In 2012, Taco Bell set a new standard in the fast food industry with the launch of the Doritos Locos Taco, a product that not only caught the public’s imagination but also became a massive hit. This collaboration between the Yum Brands chain and the PepsiCo-owned Doritos brand was just the beginning. Over the years, Taco Bell has not shied away from bold partnerships that have transformed its menu, continuously keeping the brand at the forefront of culinary innovation in fast food.
A New Viral Sensation: The Taco Bell x Cheez-It Collaboration
Following its tradition of innovation, Taco Bell is making headlines again with its latest partnership, this time with another iconic snack brand: Cheez-It. After a trial run in 2022, which featured oversized Cheez-It creations like the Big Cheez-It Tostada and Big Cheez-It Supreme, Taco Bell is ready to take this collaboration nationwide. The buzz around these test items, which included a Cheez-It 16 times the size of the regular snack, turned them into a viral sensation, sparking anticipation for a larger release.
Taco Bell Finally Releases Cheez-It Collaborationhttps://t.co/et8t0PnxdW#IntelliRetail #RetailMarketing
— Intelliretail | Resources for Retail Marketing (@intelliretail) May 11, 2024
“The Taco Bell x Cheez-It collab is going nationwide this year and it might be coming sooner than you think!” reported the Snackolator Instagram page, a known snack news source. This partnership is expected to hit Taco Bell locations by summer, offering fans the unique experience of enjoying their favorite snack in a novel and exciting way.
Driving Growth at Yum Brands
Company’s consistent innovation is not just good for tickling taste buds but also for business, as evidenced by the positive impact on its parent company, Yum Brands. CEO David Gibbs highlighted the significance of Taco Bell’s contributions during the company’s first-quarter earnings call. “the company represents 35% of our divisional operating profit and 75% of our U.S. divisional operating profit,” Gibbs stated, underscoring the chain’s crucial role in the conglomerate’s financial health.
The CEO further explained how the company’s strategic initiatives, including menu innovations like the recent Chicken Cantina launch and the Cravings value menu, have successfully driven growth. These efforts not only enhance customer engagement but also significantly uplift sales, with the Cravings value menu transactions leading to a nearly 10% check uplift.
The Future of Fast Food Innovation
As Taco Bell prepares to roll out its newest menu items featuring the giant Cheez-It, the excitement among fast food enthusiasts is palpable. This move is a testament to the chain’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the fast food industry, continually introducing offerings that are not just food items but culinary events that bring people into their stores.
With a track record of successful partnerships and a knack for catching the public’s eye, Taco Bell remains a leader in the fast food industry, proving time and again that innovation is key to keeping customers engaged and satisfied. As the summer months approach and the Big Cheez-It items become available nationwide, both snack and fast food lovers have much to look forward to.
