Back in 2015, those who attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas were treated to a Cheetos Popcorn snack in the early stages of development. Now, Cheetos is introducing its Cheetos-flavored popcorn mix with Crunchy Cheetos to select Regal Cinemas, making it the first chain to offer the unique hybrid snack nationwide. The cheesy popcorn snack will be available at participating locations in 32-ounce cups branded with Chester the Cheetah.
Consumers who are searching for creative snacking experiences are turning to hybrid snacks that add an interesting level of complexity the look, taste and texture of familiar comfort foods. As Sean Mathews, the director of marketing for Frito-Lay North America sees it, "Cheetos and popcorn are the ultimate movie snack combination."
In the last year, Cheetos has also made cheesy snack food hybrids available to consumers with its Burger King Flamin' Hot Mac n' Cheetos, Chuck E. Cheese Cheetos Mac-Cheesy Pizza and its pop-up 'The Spotted Cheetah' eatery.
Ultra-Cheesy Popcorn Snacks
'Cheetos Popcorn' is a Hybrid That Will Be Served at Regal Cinemas
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Snacks - The rise of hybrid snacks that combine familiar comfort foods, like Cheetos-flavored popcorn, appeals to consumers seeking unique and flavorful snacking experiences.
2. Creative Snacking - Consumers are increasingly drawn to creative snacking options that offer interesting combinations of flavors, textures, and appearances.
3. Branded Partnerships - Collaborations between popular snack brands, such as Cheetos and Regal Cinemas, present opportunities for both companies to reach new audiences and drive sales.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Food - The snack food industry can capitalize on the demand for innovative and creative snacks by developing more hybrid snacks that combine familiar flavors and textures.
2. Cinema - Cinemas can explore collaborations with popular snack brands to offer unique and exclusive snack options, creating a memorable movie-watching experience for customers.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Marketing and advertising agencies can assist snack brands in creating engaging campaigns and promotional strategies for their hybrid snack products.