Head-to-head: Custom cereals - Part 1

vs.

This week I am doing something new for this blog: I will be posting a multi-part series depicting my recent experiences with the two leading U.S. custom cereal manufacturers.

In the past year or so two companies, [me]&goji and MixMyGranola, have largely copied the success of German cereal maker mymuesli to introduce the concept of custom-made cereals to the U.S. This is certainly an innovative approach that allows consumers to design their own cereal online and then to have the finished product shipped to them in a cardboard cylinder. [me]&goji and MixMyGranola are betting their business hopes on the realization that there is a growing desire for personalization of all consumer goods and a quest by many for quality above commodification.

A couple of weeks ago I placed fairly identical orders from these two companies and have since had the opportunity to experience and compare their service and cereals. Watch for my reflections in upcoming posts.

Technorati Tags: cereal, mymuesli, me+and+goji, MixMyGranola, breakfastbowl

Laser branded Corn Flakes

The Internet is currently abuzz with a report (that apparently began with a Tweet) in Britain that Kellogg will soon be etching some of its Corn Flakes with the Kellogg logo as a way to stand out from either fake or generic brand knock-offs. Of course, early speculation was that this was a hoax (even though we are nowhere close to April 1st), but some credible sources such as the Telegraph and AdAge have done their homework and vouch for the story. Apparently Kellogg does have the technology and sees this as a way to strengthen the position of some of its core brands.

At minimum,  this has got people talking and interested in Kellogg's Corn Flakes. And, if it ever does get made, you can bet that they will sell tons of boxes just so people can see the special flakes.

Technorati Tags: cereal, Kellogg, Corn+Flakes, logos, breakfastbowl

Investing in innovation

Innovation has been a regular theme on this blog as I believe that this is a necessity in an increasingly crowded breakfast cereal market.

A couple of years ago General Mills announced the search for a partner in innovation, and it now looks like they found their soul mate, Nestle. Together the two companies have announced the formation of an "Innovation Centre"  in Switzerland as part of their Cereal Partners Worldwide joint venture. This pursuit of innovation is intended to look for ways to bring about "consumer benefits, such as improved content, as well as freshness, taste and texture."

The proof, of course, will be in the results. We'll be watching.

Technorati Tags: cereal, innovation, General+Mills, Nestle, breakfastbowl

How much would you pay?

There was furor recently in Bakersfield California when a convenience store was spotted charging $12.00 for an 18-ounce box of Honey Bunches of Oats. (The normal price at most stores is less than half that). Despite the negative media attention, high prices at convenience stores is not a big surprise and certainly not illegal. But, it does raise the question: Especially in light of the current state of the economy, what is the most you'd pay for a box of cereal?

(Source BakersfieldNOW.com)

Technorati Tags: cereal, price, breakfastbowl

Hi-tech bowl

It's been awhile since I've highlighted a new bowl for cereal lovers. Here's one that is probably more fun than practical, and also educational.

The Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowl is designed to be spill resistant because of its gyroscopic technology. The inner bowl is weighted and connected to two outer rings that keep it upright no matter what.

This could make breakfast even more fun for kids!

(From ThinkGeek)

Technorati Tags: cereal, bowls, gyroscope, breakfastbowl

Smart Choices?

Critics have been out in full-force the last few weeks after the introduction of the Smart Choices Program, a labeling program sponsored by large food manufacturers, including breakfast cereal companies such as Kellogg and General Mills. The Smart Choices checkmark will appear on a wide range of food items if they meet certain nutritional standards.

An obvious lightening rod for criticism are cereals, since a number of sugar-laden ones like Cocoa Krispies and Froot Loops will bear the logo. Even the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are expressing some skepticism of the program.

Obviously, this is a great marketing tool directed at confused and harried shoppers. But, in the end will the apparent low standard backfire? Today's savvy consumers are increasingly demanding much more.

(Source: New York Times)

Technorati Tags: cereal, labeling, nutrition, breakfastbowl

The Cereal Project

If you are looking for that favorite cereal from your childhood, or just curious about the myriad of cereals available a new website is designed to be your one-stop cereal database. Already, The Cereal Project, contains over 1,220 U.S. cereals, with new ones added regularly. A fascinating resource part of the MrBreakfast.com website.

Technorati Tags: cereal, websites, breakfastbowl

Cereal poll update

It's time for our next Breakfast Bowl poll. The last question was: "Are there too many breakfast cereal choices available today?"

Here are the results:

Yes - 43%
No, just right - 21%
No, we need more choices - 36%

Now for the next question. Earlier this month General Mills unveiled the next generation of Wheaties: FUEL.

So, "What is your initial impression of new Wheaties FUEL?"

LINK TO POLL

Technorati Tags: cereal, polls, Wheaties, breakfastbowl

Wheaties FUEL - more evolution

As announced in July, General Mills has been working to strengthen the brand image of Wheaties, and today officially unveiled its new Wheaties FUEL cereal.

As a result of their market testing they decided on a Cinnamon Honey Crunch flavor that is "lightly sweetened" and features crunchy whole wheat flakes and crisp rice.

Obviously, from the box, this cereal is the ultimate men's cereal, or so they would want consumers to believe. The message is clear: This cereal is designed by sports nutritionists, tested by athletes, and will provide "long-lasting energy to fuel your wins". From a marketing perspective FUEL is bold and brilliant.

The nutritional qualities touted include the fact that it is made with whole grain, contains 100% of the Daily Value of B vitamins, and 5g of fiber to curb hunger. There are still some nutrient quantities not fully revealed, such as the proportion of simple carbohydrates and the protein quantity.

Wheaties FUEL will not be available on grocer's shelves until January, but it is possible to purchase a Collector's Edition box now for $9.99, which includes shipping. The price also includes a 3-month subscription to Men's Health magazine, a marketing partner in this venture.

The true test of whether this evolution becomes a revolution will be apparent early next year. Will this new cereal and brand capture a bigger market share for General Mills? Time will only tell, but I think they are off to a good start.

Technorati Tags: cereal, General+Mills, Wheaties, sports+nutrition, breakfastbowl

Monster Cereals

NOTE: Blogging has been very sparse in the last month or so as life took an unexpected turn with the death of my father this summer.
One of the most successful cereal franchises has been the "monster" cereal brands produced by General Mills (i.e. Count Chocula, Frankenberry, and Boo Berry, etc.). With Halloween coming next month it is appropriate to highlight a relatively new blog focusing on these pop icons.

Check it out at: http://monsterscereal.blogspot.com

Technorati Tags: cereal, monster+cereals, General+Mills, breakfastbowl