USA – AWG Brands, the private brands division of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG), has strategically unveiled an extensive new lineup of salty snacks to enhance its product offerings.
This launch, announced on September 16, 2024, is designed to provide member retailers a competitive edge in the snack market by offering high-quality, value-driven options under the Always Save®, Best Choice®, and Best Choice Superior Selections® brands.
The decision to expand the salty snacks assortment comes in response to rising consumer demand for affordable snack alternatives amidst increasing prices for national brands.
“The salty snacks category is important because it’s the second largest in center store grocery behind water and soda,” stated Jared Grieve, AWG Category Manager.
He emphasized that the new products, including the much-anticipated Best Choice Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Braids and larger, Always Save potato chips, position member retailers to compete effectively through quality and pricing.
The new offerings include a variety of popular snacks tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences. For instance, the Always Save brand has introduced larger 12.5-13-ounce bags of potato and tortilla chips, catering to families and budget-conscious shoppers.
Other additions include an 8.5-ounce bag of pork skins and a 25-ounce barrel of pretzels. These larger sizes provide excellent value and enhance the shopping experience for customers looking for cost-effective snack solutions.
Best Choice also expands its product range with new flavours and varieties that match national brand quality.
The lineup now features popular potato chip flavours, a broader selection of pretzels—including rods, sticks, waffles, and seasoned braids—and five new tortilla chip options ideal for dipping.
Additionally, three flavours of pork skins are available in convenient 5-ounce packaging, complementing the assortment of corn chips and ready-to-eat popcorn.
Market research indicates that salty snacks are a significant sales driver within grocery stores, generating approximately US$32 billion annually.
The snacking category continues to grow, with 50% of all food occasions being snack-related. Private brand snack sales have surged to US$2.6 billion in the U.S., reflecting a 14% increase from the previous year.
Notably, over half of consumers—55.4%—are now opting for private-brand salty snacks, showcasing a shift towards more economical yet high-quality options.
AWG Brands is committed to supporting its member retailers through this expansion by providing comprehensive marketing resources and merchandising support.
The teams at AWG have collaborated closely to optimise product placement and pricing strategies while updating planograms to enhance shelf appeal.
Tye Anthony, AWG’s Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, noted, “The new AWG Brands salty snacks program provides member retailers with more opportunities to deliver value and excitement to their customers while driving significant sales and margins.”
As consumers increasingly seek ways to indulge without overspending, AWG Brands aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a diverse range of salty snacks that cater to varying tastes and budgets.
By enhancing its product assortment and providing robust support for member retailers, AWG is well-positioned to meet growing consumer demand while fostering loyalty among shoppers looking for quality snack options at competitive prices.
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