At this point, we are fully consumed by the Q4 holidays. While these times may be stressful and there is always a huge list of things to do, I offer some comedic relief. I don’t know who wrote this, but a little laughter never hurts: “May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump; may your potatoes n’ gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious; may your pies take the prize; may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.” Enjoy!
Speaking of Thanksgiving dinner, Circana reports that the week prior to and the week of Thanksgiving are essential for driving food sales, though some consumers are planning ahead for early deals. While the inflation rate for Thanksgiving essentials has slowed to an increase of 2 percent, consumers may not notice as this is a fraction of the 26 percent increase in prices since 2020. Key insights from the report include: 79 percent of consumers report they and their families will celebrate Thanksgiving with the usual traditions; 34 percent of consumers anticipate spending more on groceries this year but are unlikely to cut back on their purchases.
Sixty-one percent of Americans plan to eat their main Thanksgiving meal at home, a slight decline from previous years, creating greater opportunities for retailers to promote host-friendly gift options; 38 percent of consumers will take advantage of early deals, with households that include young children being the most proactive in seeking savings; and finally, 10.6 is the average number of attendees at “Friendsgiving” gatherings planned by Gen Z and young millennial consumers, exceeding the smaller group sizes of older generations. “Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to connect with consumers who are navigating high prices while still prioritizing cherished traditions,” said Joan Driggs, vice president, content and thought leadership at Circana. “By focusing on solutions that blend convenience, value, and creativity, businesses can help shoppers celebrate in meaningful ways, whether through promotions on staple items, inspiration for new traditions, or offerings that make hosting and gifting easier.” Thanksgiving remains one of the biggest food holidays of the year, generating a $2.4 billion lift in sales in 2023, second only to Christmas. With Christmas coming on the heels of a very late Thanksgiving, the rush for gift purchases and food for the myriad of holiday celebrations is on!
The Giant Company (TGC) recently announced that ahead of Thanksgiving it donated 15,000 turkeys to 24 food banks and community partners in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia communities it serves. “At The Giant Company, we are thankful for our local food bank and food pantry partners and their work to eliminate hunger all year long, especially around the holidays when a nourishing meal is central to celebrations,” said John Ruane, president, The Giant Company. “Because of our meaningful partnerships with charitable food organizations and our generous suppliers, more than 125,000 servings of protein will be shared with families in need this Thanksgiving, creating moments to savor together.” In addition to the turkey donations, TGC team members volunteered at food banks packing hunger relief boxes and organizing and restocking shelves in advance of the busy holiday season.
As part of the annual ShopRite Partners in Caring Thanksgiving donation program, Wakefern Food Corp. and ShopRite donated a total of 3,100 turkeys to the Central Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) with the final 500 turkeys and traditional holiday meal fixings delivered on November 14. This delivery marks the final stop in ShopRite’s distribution of 10,000 turkeys to regional food banks across six states, ensuring that thousands of families in need will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. ShopRite volunteers with Village Super Markets, Inc. also volunteered that day to help unload the turkeys and pack holiday boxes for distribution to food pantries.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) held its 3rd annual Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta last month, with over 1100 exhibitors representing 32 countries. There were more than 130 companies exhibiting for the first time at the show and 210 Fresh Ideas Showcases entries for new and innovative products. Over 3000 buyers and attendees from over 70 countries walked one of the largest floors in a decade with only the 2018 show in Orlando surpassing this year’s floor. In addition, more than 830 runners got their steps in at the Foundation for Fresh Produce 5k, which was a record number of runners for a Foundation event. Highlights of the show included the announcement during the State of the Industry keynote session by IFPA CEO Cathy Burns that IFPA has been granted observer status to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, thereby allowing IFPA to represent the fresh produce and floral community in climate negotiations. IFPA Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena will represent the organization at the convention. Burns spoke about the very real danger rising global temperatures will have on the produce and floral community. IFPA research has found that failure to act on climate change and extreme weather are the top two global threats with the highest potential to damage societies, economies, and the planet. On the heels of the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, in early December, the association will hold a climate-smart field trials in California as part of its USDA grant-funded program titled “A Vibrant Future,” which incentivizes specialty crop growers to adopt climate-smart production to establish a consumer-driven, climate-smart market for fruits and vegetables grown using climate-smart practices. “The Global Show is one of the greatest good-for-my-soul moments of the year,” said Burns. “This year delivered. There was an incredible mix of innovation and energy that carried through the entire program as the global industry came together once again to celebrate our positive impact on people, plates and the planet!” After the show, 226,735 pounds of produce and 8,575 pounds of floral were donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network, which serves 29 counties in the Atlanta and northern Georgia region. The 2025 show will be held in Anaheim, October 15 – 18, 2025.
A tip of the hat to Elaine Redner on her appointment as chairwoman of Redner’s Fresh Markets. I can think of no one better than Elaine to carry on her late husband’s work at Redner’s. Kudos to CPG industry veteran Rick Brindle on his appointment as advisor to Wakefern as they expand the distribution of the DiBruno portfolio of products. Rick has a deep pedigree in CPG spanning multiple decades and is the perfect choice to lead the expansion initiative. Congratulations!
Heaven gained another angel as George Endrigian of George’s Dreshertown Market left us on November 10 at the age of 73. Truly one of a kind and with a personality that was larger than life, George was not only an excellent merchant, but he was also a good friend to many of us in the industry. I began calling on his store when it was a Shop N Bag back in the early 80’s and got to know him as we grew up in the business. Who can forget his fabulous productions at the RMG Holiday parties over the years, dressing up as Santa and giving out gift cards to everyone he ran in to. As for me, I will miss family dinners and the holiday greeting texts and phone calls, especially on Mother’s Day. Rest in peace, my friend.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this thankful month of November are: Gary Michael Redner, Redner’s Fresh Markets; Jim Mullen, Stop & Shop; Joe Pace III, Pace Target Brokerage; Mike Mackin, Schmidt Baking; Joseph Talluto, Talluto’s Authentic Italian Foods; Anthony Maglio Jr., Maglio Sausage; and me, getting older and wiser. Buon compleanno a tutti!
A Thanksgiving reminder: while celebrating this most American holiday with family and friends, please remember to give to those who are food insecure and keep our troops at home and abroad in your prayers during these very difficult times as they continue to sacrifice for our way of life. Happy Thanksgiving.
Quote of the month: “We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or maria@foodtradenews.com.
