Coke or Pepsi

The gorgeous Monster energy drink girls at the
2015 NACS - National Association of Convenience Stores
expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The National Association of Convenience Stores  is where the food and beverage industry buyers will discover thousands of the latest products and services that c-stores sell and use every day. The expo is segmented into six categories: Fuel Equipment & Services, Food Equipment & Food Service Programs, Candy/Snacks, Facility Development & Store Operations, Merchandise and Technology. All the biggest every day brands that we regularly consume were present at NACS. Names like Mars M&M, Nestle, Wrigley gum, Coca-Cola, Dr.Pepper, Red Bull and Monster, to name a few, exhibited at NACS. Not to mention all the new product launches from hopeful entrepreneurs made their debut at NACS.

Pepsico is a leading global food and beverage company with brands that are respected
household names throughout the world. Pepsico is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. It
is the anchor exhibit in the North Hall of Las Vegas Convention Center during the
National Association of Convenience Stores expo that took place October 11-14, 2015.

Coca-Cola is a global leader in the beverage industry. The Coca-Cola company 
offers hundreds of brands, including soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks
and other beverages. Coca-Cola's sustainability initiative is to refresh the world.
The Coca-Cola Company and their local bottling partners are committed to creating new value
for their consumers,  customers and the communities across more than 200 countries and territories.

Best part about NACS is the free samples!!! I give the best sample
giveaway award to Johnson & Johnson! They gave away a nice branded bag
full of Johnson & Johnson goodies that happens to be some of my favorite
products that I use daily. Score!!!

Samples from just 1 day and a couple of hours walking the NACS
show.  I can see how confusing it can be for buyers to choose what
products are best for their stores. If you are a new buyer, I suggest
that you have a game plan and purchase your staple products first,
then check out the new product launches. It's very important to taste
any product that you are interested in, and take a sample with you, make
notes and decide when you get back to your office. If the product is that good,
go with your gut feeling, and order at the show. Most of the companies have
great "at show" specials.

I love meeting new entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur who has launched a consumer product at NACS 5 years ago, I know the risk that a lot of start ups take in order to be in this show. If you are an entrepreneur thinking about launching your product at NACS, my advise is that you must be ready to ship nationally and be able to support each shipment with a marketing program. There are regional shows that you can exhibit in first, if you are not ready to ship nationally. To exhibit at NACS in a 10x20 space can cost you in the upwards of $30,000 or more including booth, marketing, product, staff and travel. It is an investment that will need a fast ROI for most smaller companies. If you would like to discuss further, feel free to message me at lj@tradeshowlife.com .

I had the chance to interview a couple of entrepreneurs:

Interview with Mark Spoone, CEO of Canna Energy USA,

"A high power energy drink for athletes and hard worker. 

it's an energy drink with good taste!. Step up your life style."

I wish him the very best, because this is a tough category.

However, Mark shared with me that Canna has been picked

up by 20+ Anheuser-Busch distributors. That's pretty awesome!

 

Interview with Brett Anderson, National Account Manager for Rhino Rush Energy, an Ephedra 

powered energy shot company. Here he is pictured with the rest of the Rhino Rush co-founding

team, left to right: Josh Swenson/CEO, Matthew Nu'Uvali/CoFounder, Jordan Kepler/SalesAcctMgr.

Rhino Rush is based in Boise, Idaho and available in Albertson's and many other retailers.

Other product highlights that caught my attention from the show:

Maybe you've seen milk in a box, but what about Boxed Water?
Click on the link to learn more about their mission.

Kill Cliff, a recovery drink, the Natural Alternative to Energy Drinks started by 

a Navy Seal and based in Atlanta GA. Low Calorie. High Quality.

No Sugar Added · No Artificial Colors · No Artificial Flavor · Gluten Free.

If you love Skinny Girl cocktails, then I know
you're going to love these Skinnygirl Mints available
soon through Rivo Mints. 

For all you vegans out there, this is the cookie for you!
Lenny & Larry's cookies, non-gmo, vegan, no dairy, 16G protein.
"The Complete Cookie".

Jack Daniels Jerky!  Tastes soooo good! You
gotta' try it.

Vita Coco Coconut water had an awesome booth.
A tropical beach themed booth complete with its own
Gilligan's Island van with lots of sand and coconuts. They launched
some new flavors, and I loved the coconut peach & mango flavor.

Crunk energy drink is now a part of Bawls Guarana.
They are currently seeking national distribution.

That's all for now.  I hope you enjoy and share my blog with others. Please also subscribe to my blog, and contact me if you need assistance with your trade show planning!

Cheers,

Li

Written by: Li Jackson

Photography/Videographer:  TerenceJackson