NACS 2024: Sweet Innovations, Foodservice Evolution, and Opportunities Galore
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) tradeshow this October was abuzz with energy and innovation. NACS has always been a relationship-driven event—a place where manufacturers and retailers connect, share ideas, and showcase cutting-edge products. This year was no exception. With thoughtfully designed, wider aisles that encouraged conversation and exploration, the show proved itself once again as the epicenter of collaboration in the convenience store industry.
Sweet Sensations: The Year of Texture
Candy dominated the show floor, and the trend of the year? Texture. Leading the charge was the Nerds brand, debuting a groundbreaking product: Nerds wrapped around a chewy core reminiscent of a Twizzler. The combination of crunch and softness hit the sweet spot—both literally and figuratively. This innovation came on the heels of their CEO’s insights at GroceryShop, where he emphasized the need for bold R&D efforts targeting younger consumers.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just traditional sweets making waves. The team from National Raisin reimagined chocolate-covered raisins with vibrant, neon packaging that mimicked candy. Their individually wrapped portions created a candy-like allure and generated significant buzz, highlighting a new strategy: if it looks like candy, it might just sell like candy.
On the savory side, however, innovation felt muted. Salty snacks took a backseat as sweet treats stole the spotlight—an observation mirrored by attendee preferences. Sales teams were noticeably indulging in more sweets, a stark departure from last year’s salty-dominated snack preferences.
The Foodservice Revolution: Convenience Foodservice gets Convenience (For Staff)
Foodservice offerings were another standout at this year’s NACS. While this shift has been building over the past four to five years, 2024 marked a significant leap. Major players like Mars expanded their foodservice footprint, showcasing products like the irresistible Snickers brownie. Simultaneously, the show floor brimmed with in-store bakery solutions and packaged goods manufacturers diving into foodservice—a strategic move driven by ongoing labor shortages.
Retailers are pivoting away from scratch-made preparations due to labor constraints, turning instead to value-added options. Pre-made doughs, frozen goods, and ready-to-bake products are replacing traditional ingredients like flour and raw dough balls. This shift isn’t just about efficiency; it’s creating an entirely new market for manufacturers. Whole sections of NACS now resemble the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show more than a retail-focused event, signaling the blending of retail and foodservice in response to evolving consumer needs.
Capturing the On-the-Go Consumer
With traditional Away-From-Home struggling post-pandemic, convenience stores have a unique opportunity to capture displaced traffic. Consumers stopping for gas or quick essentials are increasingly open to purchasing food-away-from-home options. Capitalizing on the trips generated by consumer’s need for fuel and cigarettes will be a key opportunity for Convenience retailers if they are able to entice these consumers into the store to make a purchase. By elevating their foodservice offerings, convenience stores are not just meeting customer needs—they’re redefining the role of food in their stores.
Final Thoughts: Building Bridges and Driving Innovation
NACS 2024 exemplified the power of relationship-building and the importance of innovation in the convenience store sector. From sweet textures and candy-inspired packaging to transformative foodservice solutions, the show offered a glimpse into the future of convenience retail. As we look ahead, the lessons and connections from this year’s event will undoubtedly help shape the industry’s next big moves.
