Posts filed under 'Basket Enhancements'
“Pantone Inc., the global provider of professional color standards, named Pantone 19-1557 Chili Pepper, a deep, spicy red, as the color of the year.” See the full story as reported in Gourmet News Magazine.
“Whether expressing danger, celebration, love or passion, red will not be ignored,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute…In 2007, there is an awareness of the melding of diverse cultural influences, and Chili Pepper is a reflection of exotic tastes both on the tongue and to the eye”.
Color trends as predicted by Pantone and other “trend” organizations usually affect home, housewares and clothing markets first. I just returned from a buying trip for our wholesale floral supply business and we saw many shades of red used in holiday decorations. Designers used multiple shades of red in a single display and also paired these deep rich reds with bright lime and sage greens.
If you want your baskets to reflect the popular trends for the upcoming year, include products in bright, bold shades of red in all your designs (not just holiday designs). Look for packaging in other bright colors that will complement the red tones such as tangerine orange, lemon yellow, and lime green. Keep up with the trends and your customers will come back for more!
February 4th, 2007
Gift Basket Review Magazine is now available in a new, on-line version! The first issue has been published and is chock full of information for gift basket business owners.
A section called Business Tools includes several articles about inventory management: how to plan and how to buy. There’s also a comprehensive list of 50 great products that a new business should include when making their initial purchases. These articles are a “must-see” for anyone who is thinking about starting a gift basket business.
Apex Gift Foods wants to help out new gift basket business owners too! Call us and mention that you saw this blog posting about new gift basket businesses. When you place your first order, Apex will give you 15% off the entire order!
Just print out the start-up checklist from Gift Basket Review or ask Apex for a copy of the checklist. Apex carries a full line of shelf stable gourmet food components and gift basket packaging supplies. The sales staff at Apex will be happy to make suggestions and answer your question to help you be successful in your new venture!
January 22nd, 2007
Are you looking for an inexpensive container to use for your holiday designs? Check out these metallic pots and dishes from Syndicate Sales, one of the largest manufacturers in the country of containers for retail florists.
Reflections,a line of lightweight, stable, plastic containers are a perfect choice for your holiday gift baskets. 
Bright, shiny gold and silver pots and dishes are damage resistant for safe shipping. These affordable containers can be put to use after your gourmet treats have been enjoyed. Let your customers know they can drop a poinsettia into the attractive tapered pot once they’ve finished the tasty treats that you sent, or use the attractive design dishes 
for a holiday centerpiece.
Go to Apex Gift Foods to see these versatile metallic containers. Call Apex, at 800-348-2369, to get a brochure showing the full line of Reflections metallic containers.
November 30th, 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
Make sure you read the June issue of Gift Basket Review Magazine for the State of the Industry Report. Based upon surveys with gift basket business owners, this report offers a wealth of information and predictions about the upcoming holiday season.
“According to survey respondents, the biggest trend for gift baskets is the growth in personalization” as customers look to find something different from what they are seeing in discount chains. “Bold colors and on-trend color match-ups are predicted as a refreshing change…Designers are looking to fashion colors to spark more interest”.
At Apex Gift Foods, you’ll see ribbons and finishing touches that highlight the newest colors for the upcoming holiday season. Look for flowers, ribbons, and holiday picks in shades of aqua and teal, rich chocolate, and classy coral and copper. These trend setting items will add a perfect touch to your holiday designs that will surely dazzle your customers.
What will your customers be looking for this holiday season?
September 5th, 2006
Having trouble making the perfect bow for your gift baskets? Florasatin Perfect Pull Bows may be the answer!
These easy to make bows are made from waterproof and weatherproof florasation ribbon. Just pull two strings and get a perfect bow every time!
Apex Gift Foods stocks Perfect Bows in 16 solid colors and 12 everyday and holiday prints. These bows are made from 1 1/2″ ribbon and are 5 1/2″ in diameter with 20 loops. Other sizes and colors are available by special order.
Just arrived: new designer colors: citrus, beauty, periwinkle, chocolate, and orange. Also check out new printed bows: dots, stripes and the ever popular paw prints.
Order bows before September 15th and get a 10% discount. Mention BOWBLOG when you place your order.
August 26th, 2006
With the introduction of so many cooking shows on TV, many more women and men of all ages are enjoying the joys of home cooking. Why not design a Chef’s Basket that will delight these new gourmet cooks!
Apex Gift Foods has a new line of eight mini cookbooks. With titles such as “Cooking With Wine”, “Soup’s On”, and “Kid’s Cooking”, you can appeal to cooks of all ages. These decorative books only cost $5.95 and will be a great keepsake for the lucky person who receives the basket.
While you’re creating your Chef’s Basket, also consider two new gourmet additions from Apex: olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Beautifully packaged in sleek, contemporary bottles, these will be perfect for your design.
August 23rd, 2006
If you reside in a state that allows you to include alcoholic beverages in your gift baskets, check out this article I saw in the Dallas Morning News. Full Story
Some winemakers are taking a stab at capturing the lucative women’s market with wines called Madhousewife, 2004 and Mommy’s Timeout. You can decide if these are too irreverent for your tastes, but these might be a great addition to your next basket to be sent to Mom.
Make sure you check the rules and regulations in your state before using any alcoholic beverages in your baskets.
August 11th, 2006
Rave Reviews! Magazine includes a feature each month describing how floral designs can be used to add another dimension to your gift basket business. In the May/June, 2006 issue, specific instructions are provided for assembling unique floral table arrangements. Some of the floral supplies used include floral foam, floratape, and wire.
Apex Gift Food’s sister company is Keystone Ribbon and Floral Supply Company. Keystone has been doing business with retail florists for over 50 years and offers 1000’s of floral supply products. (Go to “About Us” to get more information about Keystone.)
If you plan to expand your business by adding floral enhancements and designs to your product mix, Apex and Keystone can be your “one stop shopping source” for all of your gourmet food AND floral supply needs. Check Apex Gift Foods for special promotions on the floral supply items you’ll see featured in Rave Reviews! articles. We’ll be adding more and more floral supply items each month, so keep checking back!
Bonus: save 15% on your first floral supply order. Mention FLORALBLOG when you place your order by phone or write this code in the comments section of your order form when you order on line.
June 12th, 2006
Looking for something different to include in your gift baskets? These celebratory pens make a flashy conversation piece and a great gift! Just use an inexpensive ball point pen and wrap it with this new product: two toned wire.
This versitile product is manufactured by Smithers Oasis and Apex Gift Foods carries this product in their wholesale floral division. In addition to the two tone wire, aluminum wire in bright metallic tones and bouillon wire can be used to add decorative accents to your designs.
Go to Apex’s web site to see the variety of colors available in these new wire products. If you place an order, mention code WIREBLOG and receive a 5% discount on these items.
June 7th, 2006
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