Frieda’s Scares Up Halloween Specialty Sales

For a third consecutive year, Frieda’s Specialty Produce will help retailers boost Halloween specialty sales with a wide produce selection and merchandising tips, including an October “Spooky Foods” social media campaign to drive shoppers into stores.

“While shoppers look for creative ideas for their Halloween parties, they are also looking for a healthy alternative to offset that sugary candy,” said Karen Caplan, Frieda’s president and CEO. “The great thing about specialty produce is that many of them are already scary looking! With some suggestions through our social media campaign, shoppers will come to the store looking for the spookiest, healthy items to add to their party menus.”

Frieda’s encourages retailers to include in their Halloween destination display such varieties as Kiwano, Dragon Fruit, Buddha’s Hand Citron, Black Garlic, Rambutans, Ghost Chile, Orange and Purple Cauliflower, and Stokes Purple Sweet Potato. Frieda’s also offers a variety of seasonal Mini Pumpkins and Ornamental Gourds to be used for decoration.

Frieda’s Spooky Foods social media campaign urges consumers to include specialty fruits and vegetables in their Halloween celebrations. Launching in October, the campaign will highlight the second annual Kiwano carving and decorating contest and a Spooky Foods Pinterest board which provides inspiration on Halloween tablescaping and fresh snacking ideas.

“What shoppers see on Facebook and Pinterest inspires them and piques their interest: for example, how to turn a Kiwano into a little monster or Lychees or Rambutans into eyeballs,” added Caplan. “Our Spooky Foods campaign provides great Halloween ideas and lets shoppers know where they can find those items—in your stores!”

Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Frieda’s has introduced more than 200 specialty items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Spaghetti Squash, Habanero Peppers and Black Garlic, among others.