Calling time on the wrong bagged snacks range.
Most licensees take great care to ensure the drinks they stock meet their customers' needs, but far too many don't bother doing the same with savoury snacks.
Bagged snacks come in all shapes, sizes and flavours, from children's lines, through standard crisps, snacks and nuts, to higher-priced premium and indulgent products. In short, there's a snack for everyone, whatever their taste and whatever the eating occasion.
Standard products (ie regular crisps, snacks and nuts) have broad appeal, but is there a role in your pub for the growing number of premium crisps and snacks?
Your challenge is to select the products that your customers want and to ensure that they are displayed prominently together.
RANGE TIP: Know your customers. What are their demographic profiles, age ranges and snacking habits?
You may not know which brands are best placed to meet your customers' needs and possible eating occasion. The chart below may help.
RANGE TIP: Does your bagged snacks range reflect the total market, eg 46% crisps, 43% snacks, 8% nuts (see pie chart)?
Don't be afraid to experiment with new products either, particularly if they're linked to a major event. Customers are a captive audience and inclined to try new products.
Free products on the bar also encourage trial. And if customers like them, most will buy a packet at the first available opportunity.
RANGE TIP: Consider why people are in your pub (eg quiet drink/family meal/night out) and stock up to suit these occasions.
Meal deals are very popular in shops these days, but pubs have yet to make the most of this concept. Why not offer customers a sandwich, pint/glass of wine and snack for a set price?
"We're working hard to dispel the myth that bagged snacks compete against pub meals. Snacks can actually serve to whet the appetite, leaving customers even more hungry or thirsty," says Gary White, Golden Wonder's licensed trade sector manager.
Guest ales are a focal point in many pubs. Once you've established your core snacks range, there's nothing to stop you introducing a guest snack, particularly if it's a new product.
All the leading manufacturers will supply point of sale and merchandising support. Golden Wonder delivers it direct to your door via its nationwide Snack Services division (Tel: 01858 414319).
"Regional taste preferences also play their part. Generally speaking, the further north you go, the stronger the flavour preferences become. Snack Services can also advise on all regional taste trends.
RANGE TIP: Snacks provide consumers with more choice. Simply offering a plain packet of crisps is not enough any more!
Bags of choice
Your challenge is to select the products that your customers want and to ensure that they are displayed prominently together."
Call the hotline
For more information on how Golden Wonder can help to increase your bagged snacks sales, call Gary White and his licensed trade team on 01858 414319