Nesquik, a popular brand of chocolate and strawberry flavored milk drinks, is facing a shortage in some markets due to supply chain issues and increased demand.
Some online sellers are taking advantage of the situation by jacking up the prices of the product, causing frustration among loyal customers.
How will this affect Nesquik’s sales and reputation? And what are the alternatives for consumers who love the beverage?
Nesquik: A Beloved Beverage Brand
Nestlé, a Swiss company, produces the Nesquik line of nutritional drinks and powders. Nestlé Quik was first introduced to the United States in 1948; in Europe, it was given the name Nesquik. The name Nesquik has been used by the brand internationally since 1999. Nesquik sells more than just instant breakfasts; the company also makes candy bars, syrups, ready-to-drink beverages, and more.
Nesquik is widely available on supermarket shelves around the world and is especially popular among kids and families who enjoy its taste and nutritional benefits. According to Nestlé, Nesquik provides calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other essential nutrients that help support healthy growth and development. Nesquik also claims to be made with natural flavors and colors and to have no artificial sweeteners.
Price Increase by Nestlé
However, Nesquik fans may have noticed that the price of their favorite drink has gone up recently. Nestlé, the owner of Nesquik, announced that it will raise prices in 2023 due to inflation and rising costs of raw materials. Nestlé put prices up by 8.2% globally in 2022, rising to 11.6% in North America. The company said that it had to take this action to maintain its profitability and quality standards.
This is not the first time that Nestlé has increased the prices of its products. In 2017, the company faced a backlash from consumers and retailers in the UK when it reduced the size of some of its chocolate bars, including KitKat and Aero, while keeping the same price. This practice, known as shrinkflation, was criticized as a stealthy way of raising prices without informing customers.
Mixed Reactions from Consumers
The price increase of Nesquik has sparked mixed reactions from consumers. Some have expressed their disappointment and anger on social media, saying that they will stop buying the product or switch to cheaper alternatives. Others have said that they understand the reasons behind the decision and that they will continue to support the brand.
However, some online sellers have taken advantage of the shortage and demand for Nesquik by charging exorbitant fees for the product. For example, a Takealot marketplace seller in South Africa listed Nesquik products on the platform at around three times the price it is available for in most retailers. This practice has been condemned by many consumers as unethical and greedy.
Moving Forward
The price increase and shortage of Nesquik may have a negative impact on its sales and reputation in the long run. Some consumers may switch to other brands or homemade recipes that offer similar or better value and quality. For instance, some people prefer to make their own chocolate milk using cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Others may opt for healthier alternatives such as plain milk or water.
Nestlé may need to address the concerns of its customers and reassure them that it is doing its best to resolve the supply chain issues and provide affordable and high-quality products. The company may also need to invest more in innovation and sustainability to meet the changing preferences and expectations of consumers who are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware.
Nesquik is a beloved beverage brand that has been enjoyed by generations of consumers around the world. However, it is facing some challenges due to inflation, rising costs, and competition. How it responds to these challenges will determine its future success and growth.
