Protein Trumps Caffeine

Package dairy and deli sales ascend, as energy shots slump

The Greek yogurt craze is in full effect, as evidenced by the performance of the edible grocery category. Packaged dairy and deli — the subcategory that includes this hot product known for its protein and probiotic benefits, as well as lunch meats, cheese and traditional yogurt — saw per-store sales increase by 9.2 percent in 2012 vs. 2011.

On average, each convenience store sold $18,789 worth of packaged dairy and deli products last year, a $1,579 year-over-year increase. In terms of dollars, this increase was the largest among the grocery, general merchandise and health and beauty care categories.

Frozen novelties also turned in a strong performance last year. The segment, which includes juice and ice pops, enjoyed a robust $512 rise in average sales per store. This marked a 7.3-percent improvement compared to 2011.

Conversely, energy shots and supplements suffered through a difficult 2012. Average sales per store dropped to $2,978, compared to $3,007 in 2011. Oversaturation of energy-related products and negative news headlines regarding energy drinks and shots likely contributed to the decline.