They’ve trimmed the tree and decked the halls. Next item on customers’ lists – enjoying longtime holiday candy favorites. According to the National Confectioners Association (NCA), 90% of Americans plan to share or gift chocolate and candy this season. This plan has paid off for retailers, with Nielsen reporting $1.08 billion in Christmas candy sales…
The Essential Gluten-Free Baking Guide
Give Your Customers a Recipe for Successful Gluten-Free Baking Whether it’s part of a New Year’s resolution, or a goal such as trying to get in beach body shape, many consumers turn to a gluten-free diet to help keep a healthy lifestyle. Currently there are 3.1 million Americans following a gluten-free diet for personal and…
Do Pies Take the Cake at Thanksgiving Dessert Tables?
We examine the top desserts of the holiday According the the American Pie Council, the tradition of serving pumpkin pie started at the second Thanksgiving in 1623. Will pumpkin pie keep its 396-year streak as one of the top desserts served on our Thanksgiving tables? We’re serving up the stats about the sweeter side of…
Top Cocktails to Keep Spirits High
It’s the time of year when we have entertaining on the brain. These days, spirits and cocktails are VIP guests at everyone’s gathering. According to The Wall Street Journal, spirits, wine, and cocktails are beating out beer as the most requested alcoholic beverages in the US. Before you partake of the party drinks, check out…
Hot Chocolate Bars are in Hot Demand
Hot Beverage Bar Sales are Heating Up! Easy how-to and recipes to get you in on the gourmet hot chocolate trend.
Herbal Tea Vs. ‘Real’ Tea
Are you a tea purist? Do you believe that herbal tea qualifies as a tea? Find out what the differences are and then decide.
The Art of Charcuterie
6 Simple Steps to Help Customers Entertain with Ease Charcuterie — aka cured meats, and cheeses, once seen as a high-end European-type meal is gaining popularity in the United States. A 2017 Nielsen survey found that the meat department and deli counter represent a $9 billion industry in the US, with $200 million of that…
4 Tips to Make Your Holiday Gift Baskets a Slam Dunk
Set yourself up as the go-to gifting headquarters this season. Help customers check off their gift list with a few quick and easy tips for merchandising your goods.
6 Stats to Boost Holiday Retail Spirit
When the stress of the holidays creeps in early . . . we’ve got some feel-good news to bring on the holiday cheer!
4 Fabulous Fall Colors We Can’t Leaf Alone
Autumn’s best colors and flavors come alive in candy. There is so much more to love about fall beyond Halloween.
Chew on These Stats
Chew on these stats! Americans love their chewing gum. Celebrate National Chewing Gum Day today and check out some cool facts before you run down to the corner store for a fresh supply of gum!
Day of the Dead – Sweets & Snacks to get in the Spirit
Celebrating Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead
Falling for Limited Edition Flavors
Limited Time flavors are a driving force behind seasonal sales. Get in on the trends to keep customers coming back for more.
Fang-tastic ways to Keep Halloween Sweet and Safe
Top Allergen-free Treats to Take some of the Scare out of Halloween Halloween is one of the candy industry’s busiest holidays with consumers spending approximately 2.6 billion on candy in 2018, according to the trade publication Candy Industry. While a time of revelry and fun, it can be challenging for the 5.6 million children under…
Just Beachy – Cool Ideas for Warm Weather Treats
National beach Day is August 30. Time to celebrate with some sweets and think about ways to help save our beaches for future generations.
Big Travel Days = Big Snack Sales
Americans will hit the road in record numbers this Labor Day Weekend. Get ready for snack sales!
Simplify Back-to-School Snacking with In-Store Sampling
Now that back to school is in full swing, find new ways to help customers stock up on snacks and staples for family meals.
9 Retro Soda Brands Heating up the Craft Beverage Scene
Tempted to bring in craft soda and retro soda brands? These best selling customer faves are a great place to start.
Amp Up Sales with an Impulse Section Refresh
Back to school is coming soon and that means a change-up in your store’s stock. It’s also a great time to revisit your merchandising strategy, including your impulse sections. Point of sale purchases and impulse purchases can help drive up sales, especially during the times when your store is busier than usual, like back to…
The Newest Travel Snacks Every Hotel Should Carry
Summer travel season is here. Satisfy snackers with healthful grab & go options.
Culinary Visions Food and Flavor Profile Explained
Get the inside scoop on food trends with helpful hints and tips to add trending items to your assortment.
4 Rules for Nostalgia Marketing
Old school. Retro. Classic. No matter how you choose to label it, nostalgia is soul-soothing and sweet. Recent studies indicate that nostalgic feeling may translate into sales.