Sonic Drive-In is making waves in the retail sector by launching its beloved tater tots at over 4,000 Walmart SuperCenters across the country starting this month. These 28-ounce frozen bags of small potatoes will retail for approximately $4.98, allowing Sonic enthusiasts to savor their favorite tots without visiting one of the nearly 3,600 restaurant locations. “By expanding into the frozen food aisle, we’re providing customers with a versatile mealtime choice that can serve as a side dish or the main attraction of a delightful meal, all while offering the convenience of home preparation,” stated Lori Abou Habib, Sonic’s chief marketing officer. Additional retailers offering the tots are expected to be announced soon.
Sonic is no stranger to having its products sold in supermarkets and large retail outlets throughout the nation. The brand has successfully introduced a wide range of items, from gelatin and flavored drink packets to frozen flavored push-up pops. Retail partnerships are increasingly favored by restaurant brands as they create exposure that can lead to increased sales at their physical locations. Food retailers also gain from having well-known products on their shelves, distinguishing themselves from competitors. For instance, Nestlé has licensed the California Pizza Kitchen brand from its restaurant parent company, and Kraft Heinz has formed significant partnerships with brands like Taco Bell, Benihana, and TGI Fridays. Earlier this year, Conagra Brands, which owns P.F. Chang’s skillet meals, announced it would introduce Wendy’s chili in a canned format.
In other news, Kerrygold, the butter brand, is expanding its product line this summer with vegetable-inspired flavors. The new Butter Blends from this Irish company come in three varieties: Sundried Tomato & Basil, Chive & Onion, and Bell Pepper & Garden Herbs. These products are made from butter sourced from grass-fed cows, which is slow churned for a creamy texture, as noted in a press release. The brand highlighted the health benefits of its offerings, noting that beta carotene, an antioxidant found in the grass eaten by these cows, is present in the butter.
Kerrygold recommends pairing the flavors with various dishes, making them ideal for home cooks. For instance, the Sundried Tomato & Basil blend is suggested for spreading on crostini for an Italian-themed sandwich or grilled cheese, while the Chive & Onion flavor can complement steaks and vegetables. The Bell Pepper & Garden Herbs blend is perfect for creating pasta primavera or spicy popcorn. “With the growing trend of homemade compound butters on social media, and as the top imported butter brand, we’re thrilled to share our unique Irish perspective on this culinary movement,” said Alexandra Vinci, Kerrygold’s brand manager.
Established in 1962 and owned by the Irish dairy company Ornua, Kerrygold sources its products from 14,000 small farms across Ireland, achieving $1 billion in annual global sales by 2019. While Kerrygold’s offerings may be priced higher than traditional butter, the new flavors are likely to attract consumers seeking variety. The global butter market is projected to reach $51.6 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%, as reported by Grand View Research.
Meanwhile, Americans are increasingly indulging in snacks with bold flavors. Takis, a favorite among Gen Z, is responding to this trend with a new savory, spicy rolled tortilla stick called Taki Dragon Sweet Chili. This latest flavor combines the traditional intense heat of Takis with a hint of “electrifying” sweetness, according to a press release. The Dragon Sweet Chili variant has already garnered recognition, winning the 2022 Product of the Year Award in Canada. “Dragon Sweet Chili provides fans with an intensely sweet bite paired with a fierce kick of spice, encouraging them to reach for more,” said Sandra Kirkpatrick, marketing director for Takis.
This new snack option is designed to appeal to those who may find the original Fuego flavor too spicy. The brand classifies Fuego snacks as “extreme” in heat, while Dragon Sweet Chili is labeled simply as “hot.” Takis has seen considerable success on social media, boasting nearly 2 million followers on TikTok, particularly among younger consumers. According to The Harris Poll, 73% of Gen Z respondents reported purchasing spicier snacks. The new Takis offerings are available in two sizes: 90 grams and 280 grams, and can be found on Amazon and at retailers like Walmart. Takis is owned by Barcel USA, a Texas-based company that identifies itself as “exciting, young, and fast-growing.”
Additionally, consumers looking for health-conscious options may consider products like natural factors calcium & magnesium citrate with D3, which can support their nutritional needs alongside these tasty snacks.