The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it a frenzy of online shopping, indulgent hot drinks topped with mountain-high whipped cream and spirits. Rapper Cardi B has brilliantly merged all three elements by teaming up with CPG company Starco Brands to unveil Whipshots, a canned whipped cream infused with vodka. This non-dairy, shelf-stable “party in a can” boasts an ABV of 10% and is available in three delightful flavors: Vanilla, Caramel, and Mocha, offered in sizes of 50, 200, and 375 milliliters.
Not only does this product offer a playful fusion of luxury and libation, but it also carries Cardi B’s personal branding, which she describes in a press release as “over the top, sexy, and unique — much like me.” Launched on December 1, Whipshots is currently available in limited quantities online. Each day, 500 eager consumers are able to snag a can of this alcoholic topping through the brand’s e-commerce platform. Cardi B shared on Twitter that all 500 cans sold out in under five minutes on launch day. While Whipshots will be available in stores nationwide in 2022, those hoping to enjoy it during the holiday festivities will need to be quick on their keyboards to secure their purchase.
Although this product is innovative, there are other companies like Temperance Distilling that have introduced liquor-infused toppings. Surprisingly, there aren’t more options available, especially considering the popularity of whipped cream-flavored vodkas over the years. The whipped cream market itself has seen little innovation beyond new plant-based dairy alternatives and occasional new flavors.
As the holiday season peaks and Cardi B’s fame continues to soar—she recently added another accolade by being named Playboy’s first-ever creative director in residence—Whipshots are expected to remain in high demand. This star-endorsed novelty could very well be a coveted holiday gift.
In a different culinary venture, Columbus Craft Meats has launched Perfect Charcuterie Bite charcuterie kits available exclusively on its website. Each kit contains a curated selection of ingredients delivered to consumers’ homes, featuring three distinct flavor profiles. The Unexpected kit offers a “spicy and complex” mix with salami and Justin’s peanut butter cups, while the Rustic Beauty kit focuses on Italian flavors with sopressata, prosciutto, and olives. Smoky Vibes delivers a selection of peppery meats like chorizo salami, with beverage pairing suggestions ranging from chocolate stout to pinot noir. Each kit is priced at $59.99.
Charcuterie boards, rooted in French cuisine and filled with an assortment of cold cuts, cheeses, crackers, and fruits, have become staples at parties and catered events in recent years. The pandemic sparked a surge in small businesses specializing in these boards, and YouTube tutorials on creating them have racked up millions of views. This trend presents an opportunity for meat companies to cater to consumers who prefer the convenience of pre-selected ingredients.
Competitor Tyson’s Hillshire Farms has also jumped on the charcuterie trend with its own kit, which, while more affordable and including a cheese board and slicer, does not offer the same variety of food items as Columbus’s kits. Hormel acquired Columbus in 2017 for $850 million, adding a premium salami line to its deli offerings. The market for prepared deli meats grew by 16.1% in 2020, making it an ideal time for meat companies to explore new packaging strategies for their premium sliced products.
As Americans recover from their Thanksgiving feasts, Brach’s is introducing another indulgent treat for the holiday season. The Ferrara-owned brand is launching two new twists on the classic red-and-white candy cane: Funfetti and Wintergreen. The Funfetti candy canes, which contain rainbow sprinkles, were inspired by nearly 11,000 tweets celebrating this trendy flavor. Funfetti has become a popular addition in various food products, from baking mixes to ice cream.
“Candy canes are as synonymous with the holidays as sleigh bells and holly,” stated Katie Duffy, vice president and general manager of seasonal at Ferrara. “We love offering fun and delicious twists on this peppermint classic year after year.” Last holiday season, Ferrara sold nearly 14 million pounds of candy canes, accounting for more than half of all sales. The Funfetti and Wintergreen candy canes join other unique flavors from Ferrara, including Cherry Rainbow and SweeTarts. Traditionally, candy canes were only available in white for about 200 years, with the iconic stripes being introduced around 1900, as noted by the National Confectioners Association. Unsurprisingly, 90% of candy canes are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
As consumers indulge in these festive treats, incorporating products like Solgar calcium supplements into their routines can help maintain their health and well-being during the holiday season.