Snack World - May 2016 - (Page 34)

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT The Cheese Alternative S ome of the strongest growth in salty snacks today is found in extruded products. The cheese snack segment grew 5.2% with dollar sales growing more than $1.3 billion for the 52 weeks ending February 21, 2016, according to IRI's quarterly report of the retail sales performance of key sectors in the US snacking market. While traditional Cheetos remain the solid leader with $970 million in sales, Frito-Lay's Simply Cheese Cheetos enjoyed 17.1% growth in dollar sales by capitalizing on better-for-you trends such as healthy, clean-label ingredients. Puffed and extruded snacks are also doing well, as consumers are likely to perceive them to be a healthier snack option because they are baked or air popped instead of fried. The extrusion technology enables the flexibility to process a number of healthy ingredients ranging from whole grains to vegetables, as well as create fun shapes and provide a desired crunchy texture. "Hain Celestial recently debuted several cheese flavors, such as TERRA Real Vegetable Celery Root Chips with Aged Cheese," said Brett Hartmann, category manager snacks & grains, The Hain Celestial Group. "Our flavor innovation is based on trends and collaboration with our suppliers." The Hyde Park, NY-based company's Sensible Portions Cheddar Baked Puffs Made with Organic Corn, as well as its Sensible Portions Cheddar Cheese Stacked Veggie Chips, have also been hits with consumers. Others see opportunities in this category. "Extruded snacks seem to be poised for growth and have seen recent innovation with more upscale, gourmet products as well as the addition of vegetable and grain bases," said Bob Clark, vice-president of marketing, Herr Foods Inc., Nottingham, PA. "Certainly, the core cheese curl base is also very strong, and new flavors are always on the horizon." That's because cheese snacks are a fun and nostalgic indulgence popular with families. Kids have an unwavering love for cheese and cheese snacks, but adults are not immune. "Who doesn't love yellow fingers?" asked Jeff Martin, executive vice-president of sales and marketing, Utz Quality Foods, Inc., Hanover, PA. "Adult cheese snackers are closet snackers. They buy cheese balls or cheese curls for their kids, then they eat them when no one is looking." Utz uses seasonal offerings to pique consumer interest. For example, Utz Cotton Tails and Snow Balls are offered seasonally and customers look forward to these cheese ball products 34 Snack World May 2016 www.sfa.org 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