Top-selling microwavable snack Rustlers is reinforcing its commitment to doubling sales in convenience by 2020 with the introduction of two new products, new packaging and a £2.5m consumer marketing spend.

The new Gourmet range comprises The Classic Burger (including cheese, streaky bacon, American-style mustard mayo and tomato relish) and The BBQ Burger (with cheese, streaky bacon, crispy onions and a smokey BBQ sauce).

“Rustlers Gourmet burgers will attract new shoppers and build on the brand’s new ‘Great Taste, Great Beef, Always’ positioning, showcasing our unrivalled ability to provide a combination of great flame-grilled taste, high quality and quick-to-cook convenience,” says Adrian Lawlor, Kepak Convenience Foods’ marketing and business development director.

“With increased field sales coverage and upweighted marketing support, including a major ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ TV advertising burst in the North in April/May, boosted by national social media activity, we’re intent on generating the highest-ever levels of shopper awareness. This will ensure that demand for both the core and new Gourmet ranges will be really strong.”

The Gourmet launch coincides with the introduction of new packaging across the Rustlers range. The new pack designs feature a new Rustlers logo sitting over a grill with intense flames coming through, highlighting that every Rustlers burger is cooked by a unique flame-grilling process which delivers an authentic, smoky taste.

“The new pack designs will be instrumental in dialling up Rustlers taste and quality credentials to people who have yet to try the brand,” adds Lawlor.

“To help retailers capitalise on this opportunity, we are developing plans based on our bespoke piece of him! research to improve understanding of how our support package is perceived by convenience retailers and how it can be improved.

“The study showed that although retailers rank Rustlers as their No 1 partner in chilled ready meals and food to go, there are areas that we can improve our advice to unlock further growth. For example, many retailers consider Rustlers as a ready meal, while the biggest consumption occasion is actually lunch, highlighting the growth opportunity that exists through dual-siting in the main convenience section as well as front of store sandwiches.”

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