As the festive season draws near (we are not going to count down the days to Christmas here), the bustling aisles of supermarkets and specialty food stores will soon transform into winter wonderlands adorned with an array of Christmas delights. Behind all of the enchanting displays that will soon be in our stores, there lies a strategic dance of our retail buyers trying to figure out what is new that will delight today’s consumer and what are the traditional foods that we need such as the traditional English puddings, Italian panettone, Italian biscotti, and premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils that will be centre stage in our stores. Join us as we delve into the nuances of this captivating process, from timing and selection to margins and basket building and managing the dreaded mark downs…

Timing is Everything:

The art of retailer buying for Christmas foods begins many months in advance of the Big Day. Retailers must meticulously plan their inventory, considering consumer preferences, trends, and supplier availability. For traditional English Christmas foods like puddings and mince pies, orders often kick off as early as late spring to very early summer to secure prime delivery slots and capitalize on early-bird promotions. When it comes to Italian delicacies such as panettone and biscotti, these too will follow a similar suit, with orders typically placed in late spring to early summer to ensure ample stock for the holiday rush and allow for orders to be here no later than mid-October. For other gifty types of food items that we LOVE at La Grotta Del Formaggio, like our premium olive oils, we must also procure well in advance to meet the heightened demand during the festive season and ensure timely deliveries.

Selecting the Finest:

When it comes to selecting Christmas foods, retailers must aim for a balance between tradition and innovation. For traditional English fare, buyers seek out trusted suppliers like

Wilken and Sons Tiptree who are renowned for their authentic recipes and quality ingredients that even the Royal Family endorses their products as authentic English. Jams, Spreads, Puddings, and English Christmas cakes to name just a few of the delights!

Italian specialties demand a similar level of scrutiny, with a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship. When sourcing premium olive oils, we prioritize suppliers with a strong reputation for quality and sustainability. 

That is why we chose Muraglia Olive Oils.  5 generations of olive oil production in the heart of Puglia.  Nothing but the best for Christmas giving!  Finally, choosing panettone and biscotti from a company that is legendary in producing the highest quality of Italian foods, Rustichella d’Abruzzo!  

Margins and Value Proposition:

Navigating margins is a crucial aspect of retailer buying. While Christmas foods often command premium prices, retailers must strike a balance between profitability and offering value to customers. Negotiating favorable terms with suppliers and optimizing pricing strategies play a pivotal role in maximizing margins without compromising on quality. Bundling complementary items, such as pairing panettone with specialty coffee or offering gift sets featuring olive oil and balsamic vinegar, enhances the perceived value for consumers while boosting basket sizes.  Managing your pricing strategy to maintain the highest profitability early in the Christmas Season and start to work your moderate price reductions a few days before the Big Day and then moving inventory during Boxing Week when gifts for family and friend visits require better than normal gifting.  

Building the Perfect Basket:

Basket building is an art form in itself, particularly during the festive season. Retailers will spend countless hours making enticing displays that evoke the spirit of Christmas and inspire shoppers to indulge in seasonal delights. Strategic placement of traditional favorites alongside innovative offerings stimulates impulse purchases and encourages customers to explore new culinary experiences. Cross-merchandising opportunities abound, with Christmas foods seamlessly integrated into holiday-themed displays featuring decorations, tableware, and gift items.

The journey of retailer buying for Christmas foods must be a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic planning.  As a Buyer, you must master the intricacies of timing, selection, margins, and basket building, in order to create memorable shopping experiences for consumers by capturing the essence of the season and delight customers with a feast for the senses.  The selection of fine foods such as the ones we are offering at La Grotta Del Formaggio is a great way to capture the traditions of Old World Christmas. Cheers to a joyous and prosperous holiday season filled with delicious discoveries!  

If you want more information, or need help planning your Holiday season, shoot us a note at Marketing@lgdf.ca so we can put you in contact with the right salesperson.