We’re feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day! With spring right around the corner, it’s time to start focusing on limited time offers (LTOs) for the coming warmer months. While winter holiday LTOs are always a hit among consumers, spring holiday LTOs shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, many consumers look forward to products centered around a season that is full of new beginnings. LTOs have continued to gain traction with consumers, and the opportunity for food and beverage brands to capitalize on the popularity of holiday inspired products is bigger than ever before.
For food and beverage brands, one of those opportunities lies with innovating with flavors centered around St. Patrick’s Day, as consumers of all ages tend to celebrate the holiday in one way or another. For many, March 17th signifies the beginning of spring, which is even more reason to acknowledge the holiday with innovative LTOs. Keep reading to discover how brands can create products inspired by this beloved holiday!
Irish Cuisine Interest
European cuisines have been on the rise, and when better to lean into the classic foods and flavors found in Irish cuisine than on St. Patrick’s Day? Many establishments within the foodservice industry offer Irish inspired foods around the holiday like shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and corned beef and cabbage. However, these foodservice establishments aren’t the only place consumers want to see St. Patrick’s Day specialties. As proven time and time again, consumers are on the lookout for retail product flavors that reflect their favorite menu items.
From sauces to proteins and everything in between, brands have the opportunity to take their products to the next level by innovating with Irish cuisine. With global cuisines on the rise, including European cuisines, introducing an LTO centered around popular Irish flavors gives consumers exactly what they’re looking for St. Patrick’s Day. Whether it’s a trendy twist on a classic Irish dish or a familiar favorite showcasing a popular Irish flavor, retail brands can create a product that highlights Irish cuisine trends found in foodservice to pique consumers’ interests.
Bringing out Brew Flavors
Themed beverages have more recently become popular with customers. One of the most obvious effects of St. Patty’s Day is the increase in demand for Irish beers and liquor. Whether it’s an Irish
coffee in the morning or a late-night stout, many who celebrate the holiday tend to enjoy an Irish themed beverage in some form. When it comes to holiday LTOs, beverages are a go-to source of inspiration, meaning that the flavors of Irish beverages are perfecting for translating to retail products for exciting LTOs. Think an Irish cream ice cream, stout flavored pretzels, or a beer cheese mac.
Exploring the World of Color Enhancers
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, delicious food, good drinks, and everything green. If there’s one thing consumers love, it’s a good color theme. Ask anyone what they do for St. Patrick’s Day and you’re bound to hear “I wear green” more often than not. The obsession with green doesn’t end with clothing choices, however; consumers love to see products from the food industry that sport St. Patrick’s Day green.
With the spike in “outrageous” food trends, thanks to younger generations, bright colors have been turning heads on retail shelves. St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time for brands to lean into fun flavor and color possibilities to capture consumers’ attention. Consider innovating with the colors and flavors centered around St. Patrick’s Day this year and beyond to find ways to capitalize on the demand for holiday LTOs.
Have seasonal LTO’s piqued your interest? Check out our seasonal based white paper, Reading The Season.