CHICAGO — Fall- and winter-themed foods and beverages appear to have been rolling out earlier and in greater abundance, and 2019 did not disappoint. Soon after summer transitioned into the changing colors of autumn, coffee companies started brewing their personal take on pumpkin. A range of products featuring the flavors of cranberry, hot cocoa, peppermint, etc. soon followed.Such seasonal limited-time offers (L.T.O.s) create an urgency to purchase. Adventurous consumers are curious and often willing to open their wallets, even when money may be tight.
One of the more surprising offerings this year came from Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn. The company rolled out limited-edition pumpkin spice Spam. The shelf-stable processed canned meat product featured cinnamon, clove, allspice and nutmeg. The blend gave it a subtle sweetness, making it an ideal pairing with savory waffles, frittatas and breakfast burritos. The product debuted for on-line purchase only at spam.com and Walmart.com on Sept. 23 and sold out in less than seven hours. Two packs sold for $8.98.
View the slideshow for a roundup of recently introduced holiday L.T.O.s.
