2024 NACS Show Recap: How Rich’s is Solving Convenience Store Challenges

The NACS Show 2024 was a great success! Rich’s shared their latest product innovations – including award-winning Turtle Cheesecake Parfait and Meat Trio Fully Topped Flatbread – and their culinary team crafted inspirational pizza recipes in the booth. Check out some of the show highlights, including an overview of the AI milkshake experience, as well as locate additional resources to keep your customers happy and satisfied. And don’t forget to stay in touch: Subscribe to the Rich’s C-Store Newsletter to receive insights and updates the latest industry trends.

AI Milkshake Experience

Rich’s debuted a new AI software that quizzed a NACS Show attendee and then used their responses to create a custom milkshake recipe, and labor to craft and serve that milkshake. This AI milkshake experience is a great example of how to creatively meet the rising demand for personalized beverage experiences. Beverages have become ubiquitous with snacking and an essential part of c-store foodservice offerings since made-to-order beverages have become the #1 C-Store snack purchase category .2 Consumers are beginning to expect more convenience and personalization within their food options, and as they gain more trust in AI, it’ll be interesting to see how retailers incorporate this new technology.

Pizza Showcase

Pizza is the most popular prepared food purchase at C-Stores.1 By using labor-saving crust and dough formats, C-Stores can help operators fuel growth and give consumers what they want. 

Bakery Showcase

While sampling donut holes, fully finished donuts, and Christie’s Cookies at the NACS Show, operators were interested in learning more about everything from our cookie dough to our raspberry flips. A bakery case full of fresh donuts and cookies captures the attention of consumers and inspires impulse buys. Rich’s portfolio of beloved, versatile baked goods includes a plethora of options to elevate your bakery case. Plus, our merchandising, equipment, and smallwares solutions will sweeten your sales!

Grab ‘N Go

Samples of our award-winning Turtle Cheesecake Parfait and our Funfetti® Parfait were a hit at the NACS Show! With grab ‘n go cold case solutions from prepackaged desserts, like brownies and cheesecake, to our parfaits and tres leches cups, and even retail ready fully topped flatbreads, Rich’s has solutions that provide maximum convenience and satisfaction, with minimal labor. You’ll deliver daily delight and indulge cravings, so your customers will keep coming back for more.

The Rise of Functional Beverages and Snacks

A major trend at the NACS Show revolved around functional snacks and beverages, which are trending due to a combination of evolving consumer preferences, increased focus on health and wellness, and the desire for convenient, nutritious products.

Health and Wellness Focus

  • Preventive Health: Consumers are increasingly focused on maintaining their health and preventing illness. Functional beverages and snacks, which often contain vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, or other health-enhancing ingredients, align with this goal.
  • Immunity and Gut Health: Post-pandemic, there is heightened awareness of the immune system and gut health. Drinks that boost immunity (like those containing vitamin C, probiotics, or antioxidants) and promote digestive health are in demand.

Convenience

  • On-the-Go Nutrition: Modern lifestyles often prioritize convenience. Functional beverages offer a quick and easy way for people to consume essential nutrients without having to prepare a meal or snack.
  • Multitasking: People are looking for products that can serve multiple purposes—hydration, energy, relaxation, or cognitive benefits—all in one.

Personalization and Specific Needs

  • Tailored Solutions: Many functional options cater to specific health goals or lifestyles, such as energy-boosting, stress relief, sports recovery, or beauty enhancement (e.g., collagen drinks).
  • Customizable Nutrition: Some brands are now offering personalized functional beverages and snacks that are tailored to individual dietary and health needs, making the trend even more appealing.

Shift Away from Sugary Drinks and Snacks

  • Healthier Substitutes: With increasing awareness of the negative health impacts of sugary drinks like sodas, consumers are turning to functional beverages and snacks as healthier alternatives. Many functional beverages and snacks are low in sugar or use natural sweeteners.

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Product information, recipe inspiration, or simply someone to talk things through with — we are here for your c-store.
Let us know how we can help.

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1SNAP! Datassential C-Store Keynote, 2023 2 Q1 2024 Technomic C-Store Consumer Market Brief