Mark Scott, National Key Account Manager – Petrol & Convenience, Bluebird Foods/PepsiCo, highlights some of the most successful new product launches from 2020.
C&I: What have been the greatest achievements from Bluebird Foods/PepsiCo in 2020?
Scott: Bluebird Foods/PepsiCo New Zealand is committed to playing a responsible and supportive role in the health and wellness of New Zealanders. We recently changed the cooking oil we use for some of our snack brands to Australian canola oil, significantly reducing the saturated fat content by as much as 85 per cent.
C&I: What have been your best performing products categories in the convenience sector?
Scott: Our Cheetos launch performed well, and we saw significant incremental sales to the convenience channel as a result (Data Source: IRI Retail Edge, Petrol & Convenience 2020).
C&I: What was the most inspiring or pivotal moment you saw in 2020?
Scott: Witnessing suppliers and retailers coming together to keep things moving during such unprecedented times was inspirational and was a great thing to witness – I was pleased to play a part in it.
C&I: What are you personally looking forward to most in 2021?
Scott: Being able to regain stronger connections with family and friends and to play more golf!
C&I: What is your key message to the convenience channel?
Scott: I think innovation is the key to success – it allows the retailer to drive excitement amongst the category. We recently launched a range of truly Kiwi flavours (Paua Fritters and Lemon, Lamington, Cheese and Onion Toasties) that were a huge hit among consumers.
C&I: What are the greatest challenges facing the sector in 2021?
Scott: Obviously the sector has started to recover from the impact of COVID-19 however 2021 will continue to be a period of recovery.
