Deep Dive
Why are retailers constantly introducing new and unusual festive food products?
Retailers need to grab attention and stand out during the golden period of October to December, which accounts for 40% of annual turnover. A successful Christmas offering can boost customer loyalty, while a failure can harm the retailer's reputation.
What are some examples of unusual Christmas food products mentioned in the podcast?
Examples include Prosecco flavoured crisps, gin and tonic flavoured crisps, bubblegum-flavoured ham, candy cane sausages, and eggnog chicken.
How early do companies start planning for Christmas food products?
Companies like Hela Spice in Canada start planning 12 to 16 months ahead, discussing ideas for Christmas as early as 2025 while still working on current year's products.
What is the success rate of new food products introduced during Christmas?
Over 90% of new products fail within the first 16 months. Only a small fraction of the 150 new products developed monthly make it to the shelves, with even fewer succeeding.
What are the current trends in festive food innovation?
The trend is moving towards upscale comfort food and familiar flavours in different spaces, such as salt and vinegar hummus or prawn cocktails elevated with lobster.
What was the reaction to the Prosecco and gin and tonic flavoured crisps?
While the crisps received a lot of PR and initial interest, the taste delivery wasn't great, leading to a pile of unsold crisps and a loss for the retailer.
What was the most surprising dessert tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute?
The limoncello fizz panettone was a surprising hit, blending alcohol with traditional Christmas desserts, reflecting the trend of alcohol-infused products.
How does the Good Housekeeping Institute prepare for Christmas food testing?
They start testing for Christmas as early as May or June, focusing on products that offer something special or unusual for consumers looking for treats.
What was the public's reaction to the proliferation of new festive food products?
Some shoppers enjoy the novelty and buy them as gifts, while others prefer traditional flavours and find the new offerings overwhelming or wasteful.
What is the concept behind the bubblegum-flavoured ham?
The bubblegum-flavoured ham uses a glaze with cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and tropical fruits like pineapple, which harmonize with the taste of ham, creating a festive tropical flavour.
- Many weird and wonderful festive foods are available.
- Upscaled comfort food and alcohol-infused products are popular trends.
- Christmas is the busiest time for food product testing.
Shownotes Transcript