Quench May 2013

Spring Into the Season

May is in full swing and I’m not sure where the past two months have gone. It seems like I was just walking the International Home + Housewares Show, where I saw dozens, or perhaps

hundreds, of new beverage-related products. From cup-by-cup coffee brewers and wine accessories to mugs, carafes and tea steeping equipment, the latest introductions are destined to give retailers the ability to excite consumers who are in search of the tools needed to enjoy beverages in their homes. I then regrouped a bit at home before heading to Boston for the SCAA Annual Conference & Exhibition. Once again, I was surrounded by the excitement of the show, and all the great new coffees, teas and equipment exhibitors were showcasing.

If you didn’t get the chance to visit the IH+HS, the April issue of Gourmet Business features a collection of post-show coverage. I’ve also included a brief review of beverage-related products right here in Quench, page 10.

Upcoming, the June issue of Gourmet Business will showcase a few products from the SCAA

show. For more great products and content brought back from the show, keep an eye out for the upcoming July issue of Quench.

But, with the shows behind us, it is time to look ahead. As I sit and write this, I look out my office window and see the telltale signs of spring in my neck of the woods. The white and pink blossoms of plum trees dominate my view, and the birds frequent my porch in search of seeds to fuel them through their day.

Whatever you find outside your window these days, let us all be reminded that springtime is a season of reflection, renewal and rejuvenation.

When the signs of spring arrive, I always take the time to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m going. I renew my resolve to my yearly goals (personal and professional), and I rejuvenate my efforts to meet those goals.

This sentiment – of reflection, renewal and rejuvenation – is essential for retail businesses as well. Springtime awakens our senses and reminds us of all we set out to accomplish for the year. It reminds us that warm summer months are coming, and we must spring into action to ensure we meet

our goals.

In this issue of Quench, we hope to offer up a lot of inspiration to help you start thinking about renewal and rejuvenation in your retail establishments this spring ... and as you head into summer, when consumers are looking to refresh, hydrate and cool down. With that in mind, Quench brings you a collection of articles focused on cold beverages.

Our feature article, “Bolstering Sales With New Flavors and Blends,” page 4, will give you an insight into how the entire beverage category is doing, including new flavor profiles, consumer demographics and trending beverages.

Our category spotlights – Water and Iced Coffee & Tea, pages 7 and 13, respectively – will provide you with a quick look at each category, including how consumers are responding to this beverage segment, and how to promote to consumers and create a destination for these popular beverages.

Also in this issue, we welcome Darryl Feldman of Olio Communications, who pens our first “Masterful Marketing” column, page 19. This month, he looks at the power of social media – using

successes of coffee retailers to illustrate the importance of focusing on social media. The lessons learned can be applied to any business – coffee, tea or otherwise.

So, with thoughts of spring upon us, Quench takes a look at all things beverage- related. From water to iced coffee and tea, and from coconut to cherry flavor profiles, we’ve filled this issue with trend information, marketing inspiration and product to help you ease into the season, and renew for a season of success.

Happy spring!

Laura Everage 

Editor, Gourmet Business Quench 

leverage@gourmetbusiness.com