Mintel GNPD reports private label product manufacturers are staying current with the latest food trends, allowing retailers to provide more than just cheap alternatives to national brands. Shoppers are being wooed to private label items by premium ingredients, portability and health benefits.
The plethora of private label products hitting the market is astounding. As CSNews Online reported yesterday (New Private Label Products Woo Shoppers) nearly 1,800 new U.S. private label foods appeared on retail store shelves this year already. That's more than one-fourth of all of the food products introduced this year. By comparison, in 2005, private label foods made up only 13 percent of new food product launches.
Interestingly, portable, high-quality lunches are one hot area of private label development. People who want to save money by lunching at the office are finding new desk-dining entrees easy and satisfying.
These initially are doing well in grocery stores, as shoppers stock up for the week. But why couldn't these items be an opportunity for c-stores, especially those that have already launched other successful private label lines, like waters and snacks.
A chain with a good reputation for foodservice, especially, may broaden its grab-and-go lunch options with a trendy packaged noodle bowl or microwavable, low-calorie meal that does more than mimic Lean Cuisine.
As Americans spend more time at their desks, a few convenient options outside the same 'ol, same 'ol would be welcome.
