Royal Farms expands merchandise line

New items in the Baltimore-based retailer’s store will include hats, hoodies and chicken drumstick keychains.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 30, 2023

Early releases and innovative flavors spice up c-stores’ fall menus

While pumpkin and apple dishes are still runaway favorites, retailers such as Rutter’s and Stewart’s Shops are also testing offerings like pierogis and butternut squash soup.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 28, 2023

4 top trends in dispensed beverages

Customers are looking for unique flavors and textures and an increasing amount of caffeine from their c-store drinks.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 21, 2023

Kellogg pins growth in snacking unit on Pringles, Cheez-It ahead of split

The new company, called Kellanova, plans to expand its reach in convenience and smaller stores as part of its expansion goals.

By Chris Casey • Aug. 15, 2023

7-Eleven debuts golf-themed merchandise

The new line includes shirts, hats, socks, golf balls and tees, with some throwback items featuring the company’s 1940s logo.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 11, 2023

CrossAmerica Partners credits beer and snacks for successful Q2

Excluding cigarettes, the retailer’s inside sales grew 8% year-over-year, according to its recent earnings report.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 9, 2023

Murphy USA testing new store format

The c-store chain is using lessons it has learned from its QuickChek stores to remodel some of its 2,800-square-foot locations.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 3, 2023

Molson Coors eyes $100M marketing spend hike to sustain brand momentum

The company, which has historically under-indexed in c-stores, will increase its shopper marketing dollars in the industry in the second half of this year.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 3, 2023

How Mondelēz’s 60-year-old Chips Ahoy! brand is resonating with younger consumers

The chocolate chip cookie offering with $1 billion in sales is one of the snacking giant’s fastest-growing products, increasing by “double digits” annually.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 1, 2023

5 storylines to watch through the rest of 2023

What M&A deals might happen next? How will the industry’s EV charging push unfold? Here’s what we’re keeping an eye on over the coming months.

By Jessica Loder , Brett Dworski • July 31, 2023

Nestlé debuts ‘breakthrough’ technology that reduces sugars in key ingredients

The CPG giant said it developed an enzymatic process that cuts intrinsic levels of the sweetener in ingredients such as malt, milk and fruit juices by up to 30%, with a minimal impact on taste and texture. 

By Christopher Doering • July 24, 2023

Pilot takes the lion’s share of Ohio NEVI funding

The travel center company was awarded more than half of the state’s $18 million in 2023 grants to build out 14 locations. 

By Jessica Loder • July 24, 2023

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo sales likely to withstand WHO aspartame cancer ruling

The cola giants have large stakes in the sugar-free space with Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Diet Pepsi — all four of which contain the hotly-debated ingredient.

By Christopher Doering • July 18, 2023

How c-stores are built to ride out (most) inflation

While Goldman Sachs’ analysts are bullish on the outlook for c-stores in 2023, they are concerned that higher interest rates and economic pressures will continue to impact fuel and in-store spending. 

By Christine Blank • July 17, 2023

Wisconsin c-store operator offers slew of product freebies under new loyalty program

Weiler’s Convenience Stores features more than a dozen different offers where shoppers can get free coffee, pizza and other products after buying five or 10 of the same item.

By Jessica Loder • July 14, 2023

Inflation could impact summer GM sales at c-stores

If consumer spending stays low through the next few months, unique and seasonal product mixes and promotions will be key to driving the category, experts say.

By Christine Blank • July 11, 2023

C-stores should brace for inflation pressure through 2023

Trips have trended down along with basket sizes, but experts say c-stores should continue to focus on bundling items and promoting core categories like alcohol and snacks.

By Christine Blank • July 5, 2023

Monster Beverage set to buy Bang Energy for up to $362M

A previously scheduled auction for the bankrupt energy drink maker has been canceled, a court document showed. The purchase still needs regulatory approval.

By Christopher Doering • June 29, 2023

Kum & Go boosts points, flexibility with new loyalty program and app

The refreshed program doubles points earned and offers more ways to use them — a strategy that promises a “huge upside,” according to one loyalty expert.

By Jessica Loder • June 29, 2023

Independent c-stores seeing packaged beverage unit sales drop

While sales are holding steady for c-stores, inflation may start driving shoppers to other sectors for their beverages, experts say.

By Jessica Loder • June 26, 2023

Coca-Cola’s BodyArmor enters rapid hydration with first major product launch in 2 years

The launch of BodyArmor Flash I.V. comes as the Atlanta-based beverage giant has struggled to integrate the energy drink after taking full control of it for $5.6 billion in 2021. 

By Christopher Doering • June 21, 2023

Chips, bottled water spark Casey’s ‘phenomenal’ private label performance

The retailer’s proprietary brands saw a 31% year-over-year sales increase last quarter, CEO Darren Rebelez said during the company’s Q4 earnings call.

By Brett Dworski • June 14, 2023

What’s behind the boom in alcohol delivery?

A new study by DoorDash notes that 54% of consumers said online delivery is their preferred way to purchase alcohol, while 69% said they order it online at least monthly.

By Brett Dworski • May 31, 2023

Inflation is moderating but consumers remain very price sensitive, Circana says

While consumer confidence has grown, almost 80% polled by the firm say they plan to buy more value brands in the next six months.

By Jessica Loder • May 30, 2023

Protein cheese puffs? Sweets & Snacks Expo highlights power-packed snacks

While jerky and nutrition bars were all over the show floor, it was cheesy, salty and crunchy options that grabbed the spotlight.

By Brett Dworski • May 30, 2023