With blending and juicing going gangbusters, personal blenders will be a popular sub-category for consumers in the lead up to Christmas thanks to their gift-appropriate price points and the healthy eating trend which is continuing to drive sales.
A number of suppliers have released products that blend ingredients directly into a portable drink bottle; once the ingredients have been blitzed the blades are swapped for a lid. Typically these products have the word ‘go’ in the title and they have similar functions. To keep the consumer from simply choosing the cheapest option, retailers should be familiar with wattage, warranties and any features which make the appliance more convenient to use eg How easy is it to clean? Can it crush ice?
Following the success of George Foreman Mix & Go, Spectrum Brands is distributing the next generation Mix & Go Pro (RRP $79.95). Either a 600 millilitre drink bottle or 1.5 litre jug can be attached to the blender base offering greater versatility.
Available from 1 October, Mix & Go Pro has 800 watt motor, three speed settings plus pulse and a pre-programmed smoothie setting.
As a point of comparison, the Mix & Go (RRP $39.95) has a 300 watt motor and comes with two 600 ml dishwasher safe BPA free bottles. Both Mix & Go products come with a 12 month warranty.
“The popularity of liquid diets continues to grow, with protein shakes, smoothies and soups all making a come-back in the kitchen. Not only are these easy to prepare but consumers can enjoy them on the go, making it simple to keep to their diet regime,” said Monika Kamienowska product manager, home appliances, Spectrum Brands.
“A perfect present for anyone from gym junkies to smoothie lovers, the Mix & Go is also the Summer entertainer’s best friend – mix up delicious dips, salsas, dressings and even crush ice quickly without the lengthy clean-up time.”
Not to rest on its laurels, Kambrook is re-energising its popular Blitz2Go (KBL20). The silver and white Kambrook Blitz2Go Active Personal Blender (KBL63 RRP $49.95) arrived in stores this month.
The new colours make it look like a more stylish kitchen accessory, worthy of a spot of the bench alongside other small appliances.
“Just like the original, the Blitz2Go Active (KBL63) caters to health-conscious, time-poor Australians embracing the ‘make it fresh’ movement,” said Adam Tacey, Kambrook business manager.
“Convenient, easy to use and priced under RRP $50, the Blitz2Go Active is an affordable and well-featured gift idea for Christmas and the perfect partner for maintaining healthy lifestyle New Year resolutions.”
Designed to offer inspiration, Kambrook’s Blitz2Go e-book features more than 200 recipes sourced from the product’s growing social media fan base. It’s available for download via the Kambrook Facebook page.
Also in the category, Sunbeam has its Blender On The Go (PB2000 RRP $59.95) featuring a 300 watt motor, two 600 millilitre BPA free bottles, which are lightweight, impact resistant and dishwasher safe. The bottles have measurement marks on the side and an extra-wide drinking spout.
Personal blending is a growth category, said Lisa Buscomb, product marketing manager, food preparation, Sunbeam.
“In food preparation, blenders are the current growth category, as consumers are enjoying the convenience, multifunction and health aspects that a blender can offer. There are two growth segments in the blending category: compact personal blenders, and premium high performing blenders.”
Demonstrating the priced-based competition in this market, Kmart retails a similar product to the ones above with the generic name ‘Drink Bottle Blender’ for $15. The description reads “Great for smoothies, diet shakes and protein drinks. Quick and convenient, this blue 250 watt one-touch blender comes with a 500 millilitre BPA-free sport bottle.”
At the opposite end of the price range is the Cuisinart Compact Portable Blending/Chopping System (46219 RRP $159). It has a 350-watt motor and a user-friendly electronic touchpad. It comes with a 960 millilitre blender jar, 240 millilitre chopping cup and 480 millilitre travel cups.