Saw this article in the dailymail today.
British shoppers are set to get a taste of the USA as Tesco follows Asda's lead in launching dedicated space for imported American products in its stores.
A report by trade magazine The Grocer revealed that Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket chain, is to install fixtures especially for brands such as Hershey's chocolate and Jack Link's meat snacks along side pretzels and squeezy cheese as customers' taste buds tingle for their favourite American treats.
The news comes a fortnight after Asda unveiled its own dedicated shelf space for snacks from the USA in 100 of its UK stores.
Tesco, Asda and Ocado are looking to capitalise on the British taste for American snacks by launching dedicated shop fixtures to stock fans' favourite treats
Asda, owned by US giant Walmart, is taking full advantage of its Stateside links by stocking a wide range of imports.
Last year it rolled out a range of 12 Hershey’s products and started stocking fizzy drink RC Cola, and introduced more Hershey's products along side the brand Reese's after being inundated with customers demands on Facebook and Twitter.
Chris Silcock, Asda category director of impulse, said that sales of chewy candy brand Tootsie Rolls were four times higher than the average for a confectionery line.
Hershey’s and Reece’s sales were up 25per cent since the confectionery bays launched.
Euro Foods Brands, which distributes Jack Link’s products, told The Grocer that the opening of specialist American confectionery shops in the UK had helped fuel a growing appetite for US brands.
British shoppers could be putting the likes of Cherry Ripe bars, Hershey's Kiss bars, Nestle Big Turks, Baby Ruth bars or Oreo cookies, pictured, in their supermarket baskets .
Brand manager Shane Angus said: 'People enjoy something international and appreciate the things Americans appreciate.'
Sales of Euro Foods’ Hershey’s products rocketed 50 per cent last year and the company is hoping for another 20per cent uplift by the end of 2012, he said.
The magazine also reported that online delivery service Ocado expanded its American range in June, growing 200 per cent year-on-year, with the roll-out of 12 lines of Jell-O with the help of suppliers Innovative Bites.
The suppliers are said to sell more than £1 million of US products to Amazon UK, showing that British customers are eager to get their hands on their favourites from across the pond.
Tesco will begin the roll out of the American fixtures in its Sandhurst, Amersham and Richmond stores.
A Tesco spokesperson said: 'Our customers are always keen to try new and exciting products from around the world, not just the U.S., and we are always keen to offer ranges that best reflect the local area around our stores.
'We are trialing offering our customers a wider range of American products this week, such as cereals, confectionery and snacks in a handful of selected stores, and look forward to their feedback.'
