LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Retailers looking to hook Millennial and Generation Z shoppers this holiday season can boost sales and build their cache with younger consumers by stocking up on on-trend gourmet and specialty produce items, says Frieda’s Specialty Produce.

“Holiday shoppers are not just Boomers buying potatoes and green beans. Adventurous Millennials are shopping for their ‘Friendsgiving’ and holiday parties, as well,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, in a press release. “They’re seeking the season’s hottest food and flavor trends, and retailers who offer a wide variety of produce specialties are positioned for greater overall basket rings.”

A recent study by NPD Group shows that Millennials and Gen Zs are driving growth in the consumption of fresh produce. With diets increasingly shifting to plant-focused and flexitarian eating, vegetables are set to take center stage at Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving tables this year.

Some trends showing up to this years’ holiday tables include:

• Veg-Centric Dishes: The root-to-stem trend is in full swing with rainbow carrots, parsnips, baby beets, and sautéed greens on the side.
• New Classics: Modern twists on holiday staples are surging, with roasted pearl onions and cippolline onions replacing Great-Grandma’s creamed onion dishes. Mashed potatoes are being encroached upon by celery root and cauliflower purée and roasted Sunchokes®. Fruit pies are getting an upgrade with fresh new flavors like Green Dragon apples, quince, and fresh ginger.
• Colorful Feast: Consumers can add a pop of color to the traditionally orange and brown Autumn palate this year, with vibrant veggies like whole roasted purple cauliflower, Spring-green Romanesco, mashed Stokes Purplesweet potatoes, and magenta slices of watermelon radish storming crudité platters. 

For more on trending flavors this holiday season, and ways to pluck up your festive meals, check in with us at AndNowUKnow. 

Frieda's Specialty Produce