Expo Candy and Snack Thursday 2012 : Thur-1

Balzer: ‘It’s Hard To See The Obvious’ G ETTING THE FACTS is crucial when deciding what products to introduce to consumers, according to NPD Group, Inc.’s Harry Balzer, who spoke yesterday morning to EXPO attendees at the Keynote session. “Sometimes when it’s staring you in the face, it’s hard to see the obvious,” he explained. The food industry expert advised researching rather than relying on conventional wisdom and what’s been on TV and the Internet. As an example, he referenced trend-watchers who have touted the popularity of cupcakes in recent years, and he compared it to consumption data revealing no growth trend. Instead, retailers and candymakers should look at data during a period of about 10 years to determine what’s selling and who the target market is. Women consume candy more than men, illustrating a strong shopper base and existing growth opportunities, he said. Pointing outside the snack industry, he told attendees: “The marketer of the decade is Chipotle; they equally reach men and women.” Balzer, who has access to several consumer insight databases and resources including NPD’s CREST, National Eating Trends and SnackTrack, discussed consumption patterns for trendy foods including hummus and sushi, which both pale in comparison to what he says is the fastest-growing snack in America: yogurt. Greek yogurt in particular has grown recently, which he attributes to its Harry Balzer, vice-president of NPD Group, novelty. “What does the consumer want? The same thing Inc., advised EXPO attendees not to rely on conventional wisdom for their done in a new way,” he said. facts. Instead, he said, they should look In addition to new twists, shoppers look for at long-term data sets to determine what’s really selling. convenience and reasonable pricing, Balzer said. CST Wednesday On The Show Floor Meisinger, Harris Take NCA Honors B OOTH 1350 — Steve Meisinger and Betsy Harris are being honored today during the NCA’s annual Industry Awards Breakfast at the morning Keynote session. The Doc Reed Silver Candy Dish goes to Meisinger, vice-president of sales for Adams & Brooks, Inc. A seven-year veteran of the company, he spent eight years as Storck USA, L.P.’s VP of sales, and held the same position with Amurol. He started his career with Warner Lambert in 1979. He and his Meisinger wife of 40 years, Connie, have two children. Harris, co-president of Harold W. Young, Inc., is receiving The Lou Spector Golden Candy Dish. She serves on the NCA Broker Advisory Committee, the EXPO Committee and the NCA Board of Trustees, and is a founding member of Consolidated Sales Network. She has been married to David for 27 years and they have two sons: Jason Harris and Alex. CST Albanese Debuts Rainforest Frogs B OOTH 244 — Gummi Rainforest Frogs are new from Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. Shaped and textured to replicate real frogs, they are available in strawberry/ grape, sour lemon/sour apple and blue raspberry/ orange, according to Bethany Albanese, marketing manager and retail store GM. “Our sour flavor is inside the gummies, which is unique,” she said, adding: “It gets rid of the need for sugar sanding.” CST Look inside for more EXPO photos! Candy & Snack TODAY EXPO DAILY 2012 1

Albanese Debuts Rainforest Frogs

BOOTH 244 — Gummi Rainforest Frogs are new from Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc. Shaped and textured to replicate real frogs, they are available in strawberry/ grape, sour lemon/sour apple and blue raspberry/ orange, according to Bethany Albanese, marketing manager and retail store GM. “Our sour flavor is inside the gummies, which is unique,” she said, adding: “It gets rid of the need for sugar sanding.”

Meisinger, Harris Take NCA Honors

BOOTH 1350 — Steve Meisinger and Betsy Harris are being honored today during the NCA’s annual Industry Awards Breakfast at the morning Keynote session. The Doc Reed Silver Candy Dish goes to Meisinger, vice-president of sales for Adams & Brooks, Inc. A seven-year veteran of the company, he spent eight years as Storck USA, L.P.’s VP of sales, and held the same position with Amurol. He started his career with Warner Lambert in 1979. He and his wife of 40 years, Connie, have two children. Harris, co-president of Harold W. Young, Inc., is receiving The Lou Spector Golden Candy Dish. She serves on the NCA Broker Advisory Committee, the EXPO Committee and the NCA Board of Trustees, and is a founding member of Consolidated Sales Network. She has been married to David for 27 years and they have two sons: Jason and Alex.

Balzer: ‘It’s Hard To See The Obvious’

GETTING THE FACTS is crucial when deciding what products to introduce to consumers, according to NPD Group, Inc.’s Harry Balzer, who spoke yesterday morning to EXPO attendees at the Keynote session. “Sometimes when it’s staring you in the face, it’s hard to see the obvious,” he explained. The food industry expert advised researching rather than relying on conventional wisdom and what’s been on TV and the Internet. As an example, he referenced trend-watchers who have touted the popularity of cupcakes in recent years, and he compared it to consumption data revealing no growth trend. Instead, retailers and candymakers should look at data during a period of about 10 years to determine what’s selling and who the target market is. Women consume candy more than men, illustrating a strong shopper base and existing growth opportunities, he said. Pointing outside the snack industry, he told attendees: “The marketer of the decade is Chipotle; they equally reach men and women.” Balzer, who has access to several consumer insight databases and resources including NPD’s CREST, National Eating Trends and SnackTrack, discussed consumption patterns for trendy foods including hummus and sushi, which both pale in comparison to what he says is the fastest-growing snack in America: yogurt. Greek yogurt in particular has grown recently, which he attributes to its novelty. “What does the consumer want? The same thing done in a new way,” he said. In addition to new twists, shoppers look for convenience and reasonable pricing, Balzer said.

Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here