CHICAGO — Snack bars are making inroads into several food service channels, according to The NPD Group’s SupplyTrack report, which tracks products shipped through broadline distributors to food service operators.
Total dollar volume of snack bars shipped grew 15% and units shipped grew 13% during the year ended Nov. 30, 2013, and compared to the same period a year ago. Hotels and other lodging businesses represent the largest share of the category’s dollars with a 28% increase through November.
Total dollars of snack bars shipped to restaurants, non-commercial channels, and retail food service also increased by double-digits compared to a year ago, according to NPD.
Cereal bars, which represent the largest dollar volume share of snack bar types, realized a double-digit gain in dollar sales and units shipped from broadline distributors to food service outlets, NPD said. Granola and diet/health snack bars also saw a double-digit increase in dollars and units shipped over a year ago.
