KANSAS CITY — When the Christmas holiday rolls around every year, food manufacturers and foodservice operators update their offerings in a holiday-inspired flurry, and 2023 has been no different.
This year, holiday spending is expected to reach record levels between November and December and will grow between 3% and 4% over 2022 to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
“It is not surprising to see holiday sales growth returning to pre-pandemic levels,” said Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of NRF. “Overall household finances remain in good shape and will continue to support the consumer’s ability to spend.”
Limited-edition holiday-inspired products include several “Elf” movie-inspired items, as the Warner Bros. movie marks its 20th anniversary.
HelloFresh’s brought back its Buddy the Elf spaghetti meal kits, which features Colavita spaghetti, along with sweet toppings like maple syrup, chocolate syrup, marshmallows, chocolate nonpareil sandies and chocolate frosted pastries.
“After receiving so many positive reactions to the Buddy the Elf spaghetti meal kit released last year, we’re thrilled to be bringing back the iconic candy-topped, syrupy dish along with a few special additions,” said Kirsten Walpert, vice president of brand and creative, HelloFresh US. “Through this partnership, we’re able to bring the wonder and joy that’s become synonymous with the film ‘Elf’ to our customers’ kitchens, helping them to create truly memorable cooking experiences and new holiday traditions.”
Krispy Kreme, Inc. launched its first “Elf” donut collection, which includes three new “Elf”-inspired flavors and one returning holiday-inspired flavor: Buddy Snow Globe donut, Buddy Makes Breakfast donut, Christmas Lights donut and the Santa Belly donut.
“Our new ‘Elf’-inspired donuts honor memorable moments from the movie in the most delicious way possible and embody it’s fun and festive spirit,” said Dave Skena, global chief brand officer for Krispy Kreme. “Smiling is Buddy the Elf’s ‘favorite,’ and ours, too. We know our fans are going to smile a lot when they spread holiday cheer to family and friends all season long with our ‘Elf’ holiday collection.”
Ferrero Group brand Keebler also launched a limited-edition cookie: the “Elf” Keebler gingerbread fudge stripes. The “Elf” Keebler gingerbread fudge stripes are a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the holiday film.
