Five Must-See Trends for the Holidays
The annual KeHE Holiday Show brings together thousands of exhibitors and attendees looking to discover and share new products, trend education, and connect with fellow industry professionals. For the show, our trend innovation experts have uncovered five themes that are expected to make a big impact in the grocery space for the upcoming months of October, November, and December. These trends include hosting & toasting, happiness is homemade, holidays around the world, seasons of snacking, and goodbye winter blues:
Hosting & Toasting
Many people are looking for ways to host and toast in a safe, responsible, and healthy manner, while still enjoying all the festivities. One trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the consumer charcuterie board, which is perfect for both hosting and snacking. In addition, non-alcoholic mocktails have become increasingly popular, providing a refreshing and tasty alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages
Happiness is Homemade
In recent years, consumers have been shifting towards a “homemade” approach when it comes to holiday shopping and entertaining. This trend has only been amplified by the pandemic, as people have been spending more time at home and looking for ways to create a cozy and comforting atmosphere. Not only are consumers turning to homemade or DIY-style products for comfort and health benefits, but shoppers are also searching for nostalgia. According to Mintel, 72% of US consumers agree with the statement, “I enjoy things that remind me of the past.” For many shoppers, homemade products evoke nostalgia and strong emotions.
Holidays Around the World
The holiday season is a time of celebration and reflection, marked by family gatherings, gift-giving, and feasts that often revolve around traditional foods. In recent years, however, consumers have been adding their own spin to the holiday table by incorporating new traditions and ethnic foods that reflect their cultural heritage or personal preferences, infusing meals with personalization and exploring new cultures.
Seasons of Snacking
As the seasons change, so do taste preferences. During the autumn and winter holiday season, consumer snacking habits tend to shift towards seasonal flavors and ingredients. Additionally, with more gatherings leading to more snacking occasions, consumers continue to be mindful of their diet and health choices. From Halloween to Hanukkah, there is a consumer need to lean into a variety of seasonal snacks available to suit various taste buds, seasonal occasions, and diet preferences.
Goodbye Winter Blues
During the dreary winter season, many people find themselves struggling with the winter blues. Cold weather and shorter daylight hours can take a toll on our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. To combat this, shoppers are increasingly turning to vitamins, supplements, teas, and functional beverages and products to keep themselves healthy during cold and flu season.
Explore the Holiday Show & Trends Guide
The Holiday Show & Trends Guide offers more detail on each of the five identified trends. Explore the book to discover how you can implement these trends and provide customers with trending options for the holiday season.
