Hot chocolate is not necessarily a staple buy for many consumers, which places greater onus on manufacturers to constantly innovate and create new concepts that attract impulse OOH purchases.
In response to this, leading food and drinks manufacturer Aimia Foods has upgraded and enhanced its already successful Galaxy out of home hot chocolate products, and claim that Galaxy can grow sales versus generic, non-branded products by as much as 30%.
Galaxy Hot Chocolate Vending and Galaxy Hot Chocolate Table Top have been brought far more closely in line with the confectionery brand values. The all new recipes for 2013 are the same formula that’s been so successful in the retail market, where Galaxy is a best seller.
Galaxy Hot Chocolate delivers more chocolatey, silky smooth creaminess than ever before. The products are now deeper, richer in colour and granulated for improved machine flow.
Galaxy Hot Chocolate Vending is designed for floor standing equipment, whilst Galaxy Hot Chocolate Table Top has been specifically designed for ultra-indulgence in table top systems. Both variants of the product are available in easy open-easy pour – easy reseal pouch packs, a bonus for operators who are working to reduce product wastage and increase efficiencies and great for wholesaling.
A survey conducted by Aimia Foods in July of last year* found that 51% of consumers bought hot chocolate on impulse when visiting a vending machine or beverage serving outlet. 60% of respondents said they more likely to choose hot chocolate if a brand was on offer.
Reinforcing the importance of having the right products on offer, this statistic shows that out of home operators must use branded hot chocolate to fulfil sales potential.
Similarly, three out of four people surveyed said they felt better about an outlet, be that an education, sports or health facility, if that outlet or vending machine offered a brand of hot chocolate. This, paired with the statistic that 80% of respondents would pay more for a brand of hot chocolate, is quite powerful for businesses looking to increase revenue.
In summary, what these findings detail is the increasing responsibility placed upon out of home operators to understand what prompts the consumer. It is clear that in hot chocolate, a brand goes a long way in gaining the consumers’ confidence and prompting the purchase.
Galaxy Hot Chocolate is available from Aimia Foods, together with a range of Point of Sale materials, machine button decals and support with machine fascias. Customers can request more details and samples from customer.services@aimiafoods.com or call 01942 408600.
