Fintech
Why Many Expect Nightfood to Be King of the Night Snack Category
CEO Sean Folkson details sales and distribution, growth and the company’s secret weapon: hotel distribution
New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – November 2, 2021) – PCG Digital — Nightfood (OTCQB: NGTF) is pioneering a new snack category and the biggest companies in the world-including Pepsi, Unilever and Nestle-are already paying attention. Why? The next 12 to 18 months are expected to propel the multi-billion-dollar category opportunity that exists at the intersection of nutrition and sleep.
Recently, Nightfood CEO Sean Folkson presented at LD Micro to provide more insight into the company’s latest developments and upcoming catalysts.
More than 100 million snacks are consumed every night, totaling over 36 billion nighttime snacks a year. Unfortunately for most people, according to industry data, consumers make less-than-healthy choices when it comes to nighttime snacking. Interestingly, cravings for foods with extra calories, extra fat and extra sugar late in the day are part of our pre-wired human survival programming, according to the latest research.
Folkson explained, “Over 80 percent of us snack regularly at night, resulting in over a billion dollars spent every week on snacks just consumed between dinner and bed. The most popular night snacks are cookies, chips, candy and, of course, ice cream, and these are not only unhealthy but they can disrupt and impair sleep quality. That’s not a trend. That’s not a fad. It’s our human hardwired biological programming, and we know these cravings for calorie-dense foods and our appetite are both peaking at the same time while willpower is at its lowest.”
With $50 billion spent annually in the night snack category, Nightfood aims to become the category king. Folkson knows there will eventually be competition in the space, and welcomes it.
“Many investors ask what makes us think that one of the big guys won’t step up and crush us, and that’s just not the way it works in consumer goods. The big guys don’t rush into categories. Dannon wasn’t able to crush Chobani. Red Bull, Monster, Coke and everybody else weren’t able to crush 5-hour Energy,” he said. “Big CPG has moved into an acquisition model rather than a competition model. That’s why Kellogg’s spent $600 million to acquire RX Bar even though they already owned Special K, Nutri Grain and Kashi brands. It’s why Hormel paid $300 million for Justin’s Nut Butter even though they had just acquired Skippy a couple of years earlier. And it’s why Unilever attempted to acquire Halo Top for a reported $2 billion even though Unilever already owned Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Talenti and more, and why Wells, the second largest ice cream manufacturer in the United States that already owned Blue Bunny, actually did go through with the Halo Top acquisition.”
Nightfood ice cream doesn’t contain drugs or sleep medications and is formulated to be lower in fat, sugar and calories, but higher in tryptophan, casein protein and prebiotic fiber as well as calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6 to assist with digestion, blood sugar and production of serotonin and melatonin.
“It is important to remember, however, Nightfood is not simply an ice cream company. Its goal is to be able to offer people a variety of sleep-friendly versions of snack formats including cookies, chip and candy,” Folkson noted
The company’s secret weapon? Nightfood is rolling into hotels.
The next catalyst for Nightfood is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The company completed a successful test with one of the leading global hotel players and they’ve confirmed Nightfood will launch nationally into the lobby shops of a major hotel chain, with the timing and the logistics being finalized.
“An estimated 20,000 hotels across the country sell ice cream in their lobby shops. The reason we can expect hotels to roll Nightfood out aggressively is because hotels have an obligation to their guests to support and promote better sleep quality. Supermarkets don’t have that; hotels do. They’ve invested billions to support better sleep. They’ve upgraded bedding in their rooms and pillows and blackout shades and white noise machines. And now they can also support better sleep nutritionally,” Folkson said.
Nightfood’s goal is to be in over 7,500 hotel locations by next summer, which would clearly result in significant revenue growth and projected profit.
But there’s more: “Compared to the supermarket vertical, the hotel business is higher margin with less competition. There are a lot of expenses at supermarkets that we don’t have in hotels, such as slotting fees, consumer promotions and advertising. And there’s so much less competition, we can sell as many pints in an individual hotel location as we would in an individual supermarket location. We also believe widespread hotel distribution will provide important signals to consumers helping advance the category in communicating the key point behind our brand, which is what you eat before bed matters,” he noted. “We believe it will also serve as a de facto endorsement of the Nightfood brand by these leading global hotels in the eyes of the consumer. Hotel placement can be expected to drive valuation through ownership and dominance in this curated vertical.”
The average American now snacks nearly three times a day and 46 percent of North Americans have reported that their sleep quality has declined in the past years. With the additional stresses of the pandemic, growth in the night snack category seems to be inevitable. Likewise, consumers are more aware of the importance of sleep and how sleep impacts things like weight management, energy levels, physical appearance and overall health, and they are seeking more functionality from snacks. “It’s not enough to taste good. It’s not enough to satisfy hunger. They’re looking for things that deliver additional levels of functionality,” said Folkson.
Folkson reminds investors, “If you think back to the first time you ever heard of Greek yogurt or coconut water or kombucha or plant-based meat, think back and now they’re everywhere. And it happens just like that, seemingly overnight. We believe that 2022 will be the year for the night snack category.”
Disclaimer
This communication was produced by PCG Digital Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of PCG Advisory Inc., (together “PCG”). PCG is not a registered or licensed broker-dealer nor investment adviser. No information contained in this communication constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security. PCG may be compensated by respective clients for publicizing information relating to its client’s securities. See www.pcgadvisory.com/disclosures.
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As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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