HI-CHEW LAUNCHES INTO 7-ELEVEN STORES NATIONWIDE

GC Brands, the distributor of Hi-Chew in Australia, has secured a deal to range the popular Japanese confectionery in 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

The launch includes four SKUs of Hi-Chew, marking a major step forward for the brand’s growth in the Australian market.

Guy Bennett, Senior Brand Manager at GC Brands, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting its importance for the brand’s development in Australia.

“Hi-Chew is Japan’s number one chewy candy and now a huge brand in a number of markets outside Asia, such as New Zealand and the USA. We’ve seen really strong growth since introduction into the Australian market, but launching four SKUs into a blue-chip retailer like 7-Eleven gives us the opportunity to really support Hi-Chew with a strong presence on the shelf and in store.”

The partnership reflects a growing demand for unique, international confectionery in Australia.

“GC Brands has a strength in international confectionery with exclusive agreements with many major brands. There has been a surge in demand for these types of brands in Australia over the past three years on the back of TikTok, travel, and a desire for new and different. 7-Eleven saw the trend and are backing a great brand that converts every person that tries it,” Bennett explained.

Unlike traditional confectionery, Hi-Chew offers a distinct alternative.

“Hi-Chew was devised as an alternative to chewing gum. It delivers the satisfying chewing texture via its double-layered structure, but you can swallow it. The flavour profiles are bold and fresh, not sickly sweet, so it tends to skew to an older audience, which offers great incrementality to retailers’ confectionery ranges.”

Looking ahead, GC Brands has ambitious plans for growth in 2025.

“We will look to continue to ride the wave of demand for American and international snacking products by launching some new brands and continuing to improve the presence across 7-Eleven and the broader market with these offerings, which give consumers great choice.”

Adding to the excitement, another product launch is set to roll out in December. Herr’s Cheese Curls, from the largest privately owned US snacking company, will hit 7-Eleven shelves with three flavours: Jalapeno, Carolina Reaper, and Honey Cheese.

“They’re bringing big, bold, and brash American flavour to Australians nationwide,” Bennett said.

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