Archive for October, 2006
Specialty Food Magazine and the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade recently published a report about consumer buying habits. According to their findings, “coffee/tea is the most purchased category, bought by 62% of specialty food consumers”.
This is great news for gift basket designers. Coffee and tea are a perfect addition to almost any gift basket: for any special occasion, for a get well basket, or a welcome to your new home basket.
Apex Gift Foods carries many flavored coffees and pungent teas that will entice your customers. Buy any coffee or tea item from Apex before November 5, 2006, and get 10% off.
For a full report on consumer buying trends, see Specialty Food Magazine, October, 2006. The report contains a wealth of information about specialty food consumers: who are the buyers (analyzed by gender, age, income, race and region), what types of foods are purchased (analyzed by region and age), plus much more that will be helpful when you’re making decisions about your gourmet food inventory.
October 30th, 2006
Chris Crocker, Vice President Media Development, NASFT, wrote an interesting article in the October issue of Specialty Food Magazine about major trends affecting the food world. All gift basket business owners need to be aware of these trends so that they can be stocking the items that their customers will want.
Crocker suggests that the popularity of ethnic foods continues to rise as ethnic populations continue to expand in the U.S. As business owners, we need to take a careful look at our customer base and make sure that the products we carry are appealing.
He also notes that “consumer interest in eating well is colliding with the desire to indulge”. Gift baskets are traditionally full of goodies and treats that are all about indulgence: rich cookies, creamy chocolates, and buttery snacks! I believe that the trend of including special treats such as these will continue to be an important part of gift basket giving: after all, gifts should be something you might not buy for yourself! But it may also be important that your inventory include more “healthful” products for your customers who are especially interested in healthy eating or who need to send a basket to someone who has special dietary restrictions.
Staying abreast of retail buying habits of consumers will give you important information about how to create a successful business by offering your clients the products they want!
October 28th, 2006
Many of you may be familar with The Gourmet Retailer Magazine and may also know that there is an on-line version of this magazine. On October 15th, the publishers launched a new web site called Gourmet Direct that will enhance the already comprehensive coverage of the gourmet food industry offered by the on-line magazine.
The purpose of the new web site, Gourmet Direct, is to provide the reader with more information about topics that are covered in the on-line version of the magazine. For example, if you’re reading an article about italian cheeses, you will find links to suppliers who carry those cheeses.
I checked out the web site and as of today, there are over a dozen companies participating as Gourmet Direct sponsors. As more companies become sponsors, more relevant information and resources will be available to readers. If this continues to grow, it will be a terrific resource for those of us who are involved with the gourmet food industry.
October 24th, 2006
An article in clarionledger.com touts John Macy’s cheesesticks as the newest snack rage! These cheesy snacks have been a favorite of Apex Gift Foods customers for years…and a personal favorite of mine!
Here’s some information from the manufacturer: “John Wm. Macy’s CheeseSticks are made with wholesome, all-natural ingredients — no artificial flavorings, preservatives or dyes! …thin sheets of fresh sourdough are layered with shredded aged cheeses, seasoned with selected spices, and twisted into shape and baked twice to crispy perfection!
Sounds delicious! If you haven’t tasted these, try John Macy’s Original Cheddar flavor and save 10% at Apex Gift Foods. Offer valid through October 22, 2006. Mention CHEESESTICKBLOG when you place your order. Your customers will love these!
October 20th, 2006
In today’s competitive market, unique packaging can do much to make your baskets stand out from the crowd!
This year, Apex Gift Foods has added a new line of florals, greenery, printed cellophanes, ribbons, and holiday themed picks that will make your baskets special.
For example, these adorable glass coffee ornaments would be a great keepsake to add to one of your beverage baskets. Silk poinsettias or holly or bright red berries can add just the right touch to a holiday basket. Got some products in packages whose colors don’t match your theme? Drop the item into an organza gift bag for a whole new look.
Go to Apex Gift Foods and get 10% off any item in our Finishing Touches line. Mention TOUCHBLOG to qualify for your discount. Offer valid through October 25, 2006.
October 17th, 2006
“It’s Cool to Crave Chocolate” according to author Jessica Harlan in Fancy Food & Culinary Products Magazine. Premium chocolates are becoming all the rage, and you should be sure to have the products that your customers will want for the upcoming season.
According to Harlan, “chocolate is actually good for you. Studies show that dark chocolate and cocoa powder” contain antioxidents and other ingredients that have positive health benefits.
Check out Apex Gift Foods for our newest selection of dark chocolates. You’ll find chocolate paired with tasty flavorings such as coffee, orange, hazelnut and more!
Buy Espresso or Citrus Sunset Ghirardelli chocolate bars from Apex, and get $2.00 off per case! Just mention CHOCOLATEBLOG when you place your order. Offer valid through October 20, 2006.
October 15th, 2006
I recently got an email from a friend suggesting that I visit the Good Cause Greetings web site and consider these personalized cards for my own holiday greetings to friends and family. Ten percent all proceeds from the sale of these cards is donated to charity.
When I went to the site, I noticed that they also have a wholesale program for businesses that want to participate in this effort. Your customers might appreciate your offering these cards for the gift baskets they will send this holiday season. These are the “cards that give twice”..it’s a great cause!
October 12th, 2006
Gourmet News, September, 2006, reports that one of the hottest trends in supermarkets is to sell locally grown produce. Several reasons are sited: “it supports the community ahd consumers feel good about buying local products…it serves as a source of differentiation because not all markets are participating yet.”
So why not differentiate yourself in the gift basket market and “go local” for some of your products? Visit stores in your neigborhood and find products that would work well in your baskets. Work out cooperative arrangments with those businesses. After all, they’ll be getting free advertising when one of their products shows up in your baskets!
Don’t forget to suggest your “go local” baskets to customers who want to send a basket to someone who lives in another town. What a great way for your customer to send a “little bit of their life!”
Two of the most successful supermarket chains in the country, Whole Foods and Wild Oats Markets, have jumped on the “go local” bandwagon. It would be worth your while to follow their lead!
October 9th, 2006
Reports from the Fancy Food Show held this summer in New York indicate that tea has become more popular than bottled water! According to Tea Council, USA, Americans have doubled their tea consumption over the past five years and millions name tea as their favorite beverage. Full Story
Over 1000 teas were featured at the show. Among the offerings was Chai which is the word for tea in many parts of the world. For those of you who are not familar, Chai is pronounced as a single syllable and rhymes with ‘pie’. It is a combination of tea, milk, spices, and sweetener.
At Apex Gift Foods, we carry Chai in single serve packets and 12 oz. cannisters. Either of these elegant items would be a tasteful addition to your everyday gift basket designs.
If you’re thinking about adding Chai to your gift basket product line, I found a great web site that includes lots of interesting facts about this beverage. Take advantage of this resource to learn about this popular drink so that you can educate your customers!
October 4th, 2006
There’s a brand new magazine available to those of us who love food: foodspring, available online or sign up to receive your free copy in the mail. The publisher, Matt Thomas, says that their goal is “to tempt you to try something you’ve never seen or tasted before”.
Make sure you see the article by Denise Purcell called “Crackers with Character”. It includes a glossary (what’s the difference between a crispbread and a crostini) as well as a list of the cracker flavor trends this season. Then go to Apex Gift Foods to see the “trendiest” crackers for your baskets!
October 2nd, 2006
