Functional food in USA

Hi There - I am a 25 year old salesman from Europe. I work for a suplements campany (proteinbars, shakes, whey protein etc etc.)

Can anyone of you folks describe to me, whether functional food (proteinbars and shakes) is winning forward in the American Kiosk´s and especially I would like to now if they have got it in "Blockbuster"

I know it´s a weird question but it would be a great help to me.

Thanx

i have no idea what you're asking?

"winning forward"...sry bud but you gotta be a little more clear. Also, are you asking if they are selling protein supps @ Blockbuster, I would say not around Oklahoma, but that's not to say they aren't somewhere else.

I can tell you from a competitive aspect, we are not here yet.
I work with all bodybuilding supplements, pricing, and competitive analysis on a daily basis. While supplements sales can be up to 40% of total sales for chains like Whole Foods and Wild Oats, it is a less than 15% for major chains such as WalMart, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Ahold, and the like. The Organic/supplement movement is still emerging in the United States-it's a niche market. While people are making wiser choices to eat better, the cost remains prohibitive to most on a budget because the current supply outweighs the current demand. In addition, you have to have items on the shelf that will turn quickly and provide a gross margin. While protein bars and protein shakes turn a great gross profit, they don't move as much as say, fruit, pretzels, new age beverages, soda or candy. This is why you see a lot of candy, soda and salty snacks at Blockbusters- they are impulse and turn a good profit. The general public will not shift its buying from soda and candy to protein bars and protein shakes. They are two different customer types. You can forget your idea- it will not work in the U.S right now. The general public's attitude toward making lifestyle changes and tackling childhood obesity must be addressed first and throwing protein bars and protein shakes at them won't do it- it has to be done through education.

Yes - I would like to know if they are selling protein bars in Blockbuster?

You see - if I can convince The Danish blockbuster administration that functional food would be a good suplement to all the sugarstuffe they already have - Then my company will have a good chance for profit. In many areas Europe is following USA in the foodindustry, and thats why I wan´t to know if they have godt that stuff in USA.

So my questions are:

Primary: Do they have protein bars in blockbuster

Secondary: Can you by proteinbars, shakes and like in Kiosk, gasstations, supermarkets and like in USA?

Did you read anything of what I wrote?
To answer your questions:
1. no- they don't see protein bars at Blockbuster.
2. No you can't buy protein bars/shakes at Kiosks, gas stations but they are available in some supermarkets provided the market demand. You may not see protein bars in lower to mid income level supermarkets- cost too much.
You have a long road ahead of you- its commendable but no way can you promise the turns for protein bars will be the same as candy and popcorn at Blockbuster. To do so would be a huge mix change & suicide for the company you work for.

Hi MMX2... Thanx for you answer..

But I am not that pessimistic. Anyways - it can never be a suicide attempt - just a shoot. Normally I make a round trip in my country visiting gyms an selling Proteinbars, shakes and accessories. It gives a good profit and now I am looking forward to expand a little.
I have one test KIOSK and they have a pretty good turnover, because the fitness industry is so damn good in Denmark. Besides that we have got an internet based shop.
Ofcourse proteinbars and shakes won´t make the same good turnover as Cocacola, Snickers and Marsbars - but it will be a damn good option for the health.conscient consumer.

I just wan'ted to hear your opinion and status in your country.
Anyways I can´t loose money in making the attemt - only waste a little of time.

if there was a "kiosk" in places like Central Park or Venice beach or certain areas in Florida, places where there are a lot of fit people anyway they would do well. It's just a matter of location. All over Manhattan there are gyms, parks, fitness minded restaruants etc. so it's just a matter of where you are. I think you're just ahead of the curve which is a good place to be but you need to be patient and have the money to stay in business while waiting for it to get big

LOL this is really funny.

Here in So Cal there are protein bars bars in every gas station I've ever been in.

Blockbuster? Fuck no. Know your market bud.

here on the East Coast they are becoming more and more prevalent as well but still not in Blockbuster or the like. Candy stores are starting to carry them now as well as 7/11 and convenience stores.

Not refuting the option- perhaps you could persuade them to test it in a few stores- not entirely replacing the obvious choices, but perhaps cutting a few fronts and adding a few protein bar flavors. 3 months should be a good starting point to see if you will turn the product enough to keep the space.

MMX2 brushing up on his marketing and economics

blockbuster is totally the wrong market. For starters, they are failing FAST in America. At least here in Dallas where there HQ is based. Online/mail movies rentals are kicking blockbusters ass (at least concerning IN store sales). Second, is the fact that movierenters at blockbuster are the totally wrong market for supplements. Mostly people who like sitting, eating junk food and watching t.v. There are exceptions, but not enough to make any profit IMHO.