Retailers can maximize the season’s produce sales by stocking up on trending holiday items like gourmet and specialty produce, artfully merchandised alongside proven staples. Shoppers want to impress their guests with “wow” items during the holidays, and they look to the produce department for fresh inspiration.
“Holiday shoppers are not just Boomers buying potatoes and green beans. Adventurous Millennials are shopping for their ‘Friendsgiving’ and holiday parties, as well,” said Karen Caplan, president and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “They’re seeking the season’s hottest food and flavor trends, and retailers who offer a wide variety of produce specialties are positioned for greater overall basket rings.”
A recent NPD Group study reveals that Millennials and Gen Zs are driving the growth in fresh vegetable consumption. With the cultural shift to flexitarian and plant-focused eating, vegetables are set to be the star of Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving tables this year.
Here are a few trends showing up on shoppers’ holiday tables:
• Veg-centric Dishes: The root-to-stem trend is in full swing with whole roasted rainbow carrots, parsnips, and baby beets, plus sautéed greens on the side.
• The New Classics: Holiday traditions get a modern twist for today’s healthier eaters, such as roasted pearl onions and cipolline onions instead of Great-grandma’s creamed onion dish. Mashed potatoes get one-upped by celery root and cauliflower purée or roasted Sunchokes®. Fruit pies get a flavor upgrade with specialties like Green Dragon apples, quince, and fresh ginger.
• Colorful Feast: The orange and brown autumn palette is getting a pop of color with vibrant veggies like whole roasted purple cauliflower, spring-green romanesco, mashed Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes, and magenta slices of watermelon radish on crudité platters.
Contact:
Oakley Boren
Frieda's Specialty Produce
T: 714-733-7660