Since its rollout 26 years ago, Lunchables has plowed forward as one of the most resilient food brands in America, surviving frequent criticism from health advocates while dominating the kids' packaged-lunch category. Last year, the brand reached $1 billion in retail sales for the first time, according to brand-owner Kraft Foods Group.
But for most of its history, Lunchables has never tried to crack the lucrative teen market, fearing that the age group might be a little bit too old -- and too cool -- for the brand.
However, that changed last year when Lunchables began aggressively targeting 13-to-17-year-olds with a larger-portion line called Uploaded. It's been a major hit: Uploaded raked in $125 million in sales its first year, busting through the critical $100 million barrier, according to Kraft.
Larger portions
Kraft is increasing its investment in year two, adding varieties
and boosting marketing, including growing the brand's partnership
with Microsoft's Xbox and MTV celebrity Rob Dyrdek. "We think that
we might just be scratching the surface on its potential," said
Geoff Feil, marketing director for Lunchables, which part of the
Oscar Mayer division. Uploaded last year got $15.4 million in
measured media support, according to Kantar Media.