As autumn approaches, retail stores expand their offerings to capitalize on seasonal flavors, and ALDI is no exception. The grocery chain is preparing for its fall and winter lineups, emphasizing exciting seasonal items to attract shoppers. According to Scott Patton, Vice President of National Buying at ALDI, the company is attentive to consumer demands and responsive to shifting taste preferences.
In a recent exclusive interview with Progressive Grocer, Patton emphasized the impressive growth in sales of seasonal products from 2022 to 2023. “We saw sales of fall flavor ALDI Finds items grow by double digits, thanks significantly to pumpkin and pumpkin spice products, which remain extremely popular,” he reported. To match this rising demand, ALDI has increased its top pumpkin and pumpkin spice items by as much as 50%. This proactive approach ensures that their shelves remain stocked with top-selling products throughout the season.
ALDI’s focus on pumpkin isn’t limited to traditional bakery items. With 90% of its inventory made up of private-label products, the retailer possesses substantial control over product innovation. Patton explains, “When we think ‘pumpkin,’ we expand our vision beyond flavors. This allows us to bring creative seasonal innovations to life, whether through perfecting the ‘spice’ in our recipes or utilizing pumpkin shapes for festive displays.”
Among their innovative offerings, ALDI features unique products like Peanut Delight Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter and Priano Pumpkin Sage Ravioli. In the beverage section, the Barissimo Nondairy Pumpkin Spice Creamer is projected to see a remarkable 25% spike in demand from 2023 to 2024. This aligns with consumer interest in diverse applications of fall flavors.
Moreover, while pumpkin reigns supreme, ALDI recognizes the importance of other autumn staples such as apples. This year, the chain has introduced exciting products like Specially Selected Apple Berry Blossoms and Belmont Caramel Apple Whipped Cheesecake, enhancing traditional favorites while ensuring a fresh perspective on familiar tastes.
As the calendar turns toward October, consumers also begin expecting winter flavors earlier each year. ALDI has already taken the initiative to introduce winter seasonal products. Notable mentions include Happy Farms Salted Caramel Cream Cheese and Specially Selected Caramel Belgian Mousse Desserts. Patton notes that caramel is a flavor consumers tend to embrace as colder weather arrives, driving continued purchases.
The process of getting seasonal products onto shelves is meticulous and starts months in advance. ALDI’s buying team collaborates closely with supplier partners and the company’s in-house trend team to monitor global marketplace trends. This synergy allows ALDI to quickly transition seasonal flavor concepts into market-ready products. “We pride ourselves on maintaining quality while ensuring that seasonal products are readily available,” he asserts. Each item undergoes rigorous testing before reaching customers, with products often sampled internally at least five times.
With product planning extending up to nine months ahead of launch, ALDI’s work on 2025’s seasonal flavors is already underway. Patton acknowledges the enjoyable nature of this work. “Working on flavors is absolutely one of the most fun parts of my job,” he shares, highlighting the joy that accompanies product innovation. This collaborative spirit across departments contributes to the success of ALDI’s seasonal offerings.
ALDI, based in Batavia, Illinois, serves millions of customers nationwide with over 2,300 stores across 38 states. Recognized as the No. 28 top food and consumables retailer in North America by Progressive Grocer’s PG 100, ALDI was also awarded Retailer of the Year for 2023 and recognized among the 10 Most Sustainable Grocers for 2024.
With ALDI’s strategic focus on seasonal flavors and a growing portfolio of innovative products, the retailer continues to position itself as a leader in the grocery sector. Customers can eagerly anticipate fresh and exciting offerings that marry tradition with innovation, making their shopping experience both satisfying and delightful.
