Sep 12, 2012

Consumers Trend Away From “Ordinary” Snacks, Gobbling Up Gourmet & International Flavors

Time was when simple bowls of potato chips and peanuts would be sufficient to serve and enjoy while watching TV or hosting guests around the holidays. According to the National Confectionary Association, this year, those conventional snacks are likely to be replaced by gourmet and international flavors. According to its recent report on snack trends in 2012, the Association observes that consumers prefer “more interesting” snacks over the “ordinary”. Their research points out that one of the leading snack trends is “flavors beyond the borders”, featuring imaginative international spicing and ingredients that are also more healthful.

Ronna Schultz agrees. As president of Philadelphia’s Society Hill Snacks, a leading premium snack manufacturer whose irresistible snack mixes can be found in many of America’s upscale department stores and gourmet shops, Ronna said, “This is the first year, in the last several, where we have experienced strong activity this early in the season. Although our perennial top-seller, Trés Toffee Cashews, is always a favorite, there is a great deal of interest in our international, and sweet and savory mixes, as well. We believe that consumer interest in more sophisticated, international tastes is driving this growth trend throughout our industry.”

To capitalize on the “flavors beyond the borders” trend, Society Hill Snacks has introduced a number snacks with international flavor profiles in recent years, including its latest snack mix, called Cabo Crunch. Schultz notes that introducing Cabo Crunch at this year’s Fancy Food Show was one of her most successful introductions ever. <>Cabo Crunch is a snack interpretation, reminiscent of the romantic Spanish Old West, especially southern California and Mexico’s California peninsula. Cabo Crunch is an artisanal blend of flavorful guacamole sticks, hot chili sticks, crunchy black bean sticks, and Nicely Spiced Peanuts. Nicely Spiced Peanuts are super-premium peanuts that are craft-roasted, then lightly dusted with a special spice blend of coriander, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, jalapeno, and more. Nicely Spiced Peanuts are also sold separately.

Said Schultz, “Cabo Crunch is successful because it satisfies three of the leading snack trends all in one snack. It brings healthful ingredients, international flavors, and savory, with just a hint of sweet and heat, all together.”

At Society Hill Snacks, all nut snacks are 100% natural, made to order every day, and shipped fresh when ordered. The new Cabo Crunch and other Society Hill Snacks are available in clear bags, gift canisters, and in bulk.

Society Hill Snacks is a leading purveyor of premium sweet and savory snacks to independent gourmet retailers, upscale department stores, gift basket retailers, and luxury hospitality venues. Headquarters for Society Hill Snacks is: 8845Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. Phone: 800-595-0050. Fax: 215-708-8501. Website:www.societyhillsnacks.com.