Health Focus Heats up Smoothie Business

A lot has changed in 40 years. Heck, a lot has changed in four. And one change that has definitely been for the better is consumers’ increased focus on health.

Seventy-one percent of consumers said healthfulness was important in how they purchased food and beverages, according to a 2014 study from the International Food Information Council Foundation. That’s a 10 percent rise from just two years prior.

The shift toward a healthier diet can be felt even more strongly among younger people. Data from the 2014 Health & Wellness in America report from Nielsen and NMI found that while only 26 percent of Generation X would pay more for healthier food products, 41 percent of Generation Z said they’d shell out extra for healthy options.

While plenty of brands like to claim they offer healthy products, Smoothie King has the science to back it up.

Smoothie King’s Stephen Foley, franchise development manager, stated, “I get excited talking about what goes into a Smoothie King smoothie. Fruits, vegetables, high-quality protein, almond milk - these are ingredients that make you feel good about the products you’re selling every day.”

The brand’s dedication to quality ingredients is an extension of Smoothie King’s overall philosophy.

“This year we’ve partnered with brands like Chobani® Greek Yogurt, Sunwarrior Vegan Protein and Ghirardelli Chocolate, and we just brought Silk Almond Milk to the smoothie bar with our new product, Nutty Super Grain,” said Smoothie King Franchise Development Manager Chad Tramuta. “We’re laser-focused on continuing to provide a superior product and meeting our guests’ needs.”

Of course, flavor is also a cornerstone of the Smoothie King brand, and it’s something Smoothie King guests have come to expect in every smoothie and the reason two-thirds of Smoothie King’s guests are repeat visitors.

A franchise concept that appeals to the ever growing health-conscious consumer group and fans of flavorful treats – what’s not to like?