Hot and Spicy Flavors Heat Up The Snack Market

Within sweet and savory snacks, manufacturers are introducing new products aimed at consumers' increasing affinity for hot/spicy flavors, according to Euromonitor International (www.euromonitor.com). In April 2011, Frito-Lay partnered with the Tapatio hot sauce brand to release Tapatio-flavored Doritos, Fritos, and Ruffles chips/crisps (tortilla, corn, and potato, respectively). It also launched its Cheetos Crunchy Fiery Fusion line in 2011, while other manufacturers worked with major hot sauce companies like Avery Island, La.-based McIlhenny Co. (Tabasco brand) to produce spicy-flavored snacks. This trend follows what we have seen in related categories like spicy chili/pepper sauces, which have seen dramatic growth in recent years. These spicy flavors are especially popular with younger consumers.

New product launches that offer consumers something new and unique in terms of format/taste continue to appeal to consumers. The success of brands such as Stacy's Pita Chips (Frito-Lay Co) and Kettle Chips (Kettle Foods Inc.) has generated new products such as "Popchips" and "Pretzel Crisps." Frito-Lay also looked to capitalize on these trends by launching its Tostitos Artisan Recipes line in February 2011. With innovative flavors like Roasted Garlic and Black Bean, Frito Lay hopes that this unique introduction can build on this trend and help spark sales for Tostitos.