Creative Online

CREATIVE Grocery Merchandising
June/July, 2004


Coca-Cola Launches ‘Treat Yourself Light’ Merchandiser

Coca-Cola has introduced the “Treat Yourself Light” merchandising program, which creates a convenient diet beverage center in supermarkets, mass merchandisers and drug stores. Anchored by Diet Coke, the display contains multiple sizes of Coca-Cola’s entire diet carbonated soft drink portfolio.

The Treat Yourself Light permanent merchandiser makes it easier for shoppers to find trusted diet brands. Three display sizes are available, all featuring adjustable shelves to accommodate a variety of package types, as well as easily changeable fabric panels.

The Treat Yourself Light merchandising program offers convenience through incremental placement in relevant areas outside the beverage aisle such as the produce section, front of store or the “better for you” food section.


Dr Pepper Runs “Spider-Man 2” Instant Win Promo.

Dr Pepper has become the exclusive soft drink partner of “Spider-Man 2,” offering its customers the opportunity to instantly win Dodge Vipers, Segway Human Transporters and Vespa Motor Scooters by looking in 20-ounce and 2-liter bottles, and in 12- and 24-packs of Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper.

Two unique packaging innovations for bottles and cans will fuel excitement. Upon popping the top of a special talking can, the consumer will hear a recorded message that says, “You have won a Dodge Viper!” Purchasers of 20-ounce and 2-liter bottles will look through the empty bottle using special “Spidey Eyes” on the back of the bottle to see if they’ve won.

Chris Creedon, Director-Promotions for Dr Pepper, said, “The excitement surrounding the movie, the cool, interactive packaging we’re using, and the lucrative prizes at stake could result in a really explosive summer for Dr Pepper.”

Point-of-purchase materials support the promotion.


‘Ogre-Sized’ M&M's On Display

M&M’s has introduced the first-ever “Ogre-sized” version of its M&Ms chocolate candies. The M&Ms Brand SHREK Mix, featuring 50% bigger Milk Chocolate and Peanut M&Ms, is being displayed in stores and theaters.

Janis Smith-Gomez, V.P., Marketing, M&M’s, said, “Nothing says big chocolate taste like ogre-sized M&M’s; add that to the biggest movie and the biggest star, and you’ve got an unbeatable recipe for ogre-sized fun."

As part of the promotion, M&M's is also conducting an “Ogre-Sized Load” sweepstakes. By guessing how many Ogre-sized M&M’s will fit in the Grand Canyon, one winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for four to the Grand Canyon.


Hershey Debuts Ice Breakers Liquid Ice Breath Mints

Hershey Foods has introduced Ice Breakers Liquid Ice breath mints. The small round mints are filled with liquid-an intense burst of flavor that dissolves immediately, leaving the mouth refreshed.

As part of the marketing campaign, “Is it liquid or is it ice?” people who try Ice Breakers Liquid Ice breath mints can cast their vote at www.LiquidorIce.com and enter for a chance to win a grand prize trip for four to Los Angeles where they will meet singer Jessica Simpson.

For every vote received, Hershey Foods is donating $1 to the Rock the Vote campaign, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that engages youth in the political process.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Jessica Simpson. Jessica is very energetic, and sociable so she’s a perfect match for our new product Ice Breakers Liquid Ice,” said Thomas Hernquist, Sr. V.P. and Chief Marketing Officer, Hershey Foods.


Illuminated Mountain Dew Display Attracts Attention

This display was produced for the Pepsi Cola Co. to attract consumers’ attention before the point-of-sale. Two bright LED's illuminate the Mountain Dew Bottle catching the consumers’ attention as they approach the cold vault door.

The unit is made of an injection molded body, 4-color process printed label, motion sensor, 2-LED's and 3 AAA batteries.

The illuminated Mountain Dew Bottle display was produced for the Pepsi Cola Company by Crew Design, a p.o.p. display company located in Kent, CT.


Hutch Displays Feature Kellogg Snacks

The Kellogg Co. used these metal hutch displays to feature its snack products and engage the consumer, including women and children, with a fun and whimsical feel.

The displays provided a secondary placement one-stop shop for Kellogg Snack specific products. Another objective was to increase the number of SKU’s and quantities merchandised.

The Kellogg Snacks Hutch Displays were created by Multi Dimensional Resources, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.


Emerald Nuts Displays Support Product Launch

Emerald Nuts has launched a line of fourteen different snack products. The company is featuring this shipper display to trigger impulse purchases in-store. There are different shipper displays for ‘on the go’ canisters and for glazed nuts.

Emerald has also provided retailers with attractive permanent displays that hold eight cases of nuts.

The displays are part of an integrated media campaign to gain attention for the Emerald brand.

Emerald is the Official Nut Supplier to the U.S. 2004 Olympic teams, in Athens, and will feature this association on its promotional materials this year.

The packaging and display graphics are designed to convey appetite appeal as well as the low-carb, health benefits of nuts.


Displays Support Hacker-Pschorr/YakimaCross-Promo

Hacker-Pschorr and Yakima have teamed up for a cross-promotion this summer that will offer consumers a cash rebate on any Yakima roof top cargo box and a chance to win a Yakima Platinum Pro 16S roof top cargo box. Sweepstakes entry forms will be featured in both on-premise and off-premise accounts.

In addition to the sweepstakes, off-premise accounts will feature a $25 consumer rebate off any Yakima roof top cargo box. Inflatable display enhancers will be used both on- and off-premise to promote the rebate and sweepstakes. The promotion is a continuation of Hacker-Pschorr’s “Pswheat!” campaign featured on POS and all promotional elements. The “Pswheat!” tagline will also be used on case cards to reinforce the theme of the promotion.

“The Yakima and Hacker-Pschorr brands share a common consumer that pursues an active, outdoor lifestyle,” said Mary Anschutz, Brand Manager for Hacker-Pschorr, Star Brand Imports.


Heineken House Party Promo Features Eye Catching POS

Heineken USA has launched the latest installment of its House Party program. For the second consecutive year, the program will be held in late August on the island of Jamaica creating the ultimate House Party experience.

By listening to local radio and logging onto Heineken.com, consumers 21 or older will be encouraged to enter a sweepstakes to win an all expenses paid trip for two. Top winners will receive the opportunity to fly to Jamaica and attend the event featuring musical performances, food, celebrities, giveaways and Heineken.

The promotion will feature eye catching point-of-sale materials designed to provide Heineken with significant presence at retail accounts during the critical summer beer selling season.


Coca-Cola And Kraft Launch Youth Health & Wellness Initiative

Coca-Cola Co. and Kraft Foods. have joined with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to create Triple Play, an after-school health and wellness program. “By addressing mind, body and soul, we’re taking an integrated approach to helping young people help themselves,” said Roxanne Spillett, President, BGCA. “We all care about the well being of our young people, and we all must do our part to help them develop healthy habits,” said Douglas Daft, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company. Triple Play will be available to each of the 3,400 Boys & Girls Clubs.


Food Lion Introduces New Store Concept

Food Lion LLC plans to open five pilot stores to test a new store concept, format and brand name. The pilot stores, all scheduled to open by the end of 2004 in the Charlotte, NC area, will be named, “Bloom, A Food Lion Market.” The Bloom pilot stores will place an emphasis on meeting customers' needs for home meal solutions. Among the products and services offered will be Boston Market home-style meals.

“Bloom is a different kind of name for a grocery store,” said Robert Canipe, Food Lion V.P. of Business Strategy. “The name reflects the beginning of something new and our desire to create a unique shopping experience.”

Customers will quickly notice Bloom’s new approach to store design, layout and merchandising. The store will also incorporate leading edge technologies designed to help customers find products, get information and check out with greater ease.


Hershey Foods Expands Presence In Hispanic Market

Hershey Foods Corp. has formed a multi-year partnership with Thalia Sodi, the Latin singer and actress, as part of its strategy to tap into the fast-growing Hispanic market. The partnership includes sponsorship of her upcoming U.S. tour, a Spanish-language advertising campaign, consumer and retail promotions and a co-branded Thalia line of Hershey products designed to appeal to Hispanic tastes.

“This unique relationship combines the heritage and power of Hershey’s iconic brands with Thalia’s deep connection to the Latino community,” said Thomas Hernquist, Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s a perfect pairing that will form the centerpiece of Hershey’s Hispanic marketing efforts in the U.S. and that will represent our largest effort so far to reach this important consumer segment.”

The new line of co-branded, Latin-inspired candies, to be launched this fall, will be a “Latin Flavor Twist” on some of Hershey’s most popular brands including “chili”-based flavors and “dulce de leche” fillings, which appeal to many Hispanic consumers.


Diageo Announces Low Carb Wines

Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines announced that three of its wine brands, BV Coastal Estates, Sterling Vintners Collection and Century Cellars, all meet the definition of a “low carb” alcohol beverage.

Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines will use special point-of-sale materials, including bottle neckers and in-store displays, informing consumers that these wines meet the new low carb guidelines and providing nutritional information.


Survey Shows Most ‘On-The-Go Foods’ Are Being Consumed At Home

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the popularity of on-the-go foods is more about convenience than portability, as most consumers (72%) say they consume “on-the-run meals” in the home. According to a survey conducted online by InsightExpress, 9 out of 10 consumers purchase portable convenience foods. The study also found that convenience foods, defined as ready-to-eat/easy-to-prepare and portable, have become so popular that Americans are eating them at nearly every meal, with 3 out of 10 reporting they are purchasing more convenient food products this year than last.

The most common locations to eat on-the-go foods include: At Home (72%), In the car (44%), At the office (39%), At a recreational activity (17%) and At school (14%). Despite their intended portability, consumers select on-the-go foods based upon reduced preparation time (70%), individual packaging (34%), and taste (28%). Nearly 3 out of 4 (72%) shoppers say that portable foods act as a replacement for the meals or foods they used to eat.

“With increasing daily time pressures and with more than half of consumers stating that on-the-go food is sometimes used as a meal replacement, this category continues to have enormous potential,” said Lee Smith, President and COO, Insight Express.


Low-Carb & Nutritionally Pulsed Bars Driving Growth Of Snack & Granola Bars

Better-for-you, portability and dieting benefits are converging in food and beverage products with the Snack/Granola Bars category leading the growth, according to the latest “Food-To-Go” Shoppers Report from Information Resources, Inc.

The Snack and Granola Bars category has the best average growth rank of all food and beverage categories with estimated growth of $200 million or more and estimated growth rates of +20% or more, according to the report. Traditionally, bars consumers have come from households with kids. Bars have created an easy-to-consume, healthier breakfast or snack alternative to match the increasingly busier lifestyles of Americans today. However, with the growing interest in wellness and nutritionally enhanced foods, adults are also getting into the bar category. This activity is being driven by either dieting, in the case of low-carb- seeking consumers, or healthier living, in the case of more fitness-focused consumers. Wellness bar growth is strong with the more adult oriented, low carb or nutritionally pulsed bars combined accounting for 38% of what is now almost a $2 billion dollar category. While over a 5-year span, the overall Snack/Granola Bars category has enjoyed a +17% composite annual growth rate, the wellness segment has achieved +32% composite annual growth rate. Low-carb brands have grabbed 13% share in the current year; other nutritionally pulsed bars (+energy, +protein, +fitness, or +diet/low-sugar) account for 25% share.


Study Shows Teens Want Healthy, Sweet Snacks & Fast Foods

According to BuzzBack Market Research's recently published Teen Health & Nutrition study, teens want healthy, sweet snacks and fast foods whose brands are easily recognized.

Highlights from the survey include: Teen Eating Behavior (Full Meals) Teen boys eat more full meals (2.3) per day vs. teen girls (2.0). Teen Snacking Behavior Teen boys snack more times per day (3.3) vs. teen girls (3.1). Top five snacks: 1.potato/tortilla chips (63%), 2.cookies (55%), 3.chewing gum (47%), 4.fresh fruit (47%), 5.ice cream (47%). Favorite fast food restaurant. 64% of teens say Subway is their favorite fast food restaurant; McDonald's takes second place (48%).

Criteria for what to eat: fresh (74%), easy/fast to prepare (71%), "on the go" food (61%), extra energy food (58%), vitamin source food (56%). Try more new food products. females (60%) vs. males (51%). Motivators for trying new food products. curious about it (71%), offered a new flavor (67%), looked appetizing (63%), convenient to prepare/eat (54%).

The study reveals opportunities for more gender-specific advertising and marketing, and product development opportunities to create healthier, quick meals and snack options, according to Carol Fitzgerald, President, BuzzBack Market Research.


More Attractive Coupon Offers Motivating Shoppers

Marketers continued to fine-tune promotional tactics during 2003, distributing fewer, but more attractive coupon offers. Consumers responded favorably to more attractive coupon offerings, pushing average redemption rates upward, according to CMS, a provider of promotion management solutions.

The average face value of manufacturer’s coupons offering to consumers increased 4.9% to .85. The percentage of coupons requiring multiple purchases decreased 1.0% and the average expiration period remained stable at 3 months. Marketers increasingly reached out to specific consumer groups, such as Hispanics, with more targeted offerings versus national mass coupon drops.

Retailers are increasingly turning to coupon promotions, ranging from simple offers to “double the face value of manufacturer’s coupons” to collaborating with manufacturers on store-specific promotions. Some are even using trade dollars to create their own coupon booklets, which may feature manufacturer-branded products along with their own private labels.

Coupon redemption patterns continue to be influenced by the consumers’ search for deals. Many shifted some of their grocery spending from conventional supermarkets to mass merchandisers, dollar stores and warehouse clubs. “But many warehouse clubs do not yet accept manufacturer’s coupons,” said Bob Carter, President, CMS. “As a result, redemption of manufacturer’s coupons fell 3% to 3.5 billion coupons; but consumers still managed to save $2.8 billion.”


Brown-Forman Debuts One Low Carb Wines

Brown-Forman Wines has launched One.6 Chardonnay and One.9 Merlot, low carbohydrate wines. One.6 Chardonnay has 1.6 carbs and One.9 Merlot has 1.9 carbs per five-ounce glass.

One.6 and One.9 wines will be supported with a $5 million advertising campaign as well as promotional activities and materials.


Bayer HealthCare Launches One-A-Day CarbSmart

Bayer HealthCare has introduced One-A-Day CarbSmart, a multivitamin formulated to provide key nutrients low-carb followers may not be getting enough of.

“We recognized a need to develop a multivitamin supplement that would address a significant gap in nutrient intake for the millions of Americans watching the amount and type of carbohydrates they eat,” said Shane Durkee, Director, Bayer HealthCare.


P&G Launches Pringles Prints

Procter & Gamble has introduced Pringles Prints, which feature a unique design printed on every crisp. The Prints technology allows P&G to customize the crisps by printing words and images in a variety of colors directly on the chip. P&G is teaming up with Hasbro to feature questions and answers from Trivial Pursuit Junior on the chips.

Jamie Egasti, V.P. P&G’s Snacks Div., said, “We have developed a new way to delight consumers by adding fun and excitement to one of kids’ favorite snacks.”


Coca-Cola C2 Debuts

Coca-Cola is introducing Coca-Cola C2, containing half the sugar, carbohydrates and calories of regular colas.

“Coca-Cola C2 was created to specifically address consumer desire for a lower-calorie cola with that great Coca-Cola taste,” said Doug Daft, Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Co.


Frito-Lay Launches Rold Gold Heartzels

Frito-Lay has collaborated with the American Heart Association to launch Rold Gold Heartzels which have no saturated fat or cholesterol. These are the first pretzels to meet the Association’s “Heart-check mark” guidelines as a heart healthy food.

“Heartzels are a healthy snack alternative for anyone wanting to control fat intake,” said Tracy LaRosiliere, Frito-Lay V.P., Marketing.


Heinz One Carb Ketchup Hits Store Shelves

Heinz One Carb Ketchup, a lower carbohydrate, lower sugar and lower calorie version of its traditional Ketchup, has been launched. Heinz One Carb Ketchup contains only one gram of carbohydrates per serving, a 75% reduction from traditional Heinz Ketchup.

‘We are always watching trends in order to meet our consumers’ needs,” said Wendy Beitsinger, Sr. Brand Manager, Heinz Ketchup.


Pepsi Joins ABC TV In ‘Play For Billion’ Promo

Pepsi-Cola and ABC have announced the “Play For A Billion” Sweepstakes, where one finalist will be guaranteed to win $1 million on national TV, with the chance to receive an additional $1 billion.

Damon Wayans, star of ABC’s comedy series, “My Wife & Kids,” will host the Sweepstakes event. Special Pepsi packages hold sweepstakes entry codes and consumers can enter the codes on the Web site. 200 consumers will be selected as sweepstakes winners and will appear on the primetime special, during which they will compete for the $1 billion prize.

“ABC’s talented stars will introduce millions of viewers to our promotion and give Pepsi drinkers the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Dave Burwick, Chief Marketing Officer of Pepsi-Cola. Added Mike Benson, Sr. V.P., Marketing, ABC, “This partnership taps the promotional power available to ABC and Pepsi on TV and retail outlets nationwide.”


Category: Permanent Wood Displays
Display Producer: Vintage Wood
9133 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472

This Blackstone Retail Island Display can sell products from multiple angles. The 4-sided retail island was designed to showcase a maximum amount of wine in a reasonable footprint. This display is all wood and conveys the artisan feel of the brand. The 2-sided header is a chalkboard surface which may be used to highlight specials or promotions.


Category: Inflatables
Display Producer: Landmark Creations International
3240 West County Road 42, Burnsville, MN 55337

The Schwan Food Company, a growing company in Marshall, MN, this season joined forces with NASCAR's fastest-growing Cup Team. They used this Inflatable Garage to house its racing car. Custom inflatables may be created in unique shapes, in gigantic sizes and eye-catching colors.


Category: Shelf Management Components
Display Producer: Trion Industries, Inc.
297 Laird Street, Wilkes-Barre,PA l8702-6997

Changeable top header and improved paddle message options have been added to Trion’s Shelf WorksTM Shelf Management Systems. Top headers permit use of irregular shapes to catch the eye and allow easy change and update of promotional messages. Optional imprinting or adhered paddle messages support branding, help maintain the space allocation and can cross sell out-of-stock lanes to alternate products.


Category: Pole Stands
Display Producer: Clip Strip Corp.
343 South River Street, Hackensack, NJ 0760l

This new pole stand line includes a maximum-impact mobile tri-way system on top. The tri-way unit accommodates signage that conveys messages in three directions. The line features 2-piece 6 foot length display poles stocked in 3 diameters. A display pole is shown with a wire foot base. There is also a wire foot which contains 4 legs stocked in three diameters, designed for use with litho poles. Other pole options include a pole foot that utilizes permanent adhesive plus a KD display base that replaces l6", l8" and 20" bases. Also available are pole grippers with a permanent adhesive back that attach to any clean surface, suited for use on cut case displays.


Category: Basewrap
Display Producer: PROPRINT Services Inc.,
562l Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 2T9

More than 700 rolls of Mott's Clamato Basewrap was manufactured as part of a larger promotion that included Proprint produced case cards. All of the point of purchase materials tied into the television spots which were produced to reinforce the spring and summertime fun that happens when Mott's is consumed. This awareness campaign was very successful and the basewrap helped to increase sales in both retail locations and at special event locations.


Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Rapid Displays
4300 W. 47tlh St., Chicago, IL 60632-4476

Mission Foods is executing a "Sizzling Summer Program" that will stimulate trial and incremental purchase of Mission Flour Tortillas. This is the first time that Mission has gone with a free-standing display. The unit includes a sound chip to reinforce the typical summer sounds of having a BBQ - sizzling, with a family in the background. Mission's impactful point -of-sale program will create in-store awareness. The display program will be targeted to the general market.


Category: P.O.P Streamers
Display Producer: Crew Design Inc.
PO Box 400, Kent, CT 06757

This Coors Light Streamer Can stands almost 6 feet tall with silver streamers continuously blown about above a printed fabric Coors Light Can, which is stretched over an internal wire frame housing an industrial sized fan. The unit ships flat at a fraction of its 6' display size and sets up in seconds. The Streamer Can is impossible to miss at the point of sale directing traffic and attention in an exciting and eye catching fashion.


Category: Permanent Wood Displays
Display Producer: Vintage Wood
9133 Green Valley Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472

The Mirassou wine display features bold new packaging to provide a unique and intriguing display. The bold yellow draws attention and the metal embossed sun icon convey quality. The display holds four cases of wine in a small footprint and is shipped fully assembled for easy distribution in the field.


Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Kell Specialty Products
421 Palmer Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

This Sarah Lee Bread Display was designed to achieve product placement in non-traditional areas of the grocery store to create cross-promotional buying incentives. The display can withstand multiple use cycles for several promotions. The display helped Sara Lee bring its brand from l8th place in the market to 1st place within 6 months.


Category: Shelf Management Trays
Display Producer: Trion Industries , Inc.
297 Laird Street, Wilkes-Barre, P A l8702-6997

Trion's Shelf Management System now offers an Expandable Wire TrayTM line to include extra height dividers with multiple pusher capability and pusher height extensions to handle large products. The units mount to standard and wire shelving and are freezer capable supporting oversize items such as frozen pizza. The minimal-silhouette open wire design of the expandable tray sheds dust and dirt, enhances visibility and promotes air circulation. Powder-coated galvanized wire and tough Celcon plastic adaptor blocks, offer economy and long life even in harsh environments.


Category: Counter Mats
Display Producer: Counterpoint
6355 Sunset Corporate Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89l20

This Lenticular counter mat was manufactured for the "sobe" beverage brand. The instore goal was to gain exposure for the new Sobe Fountain Drink with an invitation to "Try it Now". The 3D Lenticular counter mat was put in place as a test for the brand. The striking 3D Lenticular imagery created the desired attention resulting in increased fountain sales and reinforcing overall awareness for the brand's regular bottled beverage. The campaign has proven successful for the brand.


Category: Sandwich Boards
Display Producer: Heritage Sign & Display
344 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, PA l8240

The Sleeman Sandwich Board was created for Okanagan spring to increase brand presence in on-premise establishments by giving retailers a piece of signage that would be prominently displayed and draw attention to their logo. The board was constructed with a custom CNC cut top to mimic the Sleeman Leaf Logo drawing. The sandwich also contains a custom cut chalkboard that includes a watermark image of the logo screen printed on the surface with specially enhanced chalkboard ink. Retailers like the utility value of the sandwich board which enables them to write specials on Sleeman and other products on it.


Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Sterling Promotional Corp.
30l0 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, NY l0577

This display rack for Covey run features an attractive design with real wood accents to reinforce the premium image of the Covey Run brand. The display's sturdy furniture quality adds to its aesthetics and function. Additional space on the rack holds four cases of the wine plus provides incremental space to cross merchandise related products in any store location The rack was well received and demand for the unit is high.


Category: Neon & Plasma Clocks
Display Producer: The Neon Source
3428 Pickwick St. San Diego, CA 92102

Neon Source offers an array of motion clocks designed to attract attention at the point-of-purchase. Its display products include polarized motion light boxes, combination fiber-optic motion/back lighted light boxes, neon clocks offered in a variety of stock shapes as well as custom designs, and kinetic plasma clocks featuring the colorful glow of neon with motion effects within the tube.


Category: Cling Vinyl
Display Producer: PROPRINT Services Inc.
562l Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MlB 2T9

A whole oceanful of the lobster and the salmon were printed on clear repostional low tac vinyl for a large grocery chain. This material allows for a multitude of repetitive uses during the lifetime of the program. This was part of a larger program which included standees, pole signs, banners posters and end aisles. The lobster cling was square trimmed for easy attachment to lobster tanks while the salmon cling was die cut and attached to bins.


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