Austerity positives

A recent research report from Mintel suggested that consumers are predicting over half a decade of austerity and that the “feel-good” factor is failing to make a comeback.

Mintel says that 42% of British consumers think that it will take longer than two years for the feel-good factor to return and a further 22% believe that it will take between one and two years.

Doom and gloom then? But from a confectionery perspective, this might be a good thing actually. Confectionery has proven to be pretty much recession proof, becoming a much loved “cheap treat” when a meal out or a new car is out of the question. Sales of sweets and chocolates have received a boost due to their low cost “pick-me-up” ability.

Some have suggested that sales might ease when the economy starts to improve and people have more ready cash to treat themselves. Following that line of thought, half a decade of austerity might just be a good thing for confectionery retailers?

Small is profitable

It seems no sooner have we got the Christmas range organised, attention turns swiftly to Easter. The seasonal calendar rolls ever onwards – it rests for nobody! 

As the supermarkets continue to eat up the market for branded Easter eggs and harsh pricing tactics are once again anticipated for 2012, the mini egg is being cited as a profitable option by many of the manufacturers. This advice is of course accompanied by a growing army of mini egg products rolling out for sale again, with Ferrero the latest to announce its new bags of mini eggs. 

But as smaller confectionery retailers look out for profitable opportunities this Easter, it is a fair point to contemplate. We all love that delicious little egg and seem to have the ability to justify eating a handful at a time! They are the perfect self treat for any reason you care to dream up resulting in no shortage of purchase opportunities. And they are affordable. 

Mini eggs are sold in many formats by many brands. But you can also do your own thing with these little beauties, buying them in larger “bulk” bags and packaging them attractively to create your very own delight. A bit more effort, but when you consider the profitability and indeed the popularity of the much loved mini egg, it might just be one to try.  

Let’s just get through Christmas first though eh? I for one am still writing my “to do” list.

Lots more confectionery comment and information can be found on Sweet Retailing.