Harvesting Wisdom: Planning for December’s Festive Feasts
December is a whirlwind of food traditions, gatherings and parties where produce often steals the show. Think potatoes fried into latkes, cranberries strung on trees, citrus stuffed in stockings, collard greens cooked for luck, avos mashed up for game-day guac and veggie-packed party trays. For produce managers, the goal is clear: keep the department fresh, festive and full of flavor for every celebration.
In December, your department should shift from the earthy tones of fall to winter's bright, celebratory flavors. Early December is about keeping staples—organic apples, pears and squash—front and center. Moving through the month, it’s time to showcase citrus, specialty items like mushrooms and berries and splurge-worthy finds that compel shoppers to make a special purchase.
Focus on Service
Customers will choose to shop produce departments that offer something different, which can mean more than just a high-quality produce assortment. They want service with a personal touch, especially when it comes to significant meals and food gifts. Encourage staff to offer especially friendly service during this window. The holidays can be high-pressure and stressful for many. A smile and helpfulness create a pleasant shopping experience and can ease tensions.
Personalize service with storytelling, whether it’s a grower story, food memory or recipe recommendation. Encourage staff to tell the story of their favorite citrus or recommend those wild mushrooms for a special dish. Offer samples and get the product in people’s mouths to inspire initial and repeat purchases. Remember, December celebrations have a brighter vibe than Thanksgiving, and it’s just as much about creating memories around the table through flavor.
Plan, Pace & Promote
While Thanksgiving may leave you feeling wiped out, don’t sleep on December. It’s different—less predictable but packed with opportunity. To stay ahead, create a weekly plan, from staffing to promotions. The early part of December is slower, so it is perfect for getting organized and cleaning up after the Thanksgiving rush. Before you know it, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s will come fast. Stay on top of it by planning for December while organizing Thanksgiving. Pacing the transitions between November and December holidays week-by-week manages the momentum while keeping things fresh and exciting.
Merchandising: Navigating December’s Shifts
Merchandising in December is all about adapting to the shifting demands. Your displays should evolve from the beginning of the month to early January as customer priorities change. Early December is about keeping things simple, managing inventory and controlling waste. Shoppers are focused on prepping for the big holidays but aren’t yet in full celebration mode. They’re looking for value and convenience, not elaborate spreads. Keep displays clean and tight—overflowing sets can lead to unnecessary waste. Highlight easy and healthy meal items like salad mixes and kits, broccoli, cauliflower and grab-and-go fruits like apples and mandarins. Tighten up your inventory to maintain quality without risking spoilage.
By mid-December, the tempo picks up. Now is the time to shift displays from simple to abundant. If you offer citrus gift boxes, fruit baskets, or nuts, use POP signs and bows to inspire gifting — now is when these start moving. It’s also the moment to move seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans and specialty mushrooms front and center.
With key 2024 winter traditions lining up with Dec 25-26 start dates, and Christmas falling on a Wednesday, expect big sales starting on Saturday and ramping up through Tuesday. Inventory should be building as December 20th hits and stay ahead of demand. It's better to have a small order the day before a holiday as a fill-in than to depend on everything the day before.
Post-December 25, sales may see a short lull, but it will be short-lived. Don’t underestimate New Year’s Eve, Day and the week that follows. While New Year’s might seem like a sleeper holiday, it’s packed with sales potential. People will be stocking up for one last party, breakfast food for the next morning, game day nosh and healthy options as they start eyeing their January resolutions. Think avocados for toast and guacamole, veggie trays, citrus, collard greens and berries.
Gift-Ready Produce: Capture Impulse Sales
December is prime time for impulse buys, especially when it comes to gifting. Shoppers spend more time browsing produce than any other department, so use this to your advantage by creating displays that encourage them to grab an easy, thoughtful gift.
This is where cross-merchandising can shine. Collaborate with other departments to showcase complementary gift options without cluttering your space. But remember, it’s still your department—make sure nothing gets in the way of customers easily viewing and selecting produce.
Gift-Ready Produce: Feature citrus gift boxes, fruit baskets, nuts and quince.
Cross-Merchandise: Pair produce with products from other departments to inspire DIY gifting. Housewares, grocery, wine and cheese departments make for a great collaboration. Citrus zesters, garlic presses, cutting boards, wine and food items like local cheeses and honey work well to prompt creative and thoughtful giving. Bows or adjacent displays of gift bags can also help drive sales.
Produce’s Role in the Holiday Experience
From casual gatherings to extravagant meals, produce is at the center of it all. Whether it’s baby carrots for party trays, pomegranate arils to elevate salads or citrus gift boxes for easy, healthy presents, shoppers are looking for fresh, organic options that pop. Specialty items that might seem pricey the rest of the year—varietal mushrooms, berries, asparagus—become hot commodities in December. Don’t be shy about showcasing them!
While the December holidays can have traditional foods, it is also when home chefs branch out to try something new and extravagant or a special recipe. Sales on items like Belgian endive, chestnuts, fennel, horseradish and radicchio varieties, can surge.
Of course, don’t forget holiday must-haves: Brussels sprouts, celery, cranberries, fresh herbs, green beans, onions, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Festive fruits are in demand in December, too. Apples, pears and pomegranates can double as decor, and berries make breakfasts and brunches and cocktails and mocktails extra special. These staples add the seasonal flavor shoppers want.
Come January, eaters will shift gears, looking for ways to reset with healthy organic produce. Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kale, root vegetables and spinach will dominate. So, plan your transition early and keep that wet rack full and tidy for the new year.
Seasonal Variety & Promotions
Unlike summer, December’s promotional opportunities are more limited. Focus on the weeks surrounding key holidays to ensure you’re fully stocked with strong movers. Here’s a breakdown of what to prioritize:
Citrus: The seasonal superstar. Feature juicy grapefruit, mandarins and Navel oranges. Consider using paper totes for an eco-friendly and festive grab-and-go solution. Don’t be caught short on staples like lemons and limes and begin to feature unique varieties as they are available.
Avocados: Always a hit and will be popular all month and into January.
Mushrooms: Wild and cultivated varieties offer shoppers a unique touch for holiday feasts.
Root Vegetables: Beets, carrots, and parsnips or comforting meals.
Holiday Staples: Brussels sprouts, celery, chestnuts, cranberries, green beans, onions, pomegranates, potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Greens: Chard, kale and spinach for salads and winter dishes.
Specialty items: Stunning varieties of asparagus, berries and radicchio can give your department a holiday feel and help inspire special meals.
Your produce department has the power to shape unforgettable gifts, holiday meals and parties. From citrus and greens to mushrooms, root vegetables and party tray crudité, keep your selection bold, festive and ready to inspire shoppers to create something special. Let December be the month where produce shines, setting the stage for both indulgent and healthy eating to come.