Casey's Plans Private Label Growth in Near Future

Casey’s General Stores has rolled out a multi-pronged three-year strategic plan that includes continued growth of the convenience store’s private brand program.

As part of the company’s efforts to accelerate its food business, Casey’s officials said the retailer will expand its private label offerings, building on the more than 300 snack and beverage options now available to its shoppers. In fiscal year 2023, Casey’s private label products reached more than 9% penetration in units and gross profit dollars in its grocery and general merchandise categories.

In addition to growth in private label, the company is focused on elevating its food selection as part of an effort to provide exclusive new options. 

“Prepared food is a core capability for Casey’s, and as the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S., our fresh, handmade pizza is our crown jewel,” said Tom Brennan, Casey’s chief merchandising officer. “We’re focused on accelerating our food business through increased whole pie sales, unique, limited-time menu items, exclusive brand partnerships and extensions of our fan favorites, like our new thin crust pizza.”

Building on the success of Casey’s Rewards, now with more than 6.5 million members, Casey’s will offer more contemporary and personalized ways to engage guests through digital technology, including a refreshed Rewards platform.

The retailer is also planning to build on its current store base of more than 2,500 locations in 16 states. Through organic growth and acquisitions, the company is targeting the addition of 350 stores by the end of fiscal year 2026.

Other key initiatives include:

• Enhance Operational Efficiency: Across the organization, Casey’s new strategic plan will enable operational improvements that drive efficiency and decrease costs through data-driven decision-making. In addition, Casey’s is implementing new digital store tools for team members and guests to improve speed and lower operating costs.

• Community-First Culture: Over the next three years, Casey’s will continue to build a culture that drives performance and exceeds guests’ expectations, putting service first and taking pride in caring for their guests, their communities and Casey’s team members. Since 2020, Casey’s, with the help of its supplier partners and guests, has enabled nearly $15 million in donations back into its communities. This includes more than 260 Cash for Classrooms grants to schools and education organizations, more than 60 student scholarships and support of 770 services needed by veterans, and 30 million meals through its partnership with Feeding America.
• Financial Strength: The company’s strategic plan is a continuation of its accelerated growth, with the goal of growing EBITDA at an 8% to 10% compound annual growth rate.

“Casey’s has proven time and again that we are a resilient business, well positioned to continue delivering long-term value for our shareholders,” said Darren Rebelez, company CEO. “I’m proud of the hard work and dedication of the Casey's team and excited for our relentless pursuit of the growth opportunities ahead of us over the next three years.”