We’re officially one quarter of the way through 2023 which means it’s Easter time – let the chocolate marathon begin! We love this time of year at Quattro Foods, when sugar is allowed, even encouraged, the blossom is out, spring is around the corner and everything feels just a little bit …..sweeter.
But as we turn on our out-of-offices and ramp up the party mood, we’re reminded that everything isn’t quite the same this year. This Easter is not as sweet as we’d hoped and it hits us at every turn. With the cost-of-living crisis tightening its grip on families, individuals, households and businesses, we’re feeling the pinch in every way.
What can we do to make Easter manageable in the food sector?
Independent retail outlets are hoping that people continue to spend on food and drink even in tough times, like they did at Christmas. Eating in, or entertaining at home, is a trend that flourished during lockdown, but it’s stuck around, and it may mean that as the public tighten their purse-strings, food sales suffer minimally. So far the industry is still seeing people spending on food despite a rise in energy and other costs. Fingers crossed for our retail partners….
Easter is a time when people come together. Our guess is that people prioritise dining as a family or with friends over spending on frivolous gifts, clothes or tech at this time of year. Buying food can be considered an “affordable” treat, which traditionally does well even in frugal times, which could mean less eating out and enjoying more special times at home.
More than just chocolate eggs
Family meals and being together trumps all the tin-foil covered chocolate in the world, so at Quattro we’re focusing on helping our customers make amazing family meals at home.
In true Quattro spirit, we’ll continue to serve our customers with the freshest, highest quality produce for an out-of-this-world Easter lunch, but how can we entice their customers to buy the food, when our delicious produce reaches supermarket shelves?
Fresh is best
Only the finest ingredients should be anywhere near a Sunday roast. We pick colourful locally grown veg, top quality locally farmed meat, and of course free-range chickens and eggs, so the hungry hoards know our food has come from farms with high animal welfare standards.
Special offers
In the face of the hardships our customers are facing, we suggest that our retail partners offer alternatives that are affordable and still Easter specific, like ‘specials’ and ‘budget’ offers like ‘wonky’ eggs – imperfect shells but perfectly delicious Easter-y chocolate inside.
Easter is a great opportunity for retailers to connect with their customers on a personal level. It’s a time to celebrate colourful veggies, alongside fresh daffodils and tulips and, of course, lots of chocolate and free-range eggs and meat. So, get your display cabinet well-stocked with chick and bunny cakes and hot cross buns and add a touch of fun for your customers this Easter, to make it as sweet as they deserve.