’Tis the season for holiday flavors! Every year, consumers scour restaurant menus and grocery store shelves, seeking out food and beverage products that help them celebrate the season. Not only are holiday-themed limited time offers (LTOs) perfect for capitalizing on the anticipation of seasonal festivities, but they are also ideal for showcasing innovative ideas inspired by the latest trends.
How can brands harness the anticipation of the holidays to launch buzzworthy LTOs? Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how to translate the latest trends into festive seasonal offerings. Plus, our Culivision team in Brazil shares their insights into how holiday LTOs are shaping up in South America.
Trendy Takes on Traditional Flavors
The holiday flavors that consumers know and love tend to lean simple, yet adventurous spirits are always craving something new and exciting. Give consumers the best of both worlds by pairing traditional holiday dishes with emerging ingredients and flavors. For example, sweet heat flavor profiles are as popular as ever and happen to be incredibily versatile, making them ideal for integrating into a variety of holiday items. Think hot honey ham glaze, peppered hot cocoa, or maple chili yams.
Don’t discount the importance of visuals. Holiday LTOs that are aesthetically pleasing are perfectly poised to go viral on social media. Embrace colors that are typically associated with the holidays, and consider finding fun ways to incorporate holiday theming into new product launches. Think rice cakes that are flavored and shaped like gingerbread men or peppermint flavored cocktails featuring red and white edible glitter.
International Inspirations
The influence of the international food and flavor trend cannot be denied. Global-inspired innovations are in-demand in just about every category. Although consumers have been obsessed with trying foods and flavors from around the world for quite a while, surprisingly few holiday LTOs have tapped into this trend. It’s no secret that consumers have grown increasingly adventurous over the past few years, presenting a major opportunity for brands to bring some global flair to festive holiday favorites.
One option for innovation? Introduce consumers to traditional holiday foods and beverages from trending cuisines. For example, in Brazil and Portugal, rabanada, a deep-fried bread dish that is similar to French toast, is commonly served on Christmas morning. In Greece, melomakarona, a honey-sweetened dessert, is a much-anticipated holiday treat. Global dishes like these will excite consumers who are seeking to expand their horizons with authentic holiday delights from around the world.
Another option? Add some global excitement to familiar holiday flavors to appeal to a wide range of palates. Trend-conscious consumers will be thrilled to try something exotic and different,
while less adventurous consumers will appreciate the opportunity to experience a new twist on an old favorite. Combine the flavors of up-and-coming global cuisines and popular holiday items for seasonal innovations that will truly standout. Think kimchi stuffing, pandan eggnog, or five spice gingerbread.
Culivision Insight: Seasonal Flavors in South America
Holiday LTOs aren’t just popular in the United States! Our Culivision team in Brazil reports that festive product launches are also in-demand in South America. Lately, these launches lean tropical, with flavors like coconut and passion fruit being featured in dishes and desserts instead of traditional spice flavors. In addition, panettone innovations are huge right now, with fillings inspired by classic Brazilian desserts, such as brigadeiro and doce de leite, leading the way.
Hoping to spice up your holiday LTOs? We’re here to help! Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.