Fresh herbs such as thyme, chives and parsley, usually see double-digit growth during December, due to consumers’ increasing interest in enhancing their holiday flavors with fresh ingredients. In fact, rosemary increased by 22 percent last year during the month.
Citrus fruits, traditionally regarded as winter staples, continue to remain strong, even with challenges of inflation on everyone’s mind. Last December, mandarins saw the biggest rise, and the segment has been going strong all year so it’s expected that it does well again for December 2024. Tangerines also had better-than-average numbers last year and should hang on to its popularity this winter season.
Historically, potatoes are a staple for holiday meals and usually see good sales during December, but last year was an outlier with a drop of 3 percent in total dollars according to the Circana report. All indications are that the potato sales will return to traditional numbers this year.
Holiday time also means a lot of parties and gatherings, so vegetable party trays are hugely popular this time of year. A recent trend is adding some more non-traditional items to the trays, showing that consumers crave innovative, convenient combinations during the busy holiday season.
Consumer preferences are also shifting toward convenience, driven by increasingly hectic holiday schedules. A recent SEPC survey revealed that 38 percent of shoppers were “very interested” in holiday produce displays, showing the importance for retailers to create eye-catching presentations.
As families seek to simplify their holiday preparations, options such as click-and-collect, online ordering, and same-day delivery are also gaining traction. Produce needs to be showcased so that they are part of the options people are choosing.
Another great tip for retailers is to create festive sections in the aisles where they group things that people typically associate with the holidays. It may take some extra time to get everything set up, but once all the produce is on display with festive banners and advertisements, customers can view the store as their one-stop-shop for buying holiday produce.
Looking ahead to the weeks before these holidays, retailers can benefit from emphasizing omnichannel strategies to meet evolving consumer demands. Special holiday-themed meal kits, recipe guides, and carefully curated produce bundles can satisfy those looking for both convenience and festive flair.