Darren Climans

Foodservice Consultant

Author Profile

Darren Climans is a foodservice insights professional with close to 20 years' experience partnering with broadline distributors, CPG suppliers, and foodservice operators. His practice is to understand issue-based decisions by taking a data-driven approach to strategic decision making.

ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR

09/12/2021

Meals are for squares

In Canada, and nearly universally now around the world, the frequency and variety of snacking is going up. Are your snack aisles ready?
06/20/2021

Cold comfort

During the pandemic, consumers sought security in frozen foods, with ice cream and frozen novelties leading the way
04/04/2021

Frictionless convenience: C-stores + vending machines offer a winning combination

Rather than ‘if’, the question for c-store operators in the future will be ‘what’ and ‘when’ to add. Be prepared to move quickly to adopt vending technology when the market is established.
10/17/2019

The convenience industry is ground zero for cannabis-infused product innovation

"Greenfield" refers to a virgin market yet to be commercially exploited. From a business perspective, it’s elusive and appealing because of how infrequently it occurs, as well as the potential for windfall results.
11/08/2020

Consumers crave immune-boosting foods and beverages

You may be surprised to learn that, until fairly recently, Coca-Cola was presented and sold to consumers as a functional food
12/13/2020

Cheers to non-alcoholic beer

Wherever your location and whatever the rules, alcohol-free beer is a fast-growing segment and an immediate gateway for all c-stores to get in the beer game.
08/09/2020

Insights and lessons from pandemic snacking trends

Increased home time, family time, leisure screen time, stress and near 24/7 access to our pantries, have all translated into a rise in snacking, as Canadian consumers reach for treats and comfort foods
03/17/2021

Plant-based goes mainstream

Foodservice success means adding alternative proteins on the menu.