---
title: Independent Retailer Blog | Lauren Zahakaylo (2)
description: Stay up to date on the latest in the convenience store industry! From trends to industry news to new products, we have it all. Subscribe today! (2)
---

[![RBG CS Logo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RBG%20CS%20Logo.png?width=250&height=84&name=RBG%20CS%20Logo.png "RBG CS Logo")](https://blog.royalbuying.com/)

Open main menu Close main menu

- [Blog](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog)
- [Join](https://share.hsforms.com/19kvTUXLxQg2DzdlaeeRwwgc32r1)

# Independent Retailer Blog

Welcome to RBG's Independent Retailer Blog! Here you will find the latest in the convenience store industry including news from our vendor partners, industry news, trends, new products, events and more. Subscribe today to receive email updates with the latest news and updates instantly! 

Select Category 2021 Olympics Advertising Airheads Albanese Confectionery AllOver Media Annabelle Candy Awards Bazooka Candy Beef Jerky Beverage BIC BIC Lighters Big League Chew Brother Mobile C-Store Services Candy Candy Data Carmex CBD CBD Beverages CBD Living CBD Water Chewy Candy Clif Bar CoolerTags Facility Services Foodservice Ford Gum Fruittella General Merchandising good2grow Gum Gummy Bears Health & Beauty Products Hi-Chew Innovation Kellogg's Keurig Dr Pepper Lil' Drug Store Marketing Meat Snacks Mentos Merchandising Merchandising Options Mints Mondelez Morinaga America New Products Oberto Perfetti Van Melle Plant Based Products Prairie City Bakery Pringles Promotions Salty Snacks Simply Beverages Snacks Taki's Technology Top Sku's Travel Size Unifirst Virginia Label Warheads Wonderful Pistachios

Posts by:

## Lauren Zahakaylo

[Kellogg's,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/kelloggs) [Snacks](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/snacks)

### [Rice Krispies Treats® Bliss™ Brings a New Indulgent Snack Experience](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/rice-krispies-treats-bliss-brings-a-new-indulgent-snack-experience)

Mar 23, 2026, 12:43:46 PM

![Kellanova - RKT Bliss](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kellanova%20-%20RKT%20Bliss.png?width=430&height=430&name=Kellanova%20-%20RKT%20Bliss.png)

Consumers today are looking for snacks that deliver more than just convenience—they want indulgent flavors, exciting textures, and premium experiences. That trend is especially strong in the convenience channel, where shoppers often make impulse purchases based on taste and novelty.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/rice-krispies-treats-bliss-brings-a-new-indulgent-snack-experience)

[Kellogg's,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/kelloggs) [Snacks,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/snacks) [Salty Snacks](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/salty-snacks)

### [Cheez-It® Crunch Delivers Bold Flavor and Extreme Crunch for Today’s Snackers](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/cheez-it-crunch-delivers-bold-flavor-and-extreme-crunch-for-todays-snackers)

Mar 23, 2026, 12:39:26 PM

![Kellanova - Cheez-It Crunch](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kellanova%20-%20Cheez-It%20Crunch.png?width=443&height=443&name=Kellanova%20-%20Cheez-It%20Crunch.png)

Snack trends continue to evolve as consumers look for bolder flavors and more exciting textures. Across the snack category, products that deliver both intense flavor and satisfying crunch are seeing strong growth. In fact, bold and crunchy snacks have experienced +18% category growth over the past three years, highlighting the rising demand for snacks that stand out.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/cheez-it-crunch-delivers-bold-flavor-and-extreme-crunch-for-todays-snackers)

[Merchandising,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/merchandising) [General Merchandising,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/general-merchandising) [BIC Lighters,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/bic-lighters) [BIC](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/bic)

### [Why BIC® Lighters Are a Must-Have for Convenience Stores](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/why-bic-lighters-are-a-must-have-for-convenience-stores)

Mar 23, 2026, 12:33:15 PM

![BIC - Safety](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BIC%20-%20Safety.png?width=456&height=456&name=BIC%20-%20Safety.png)

Convenience store shoppers rely on stores to carry everyday essentials—and BIC® lighters remain one of the most trusted products in the category. Known for their quality, reliability, and safety, BIC lighters are a staple item that continues to perform well in convenience retail.

For store owners, stocking BIC lighters means offering customers a recognizable brand they already trust while driving consistent repeat purchases.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/why-bic-lighters-are-a-must-have-for-convenience-stores)

[Innovation,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/innovation) [Candy,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/candy) [Bazooka Candy](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/bazooka-candy)

### [Innovation That Pops: Meet Juicy Drop Mystery Cubes](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/innovation-that-pops-meet-juicy-drop-mystery-cubes)

Mar 23, 2026, 12:30:12 PM

![Bazooka - TBD](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bazooka%20-%20TBD.png?width=443&height=443&name=Bazooka%20-%20TBD.png)

The non-chocolate candy category is evolving fast, and 2026 is already delivering exciting new innovations that are redefining how consumers experience candy.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/innovation-that-pops-meet-juicy-drop-mystery-cubes)

[Foodservice](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/foodservice)

### [Reduce Spoils with Green Chile Food Company](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/reduce-spoils-with-green-chile-food-company)

Dec 16, 2025, 12:00:31 PM

![Copy of 08 Hi-Chew September NPPO\_Email (1)](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%2008%20Hi-Chew%20September%20NPPO_Email%20(1).png?width=800&height=600&name=Copy%20of%2008%20Hi-Chew%20September%20NPPO_Email%20(1).png)Food spoilage is one of the biggest challenges convenience store operators face—especially with fresh and refrigerated items. **Green Chile Food Company** offers a smart solution for c-stores looking to reduce waste, protect margins, and still deliver bold, craveable flavors customers love.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/reduce-spoils-with-green-chile-food-company)

[Innovation,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/innovation) [New Products,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/new-products) [Candy,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/candy) [Morinaga America,](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/morinaga-america) [Hi-Chew](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/hi-chew)

### [New Product Spotlight: Hi-Chew Blue Raspberry Stick](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/new-product-spotlight-hi-chew-blue-raspberry-stick)

Dec 16, 2025, 9:55:10 AM

![Copy of 08 Hi-Chew September NPPO\_Email](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%2008%20Hi-Chew%20September%20NPPO_Email.png?width=800&height=600&name=Copy%20of%2008%20Hi-Chew%20September%20NPPO_Email.png)

Morinaga continues to expand its popular Hi-Chew lineup with the new Hi-Chew Blue Raspberry Stick—a bold, eye-catching addition designed to drive impulse purchases and satisfy demand for trending flavors at the candy set.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/new-product-spotlight-hi-chew-blue-raspberry-stick)

[Kellogg's](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/kelloggs)

### [Gear Up for Game Time: Tentpole 3 of the 2025 Craveable Faves! To-Go Sweepstakes](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/gear-up-for-game-time-tentpole-3-of-the-2025-craveable-faves-to-go-sweepstakes)

Nov 21, 2025, 1:21:45 PM

![09 Kellanova Tentpole 2](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/09%20Kellanova%20Tentpole%202.png?width=1160&height=450&name=09%20Kellanova%20Tentpole%202.png)

As football season kicks off this fall, shoppers have a new reason to stock up on their favorite game-day snacks. From **September 1 through December 31, 2025**, the Craveable Faves! To-Go Sweepstakes is celebrating one of America’s biggest seasonal moments with exciting rewards designed to elevate every tailgate, watch party, and road-trip kickoff.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/gear-up-for-game-time-tentpole-3-of-the-2025-craveable-faves-to-go-sweepstakes)

[Beverage](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/beverage)

### [Why FIJI Water Belongs on Your Shelves](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/why-fiji-water-belongs-on-your-shelves)

Nov 12, 2025, 3:50:16 PM

![11 Fiji Water Rebate\_Email](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hs-fs/hubfs/11%20Fiji%20Water%20Rebate_Email.png?width=800&height=600&name=11%20Fiji%20Water%20Rebate_Email.png)

FIJI Water comes from a **protected artesian aquifer** on the island of Viti Levu in the Fiji Islands. This unique origin helps create a distinct mineral profile — including silica, magnesium and calcium — that gives the water a “soft mouth-feel.” 

Because of its premium positioning, FIJI Water offers your store these advantages:

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/why-fiji-water-belongs-on-your-shelves)

[BIC](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/bic)

### [Brighten Every Moment with the BIC EZ Reach Pastel Lighters & BIC EZ Reach Celebrations Lighters](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/brighten-every-moment-with-the-bic-ez-reach-pastel-lighters-bic-ez-reach-celebrations-lighters)

Nov 11, 2025, 4:19:29 PM

![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71u7bt6-OWL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

When it comes to lighting candles, firepits, birthday cakes or cozying up by the fireplace, the trusted brand BIC continues to deliver reliable and stylish tools designed for everyday life. Let’s take a deeper look at these two standout lines — what makes them unique, how they add value, and why they’re worth considering.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/brighten-every-moment-with-the-bic-ez-reach-pastel-lighters-bic-ez-reach-celebrations-lighters)

![Bakery Program](https://blog.royalbuying.com/hubfs/04%20PCB%20eNews%20Blog%20Image.png)

[Prairie City Bakery](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/tag/prairie-city-bakery)

### [Boost Your Convenience Store Sales with the Prairie City Bakery Bulk Bakery Program](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/boost-your-convenience-store-sales-with-the-prairie-city-bakery-bulk-bakery-program)

Apr 17, 2025, 2:48:42 PM

Are you looking to draw more customers into your store and increase your sales with minimal effort? Look no further than our tantalizing Bulk Bakery Program, a simple yet powerful addition to your sales strategy that promises both convenience and variety.

![Lauren Zahakaylo](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/94b6d828f334a754e3dd8dc2d72ff5d9) 

[Lauren Zahakaylo](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) 

[Read More](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/boost-your-convenience-store-sales-with-the-prairie-city-bakery-bulk-bakery-program)

<https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo> [1](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo) [2](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/2) [3](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/3) [4](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/4) [5](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/5) <https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/3>

#### Our Company

- [About Us](https://landing.royalbuying.com/about-us)
- [Become a Vendor](https://share.hsforms.com/103F54SycQTad3k0s6NDfYgc32r1)
- [Advertise With Us](https://share.hsforms.com/103F54SycQTad3k0s6NDfYgc32r1)

#### Questions

- [FAQ's](https://landing.royalbuying.com/faqs)
- [Member Benefits](https://landing.royalbuying.com/member-benefits)
- [Join RBG](https://share.hsforms.com/19kvTUXLxQg2DzdlaeeRwwgc32r1)

#### Stay Up To Date

- [Blog](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/rbgclubservices)
- [LinkedIn](https://blog.royalbuying.com/rbg_blog/author/lauren-zahakaylo/page/www.linkedin.com/company/rbg-club-services)

### Subscribe to Our Marketing

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter