Dive Brief:
- The Snack Food Association rebranded itself as SNAC International, effective immediately, though the transition is expected to take about four to six months. Dan Morgan, outgoing SFA chairman and president of BFY Holdings, Inc., made the announcement at the SNAXPO conference in Houston this week.
- The new SNAC name represents snacking, nutrition, and convenience, reflecting the key trends that are driving the growth of this segment.
- Since its founding in 1937, the association has undergone three name changes, and its latest name and logo had been in place for the past 30 years.
Dive Insight:
The concept of snacking has evolved over time due to changes in consumer demands, particularly nutrition and convenience. Once relegated to potato chips and cookies, snacking is now firmly rooted in the consumer health trend, with healthy snackers accounting for nearly one-third of total snackers (the largest segment), according to the FoodThink whitepaper "Snacker Nation." That same white paper said snack sales in the U.S. were expected to increase from $34.2 billion in 2005 to $47.5 billion in 2015.
Mondelez, maker of indulgences like Oreo and Chips Ahoy, recognizes this trend and has committed to having healthier snacks generate half of its revenue in the next five years. The company's recent launch of the better-for-you snack brand Good Thins supports that commitment.
Just as important to snacking as nutrition is convenience. Snacking has become a common meal replacement.
Still, even health-conscious consumers enjoy indulgent snacks, research has shown. It's about finding the right balance between healthy and indulgent snacks in a manufacturer's portfolio while maintaining the convenience factor.