Mapping Wawa’s expansion plans

As the popular convenience retailer moves into new regions, here’s a look at the plans it’s revealed so far across seven new states.

By Jessica Loder , Jeff Wells • Oct. 31, 2023

5 energy drink trends c-store retailers expect into 2024

Celsius and some smaller brands should see big growth in the months ahead as the overall category continues to boom, according to a Goldman Sachs survey of retailers representing 40,000 c-stores.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 30, 2023

Keurig Dr Pepper enters sports hydration with Electrolit partnership

This deal makes the soda, water and coffee giant's wide distribution network in stores and multiple channels available to the rapid hydration brand.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 27, 2023

Recapping the highlights from the 2023 NACS Show

Relive the event with C-Store Dive’s coverage of the seminars, announcements and more from the annual industry gathering.

By Jessica Loder • Oct. 19, 2023

Ferrara to purchase candy maker Jelly Belly for undisclosed amount

The deal would combine the jelly bean manufacturer with Ferrara’s portfolio of sweets such as Laffy Taffy, Red Hots and Brach’s.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 19, 2023

Limited-time offers have come roaring back to life. Here’s how c-stores are capitalizing.

After a dip during the height of the pandemic, LTOs have been gaining steam and are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels as retailers look to spur traffic with exciting new dishes.

By Christine Blank • Oct. 18, 2023

Back to Basics: How to operate a successful private label brand

Proprietary items work best if retailers differentiate them through either cost or innovation and are thoughtful about choosing categories, experts say.

By Amanda Baltazar • Oct. 16, 2023

How pumpkin spice became the unshakeable king of coffee LTOs

Developing the autumnal flavor for cold drinks, which are surging in popularity, is a technical feat. But recent innovations may secure the flavor’s dominance for years to come, experts say.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 13, 2023

Molson Coors works with Gen Z to craft fizz-free spiked refreshers

The beverage giant said it developed Happy Thursday, a non-carbonated offering, with insights from a panel of young consumers.

By Chris Casey • Oct. 10, 2023

8 takeaways from the 2023 NACS Show

The c-store industry’s biggest event of the year was full of new ideas and products, from ways to solve labor woes to how to launch a retail media program.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 9, 2023

‘Every product has to pay the rent:’ Casey’s and GPM Investments talk merchandising strategies

Executives from two of the industry’s biggest chains discussed how they’re getting the most out of their assortments.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 4, 2023

Nestlé vows to increase sales of healthier foods by 2030

The world’s largest food company said it wants to boost sales of better-for-you products by as much as $27.3 billion by the end of this decade, a 50% increase from 2022.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 2, 2023

The Road Ahead: Will retailers crack the code on urban c-store formats?

Recent closures from the likes of Wawa and Sheetz might cast doubt on the model, but there are plenty of examples out there of retailers making fuel-less stores work, writes columnist Frank Beard.

By Frank Beard • Sept. 26, 2023

Royal Farms joins the fall flavor rush

Pumpkin-flavored coffee and muffins, along with a variety of seasonal items from other vendors, accompany a separate spicy fries LTO from the retailer.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 21, 2023

4 trends beer distributors expect in the rest of 2023

Among beer and malt beverages, Bud Light and Truly will likely continue to suffer while Twisted Tea grows, according to a Goldman Sachs survey.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 20, 2023

Gopuff rolls out discounted membership program for college students

The new offering, known as Student Fam, provides all the benefits of the quick delivery company’s Fam subscription service for half the standard cost.

By Sam Silverstein • Sept. 19, 2023

As c-stores level up in foodservice, catering could be an ‘ideal’ next step

Convenience retailers, especially those in rural areas, can boost revenue and grow their brand presence by offering food that is both delicious and durable.

By Amanda Baltazar • Sept. 13, 2023

J.M. Smucker to buy Twinkies-maker Hostess Brands for $5.6B

The purchase will deepen the jam and peanut butter maker’s presence in growing categories and consumer occasions focused on convenience. 

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 11, 2023

7-Eleven debuts private label bagged chocolate

This comes as the retailer aims to make its private label and proprietary food and beverage offerings account for over a third of its sales by 2025.

By Jessica Loder • Sept. 11, 2023

Consumers are focusing more on health and Hershey is here for it

As shoppers look for better-for-you alternatives during their wellness journeys, retailers can harness their basket-building potential.

By Nathan Johnson, Marketing Director, Better-For-You, The Hershey Company • Sept. 5, 2023

Royal Farms expands merchandise line

New items in the Baltimore-based retailer’s store will include hats, hoodies and chicken drumstick keychains.

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 30, 2023

Early releases and innovative flavors spice up c-stores’ fall menus

While pumpkin and apple dishes are still runaway favorites, retailers such as Rutter’s and Stewart’s Shops are also testing offerings like pierogis and butternut squash soup.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 28, 2023

4 top trends in dispensed beverages

Customers are looking for unique flavors and textures and an increasing amount of caffeine from their c-store drinks.

By Christine Blank • Aug. 21, 2023

Kellogg pins growth in snacking unit on Pringles, Cheez-It ahead of split

The new company, called Kellanova, plans to expand its reach in convenience and smaller stores as part of its expansion goals.

By Chris Casey • Aug. 15, 2023

7-Eleven debuts golf-themed merchandise

The new line includes shirts, hats, socks, golf balls and tees, with some throwback items featuring the company’s 1940s logo.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 11, 2023