It’s impossible to pass through a grocery store during the winter holidays without seeing a display of a variety of beautiful holiday gift baskets that have just about every combination of fresh and dried fruits, nuts and other tasty treats.

Today people can buy holiday fruit gift baskets at retail stores, by phone or online from a nearly unlimited list of companies. Many well-known mail and online companies have years of experience, and they understand savvy promotional techniques. Think of companies like Harry & David, The Fruit Co. and Hickory Farms, all of which have extensive lines. Manhattan Fruitier is known for its gourmet baskets that include specialty produce items from around the world. And even FTD has a strong fruit gift program today, and it offers gift baskets that include all organic items.

Shoppers normally buy fruit baskets for gift giving and they don’t want a small cheap basket. People will upgrade when buying special occasion gifts and are even willing to pay more for such items as fruit baskets.

Pre-made fruit baskets are a great option. Time and labor are tight, and outsourcing can accommodate the labor needs of every store and ensure full displays at all times to prevent missed sales.

Some produce distributors and shippers are also strongly riding the gift fruit basket, and they are a great place for retailers to turn for their outsourcing need.

Philadelphia-based Procacci Bros. has had a major floral and fruit gift basket program in place for many years. The company points out that fruit and gift baskets are a naturally healthy present that everyone enjoys, and they are perfect for every occasion, including the winter holidays. Procacci also offers certified organic premium baskets, which are increasingly popular.

“Creativity, premium quality and customization are what make fruit and gift baskets from Procacci Brothers so special,” said Frank Paone, director of marketing for Procacci Bros. “The high-quality baskets are made with the freshest premium-grade fruit. They make beautifully wrapped presentations for any occasion and really ‘pop’ off of the shelf to increase impulse sales.”

In addition to building several customized gift basket programs with its retail partners, Procacci has also begun shipping select baskets direct to consumers via its e-commerce platform.

RBest Produce Inc., in Port Washington, NY, is strongly into the holiday gift food mode. Luis Perez, accounts manager, said the company continues to showcase its popular “We R Nuts” line of dried fruit, nut and candy platters.

“In this division we have added some fun and tasty celebration platters, which are great for the holidays or any gathering,” said Perez. “The ‘We R Nuts’ line includes top-quality gourmet candies, dried fruits, dried vegetables and a full line of flavored and natural nuts.”