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merchandising ON DISPLAY Independence Day NATALIA WIMBERLEY / ADOBE STOCK Stand out When the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association released a survey a few years ago claiming Independence Day as our nation's most popular outdoor cooking holiday, the numbers were staggering. Some simple twists on popular patriotic themes can help take Independence Day merchandising to a new level. The survey claimed 71 percent of Americans celebrate the holiday with a cookout. Nearly three out of every four people in the country partake in some sort of outdoor gathering centered on food. To stand out with a unique take, perhaps decorations on cupcakes can be updated with a trendy twist. Or, maybe offer cookies that are chocolate-dipped in addition to the normal cookies. "Unique items as simple as that can grab a shopper's eye before a cookout," Norris says. "It's definitely a huge event for us," says Joyce Norris, bakery director for Cosentino's Food Stores, which runs a chain of 28 Cosentino's Fine Foods Market, Price Chopper, Sun Fresh and Apple Market locations in the Midwest. "Memorial Day kicks off the summer season, but Independence Day is huge." Merchandising for the summer holiday, where the majority of Americans say they plan on eating outdoors, means the biggest key is also challenging. "It's best to be unique and convenient," Norris says. "If you can corral both of those, that's best. Being unique is challenging because you obviously have to either come up with something new or add a different angle to everything. But that's something that can help make you stand out." 20 * APRIL 2016 * instore Norris mentions that Cosentino's recently switched to a new icing company that is helping the store stay up-to-date on the latest color trends. And while Independence Day will always be a holiday anchored with red, white and blue decorations and food, this season could include slight variations in the colors. "We're talking shades that are just a little different than the usual shades of red, white and blue," Norris says. "That draws interest right now and we really try to stay on the trends for color." For example, Norris says a quick scan through a popular food-based Pinterest page can provide plenty of rather simple ideas for trendy

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of instore - April 2016

instore - April 2016
Editor's Note - SNACKING: Have a second?
Table of Contents
News - On our radar
Spotlight - By the Numbers: Donuts
Cover story - Snacking evolved
Commissary Insider - Insight Insider: Good to go fresh aims to please
Food Safety - Pathogen Detection
Equipment Weighing the options
Product Category Spotlight: Ethnic, easy and healthy
Packaging: Peace of mind with tamper-evident technology
Operations and Logistics: Traceability in the supply chain
Product Knowledge - Need to Know: Specialty cheese
Merchandising - On Display: Independence Day
Speciality Insights - Consider Gluten-free Bakery
Equipment & Packaging - Latest Innovation: Rapid-cook ovens
Product Trends
Product Showcase
Ad Index

instore - April 2016