaged and paired with any number of spreads and fillings to make them convenient, satisfying on-the-go snacks. Snyder's-Lance rolled out Lance-branded filled crackers made with real cheese and real peanut butter offering up to 6 g protein and some whole grains, making them satiable between-meal snacking options. "Protein is still important for people, and our Lance sandwich crackers filled with peanut butter are a perfect snack solution," said Bill Hooker, vice-president, sales 30 Snack World May 2016 www.sfa.org strategy, Snyder's-Lance, Inc., Charlotte, NC. "Consumers are snacking more frequently, and they are more conscious than ever of the nutrients their snacks provide." As consumers endeavor to snack smarter even when indulging, manufacturers will do well to offer quality snacks in on-the-go formats designed to minimize calories without sacrificing flavor, according to David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. Offerings of thinner crackers and cookies are becoming a popular way to control calories and portion size, allowing consumers to indulge without the guilt of eating too much. Mondelez's Wheat Thins Even Thinner created crackers that are 14% slimmer, allowing people to eat 22 crackers rather than 16 of the original-size crackers. It's no secret that Americans are snacking more, and how they're doing so is creating change at breakfast time, said Jared Koerten, senior analyst, Euromonitor, who delivered a keynote address at SNAC International's recent SNAXPO show in Houston, TX. Mondelez International's 2012 launch of its belVita brand breakfast biscuit in the US created a whole new sensation. The breakfast biscuit category is still burgeoning as consumers continue to crave convenient, better-for-you breakfast options, according to Mintel in its 2016 global annual review of the biscuits, cookies and crackers market. Recently, Snyder's-Lance introduced its own breakfast biscuit sandwiches packed with whole grains and tasty fillings called Quick Starts. "We know the morning daypart is critical for snacking, and Quick Start breakfast biscuits can be a meal solution in the morning," Mr. Hooker said. "It fits the trend of breakfast on-the-go and portable snacking." Snyder's-Lance offers Quick Starts in on-trend breakfast flavors like Blueberry Muffin, Maple French Toast and Cinnamon Roll. The Quaker Oats Co., a subsidiary of PepsiCo, Inc., Plano, TX, launched its own version of breakfast biscuits, Quaker Breakfast Flats. They are crispy baked snack bars containing ingredients such as oats, real pieces of fruit, crunchy nuts, flax and sunflower seeds. Each serving http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 2016

Snack World - May 2016
Table of Contents
LETTER FROM SNAC INTERNATIONAL - SNAC International is Indispensable
NEWS - New SNAC International name recognizes evolving industry
SUPPLIER INSIGHT - Networking Is Key
2016 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT - At Front and Center Stage
Kudos to the Cast
Indulge and Excite
Maximizing Health, Innovating Style
Delivering on Innovation
Healthy Halo, Devilishly Delicous
Healthy Versatility
Flavor Innovation Going Nuts
The Cheese Alternative
Gone Gourmet
Flaming Hot, Protein-Packed
The Skinny on Popcorn
Keep it Fresh
BUSINESS MEMBER PROFILE - Innovation, New Ventures Continue
ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROFILE - Flexible to the Core
CHAIRMAN PROFILE - New Logo, New Leadership
SNAXPO - Staying Ahead of the Game
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
AD INDEX

Snack World - May 2016