A POPULAR American snack has finally launched in the UK and foodies are delighted. Cheez-Its are loved by millions in the US for their cheese crackers - and the snack has made its UK debut for the first time. Cheez-It, the popular US snack brand from Kellanova, has made its way to the UK and Irish markets and is now available in nearly 7,000 grocery stores. Kellanova is offering Cheez-It Snap'd in three flavors – Double Cheese, Cheese and Chilli, and Cheese, Sour Cream and Onion. The snacks are available in small individual packs as well as larger sharing bags. The thin and crispy snack is baked with 100 per cent real cheese and has a unique, curved shape which gives it a satisfying crunch. The Snap'd range comes in three flavours: double cheese, cheese and chilli, and cheese, sour cream & onion. The double cheese flavour packs a delicious cheese punch, whereas if you're looking for a spicy kick, cheese & chilli is the flavour to try. Cheese, sour cream and onion is the perfect moreish mix of tangy and savoury. They were launched in the US in 2019 as a spin-off product of Cheez-Its, which are small flat crackers. The products have been “tweaked for European tastebuds”, the brand said. They are currently available as single 150g bags from Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Ocado, where they are priced at £2. The launch features a reformulated recipe tailored to European tastes, with three flavors: Double Cheese, Cheese & Chilli, and Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion. The expansion is supported by a $20 million marketing campaign. Kellanova is confident that Cheez-It's unique texture and flavor profile will resonate with European consumers, citing the popularity of cheese and the growing demand for spicy snacks. The company is investing heavily in marketing and distribution to ensure the brand's success in the UK and Ireland. Cheez-It, a billion-dollar brand globally, has been successful due to continuous innovation and strategic global expansion. The European version adheres to local nutritional guidelines with reduced sodium and saturated fat. Kellanova aims to replicate the brand's U.S. success in Europe, targeting the region's love for cheese and growing demand for spicy flavors. Kellanova's launch of Cheez-It in the UK and Ireland marks a significant expansion for the brand. With a $20 million marketing campaign and distribution in nearly 7,000 grocery stores, this move demonstrates a strong commitment to capturing market share in Europe. The reformulated recipe tailored to European preferences shows adaptability, which is important for success in new markets. The launch aligns with European snacking trends, particularly the 23% growth in spicy flavors from 2019 to 2023. This strategic product positioning, combined with the brand's billion-dollar global status, suggests potential for substantial growth. However, success isn't guaranteed, as the European snack market is highly competitive and dominated by established local brands. While specific financial projections aren't provided, the scale of this launch indicates Kellanova's confidence in Cheez-It's potential in Europe. The $20 million marketing investment is substantial, suggesting expectations of significant returns. As a billion-dollar brand globally, even modest success in Europe could translate to meaningful revenue growth for Kellanova. Investors should monitor key performance indicators in the coming quarters, including: Kellanova's approach to launching Cheez-It in Europe demonstrates a nuanced understanding of local markets. The reformulation to meet European nutritional guidelines and taste preferences is crucial. Reducing sodium and saturated fat while maintaining flavor appeal is a delicate balance that, if successful, could give Cheez-It a competitive edge. The choice of flavors - Double Cheese, Cheese & Chilli and Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion - is strategic, catering to established preferences while also tapping into the growing spicy trend. However, the success will largely depend on how well these flavors resonate with local palates and compete against entrenched local brands. The multi-format packaging strategy allows for penetration across various retail channels and consumption occasions, which could accelerate adoption. Kellanova's Cheez-It launch signifies the growing popularity of American food and beverage brands in the UK. The company's confidence in the brand's success in Europe suggests a broader trend towards international expansion, bringing a diverse range of flavors and products to the British market. Kellanova's Cheez-It launch is a testament to the brand's dedication to innovation and strategic global expansion. The company's commitment to tailoring its products to local tastes and preferences is key to its success in new markets. With a focus on creating better days for its consumers, Kellanova is poised to continue its global expansion, bringing its beloved brands to new audiences around the world. The Cheez-It launch is just one example of a growing trend of American brands expanding their presence in Europe. With a strong marketing campaign and a reformulated recipe tailored to European tastes, Cheez-It has the potential to become a household name in the UK and Ireland. Kellanova's Cheez-It launch in the UK and Ireland is a testament to the company's dedication to meeting the needs of its consumers. By adapting its product and marketing strategy to local preferences, Kellanova is well-positioned to achieve success in this new market. The company's commitment to innovation and global expansion ensures that consumers around the world can enjoy its beloved brands.
Mohammed Al-Zahrani
Finance Expert
Providing insights into global financial markets.