Category review from pladis predicts rise in snacking over next three years

pladis, the UK’s number one biscuit manufacturer, has published its Annual Biscuit Review, prediciting a rise in snacking and biscuit sales of £1.2bn ($1.56bn) and £330m ($429m) respectively, over the next three years.

Now in its fourth year, the in-depth category review highlights key areas for retailers to cash in on the category’s new snacking hotspots while at the same time protecting the £2.6bn core biscuits fixture, which, on its own, has added another £33m of retail sales in the last year alone.

“It’s easy to forget the huge contribution that biscuits make to the sales of retailers and foodservice operators of all sizes​,” explains Stuart Graham, customer marketing director at pladis UK & Ireland, “which is why our latest Annual Biscuit Review is probably the most important we have launched to date.​

“This year’s Review will serve as an invaluable resource for retailers, wholesalers and foodservice operators looking to make the most of this ever-evolving category’s hottest new opportunities, as well as containing key advice about how to protect core sales by stocking the right range​.”

Snacking

With £500 spent on snacking every second in the UK, and pladis accounting for £1 in every £5 spent on biscuits with a category-leading portfolio, the company is aiming to help retailers unlock the true potential for biscuits within a £1.2bn additional snacking opportunity over the next three years, by urging them to think about a number of key growth drivers, and then stock the right biscuit products accordingly.

“Nine out of 10 shoppers now claim to snack multiple times per day, whilst one in 14 (7%) forego meals altogether and simply rely on snacks to keep them going, so it’s essential that retailers are stocking the right biscuit formats and products to help inform purchasing decisions​,” said Graham. “It’s also important that retailers think about the type of shoppers that are coming into their stores, so that they can dial up the key growth drivers accordingly​.”

Core biscuit sales

While snacking represents a huge new opportunity for retailers, protecting the £2.6bn core fixture should also be a priority, Graham added.

“Core biscuit sales continue to come predominantly from a relatively small collection of household favourites, with £4 out of every £5 spent on biscuits in convenience coming from around just 8% of the total number of products available, so stocking the right range is absolutely vital​.

“This year’s Review drills down into the key areas where retailers of all shapes and sizes need to concentrate, from the best-sellers in Everyday Biscuits and Treats, through to the must-stock Christmas, Healthier and Savoury Biscuits that are most likely to capture shoppers’ attention and inspire purchase​.”