News

Smoothie system sales down, the NPD Group finds

July 25, 2016

Dollar sales of smoothie makers declined during the first part of 2016, a press release said. According to the NPD Group, a global information company, dollar sales of these systems declined 10 percent. Additionally, 6 percent fewer systems were purchased at retail. However, food-service outlets are serving more smoothies than ever – up 11 percent – according to the report.

"Blending systems may be feeling a burnout effect as consumers begin to look for more variety in their dietary routines, following a period of submerging themselves in the smoothie trend," said Joe Derochowski, executive director and home industry analyst of the NPD Group in the report. "Brands need to reposition themselves, emphasizing their multi-functionality, expanding the product's audience to those interested in preparing more than just smoothies, and figure out creative new ways to engage in new applications and environments."

Young adults are spending less on them than they were a year ago, and planned purchases are down double digits, the release said. First-time purchases and upgrade purchases are declining while replacement part sales are growing.

"Flexibility, innovation and interaction are the keys to bringing blender/mixer/chopper sales back on the upswing," Derochowski said. "Manufacturers need to find new ways to get consumers engaged with their products by addressing competing consumer needs and demonstrating the ways these products can contribute to a healthy lifestyle."