The pandemic created a more health conscious consumer, with 59% of people claiming to be more focused on health and wellness since the start of 2020. With this mentality shift, those consumers sought out healthier food and beverage options, proving to be beneficial to the smoothie industry overall.
This comes as no surprise considering the immense health benefits associated with the convenient nourishment found in smoothies. In addition to their delicious taste, smoothies have many health benefits such as weight loss, preventing dehydration, source of antioxidants, enhancing immunity, curbing sleep disorders, boosting brain power, detoxifying the body, and so much more.
Due to this jump in demand for smoothies, the industry reached $1.85 million in 2021 and is expected to grow annually by 3.57% through 2026. As for Smoothie King, our franchise saw double-digit sales growth in 2021, with a 17% increase in average unit volume (AUV) since 2020. The success found in 2021 has only laid the foundation for continued growth as we push further into 2022 alongside a rising interest in the smoothie segment. It’s one of the many reasons why we’re a top smoothie franchise!
A Year in Review
In our nearly 50 years of business, we have built a dedicated customer base of health motivated consumers who have come to love the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of our real fruit smoothies. Over the past two years, that base only intensified, as our top smoothie franchise set a record AUV of $609,753 in 2021, with our top 25% of stores reporting an AUV of over $907,000. In addition, we reported over $602 million in systemwide sales last year, a 25% increase over 2020.
Growth Continued
In 2021, Smoothie King opened over 100 stores, growing to more than 1,300 locations worldwide. Starting the year off signing 51 new store commitments in key growth markets, our best-in-class smoothie franchise is poised for continued success in 2022. Smoothie King is targeting growth in markets such as Phoenix, Denver, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Boston, Milwaukee, and Puerto Rico, among others, with franchisees interested in promoting healthier lifestyles.
Innovation Is Key
Convenience is often one of the most important aspects for our guests. They are seeking a convenient option to get fresh, whole-fruit smoothies on-the-go that seamlessly fit into their daily lives. It is no doubt our flexible franchise models, featuring drive-thrus, curbside pickup, and delivery, allow guests to live healthy and active lifestyles on-the-go.
Additionally, we rolled out our Healthy Rewards loyalty app a few years ago to make ordering options even easier. Now, our digital revenue streams account for over 20% of total sales.
With the Awards to Prove It
Smoothie King repeatedly has been recognized as a top franchise opportunity and best smoothie franchise. Smoothie King was named the “Top Brand to Buy” in the beverage category of Franchise Times’ 2022 Zor Awards and named to its “Top 400 Franchises” list. Additionally, Smoothie King received the Top Franchises Satisfaction Award for 2022 from Franchise Business Review based on the brand’s high franchisee satisfaction.
