The snack market in the UK is thriving, with data showing that approximately £4.15bn snacks are being sold annually in the convenience channel.

Impulse buying is a significant driver of snack sales, so retailers shouldn’t underestimate how important it is to site snacks in the right places. Create a shopping atmosphere that encourages spontaneous purchases to make the most of the category.

Becky Allan, marketing manager for Takis at Grupo Bimbo, notes that 57% of shoppers buy bagged snacks at least once per week.

“The crisps and bagged snacks market is a huge profit driver for retailers, operating in a value category that is outperforming the wider grocery offering,” she says.

Own label and value options key to grow snack sales

Value packs and price-marked packs (PMPs) are leading snack sales for retailers. James Brown, of Nisa Local Beech Stores in Heysham, Lancashire, emphasises the importance of value to his customers.

“Own-label savoury snacks and biscuits are a popular impulse purchase,” he says. “The majority of our biscuit range is own label and we run promotions across our confectionery and snack ranges frequently.”

This strategy not only provides customers with affordable options, but also enhances the store’s appeal as a cost-effective shopping destination.

Clear communication of discounts and value offers is essential. Retailers should consider effective signage that highlights promotions, making it easy for customers to identify value options.

Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez, says: “As we face trying times, shoppers view their favourite snacks as affordable and necessary indulgences.”

Think closely about store layout to grow snack sales

To enhance impulse buying, retailers should consider strategic product placement, ensuring that popular snacks are located near high-traffic areas such as the checkout. Positioning eye-catching and trendy snacks in these locations can entice consumers to add them to their baskets, boosting overall sales.

When snacks are easily accessible and visually appealing, consumers are more inclined to add them to their baskets. This is particularly true for products that feature eye-catching packaging or current trending flavours, which can attract attention and stimulate spontaneous purchasing behaviours.

Offering limited-time discounts or bundle deals can create a sense of urgency that encourages shoppers to make quick purchasing decisions.

Additionally, in-store sampling of new or trending snacks can provide consumers with immediate gratification, increasing the opportunity to buy products on impulse.

There could be a place for locally sourced and more premium options depending on your shoppers

Retailers with the right demographics are noticing growing consumer interest in locally sourced snacks. The trend toward local sourcing can be used to provide you with a point of difference.

“Local produce is what sets us apart from other stores,” says Andy Miles, from Dike & Sons in Stalbridge, Dorset.

“Engaging with customers to share stories about local suppliers and the benefits of supporting local products can promote sales, as well as clearly signposting where different snacks are from.”

Read more crisps and savoury snacks product news and category advice

Global tastes and social media crazes can provide a unique point of difference for your store’s snacking range

As consumers become more adventurous in their snacking habits, demand is rising for international flavours that provide unique snacking experiences.

Ruban Jeyaruban, from Londis Fairfax in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, has successfully tapped into this trend by emphasising his US snack offering.

“Our US section down the middle of the confectionery aisle always attracts attention,” he notes.

Jeyaruban says that snacks are bringing in £400 per day in his store, with sales being driven by on-trend US brands. “I’m amazed by the success of our US lines,” Jeyaruban says.

Similarly, Nishi Patel, of Londis Bexley Park in Dartford, Kent, has successfully differentiated his offerings by focusing on unique products and creating a designated US snacks area in his store.

Patel has seen 15% growth in confectionery sales after prioritising trendy, social media-driven products. “If a product is circulating on social media, we will ensure we include it on till fixtures or by the front of the store,” he says.

Tap into the healthy snack trend

Consumer interest in health and wellness is another significant trend influencing the snack market. The demand for healthy low-calorie snacks has been steadily increasing, reflecting a broader trend towards health consciousness among consumers.

Mondelez International’s Susan Nash says: “Snacks continue to be important to shoppers as they view their favourite snacks as a_ ordable and necessary indulgences.

“The healthier biscuit category is in growth and generates the highest value per tonne of all the category subsegments.”

Miles keeps a selection of gluten-free, vegan snacks such as Naturally Delicious Brown Bag Crisps and Delicious Cashews’ range, which he says sell well despite there being an own-label selection of similar products available as well.

Shumaila Malik, from Costcutter Heathside Road in Manchester, also notes that healthy snacks are growing in prevalence among younger demographics.

“We see lots of protein infused bars, shakes, crisps and snacks selling quickly among these age groups as well as low-fat alternatives,” she notes.

For convenience retailers, stocking a diverse range of low-calorie snacks is essential to capture the health-conscious market segment. By emphasising products that are nutritious and satisfying, retailers can attract customers who might otherwise opt for traditional, higher-calorie snacks. Creating a dedicated section for healthy snacks can enhance visibility and encourage shoppers to explore these options.

Read more advice for independent convenience retailers