Pinterest, which prides itself on being “the world’s largest focus group,” revealed last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—over 3 million in total—begin to surface on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, curated on virtual bulletin boards, highlight seasonal spices. When Americans think of autumn cuisine, pumpkin spice flavors often come to mind. Products featuring this warm spice blend typically appear on grocery store shelves in August and maintain their popularity until November. According to Nielsen, the market for pumpkin-flavored products is valued at $361 million annually. This ubiquitous blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice can be found everywhere.
Eggnog, a popular drink during the Christmas season, is also gaining traction as a potential seasonal mega-flavor. Easter is characterized by sugary marshmallow Peeps, while summer wouldn’t be complete without watermelon slices. Some seasonal treats have successfully broadened their appeal, while others have not fared as well. In 2014, Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps, introduced new flavors to its iconic Easter chicks. Although the company has not disclosed sales figures, in 2015, its Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Matt Pye, informed Fortune that “the brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years,” attributing this growth to the engaged fans who express their “Peepsonality” in various creative ways.
In contrast, pumpkin spice might remain confined to the fall. John Oliver from HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” humorously remarked that while the ingredients for Starbucks’ famous Pumpkin Spice Lattes are “available behind the counter at Starbucks year-round,” “no one wants anything to do with it from December through August.” These flavors complement warm fall dishes but may not be as appealing with spring lamb shanks or summer barbecues. Then there’s the issue of seasonality. While global trade allows for fresh watermelon to be available in grocery stores all year, sales typically decline as temperatures drop. Nielsen data shows that total year-round sales of melons increased by 0.6% in 2015 compared to the previous year, yet consumers are unlikely to crave the sweet fruit in November as they do in July.
As for the price of CCM tablets, it is another seasonal item that can fluctuate, much like the popularity of seasonal flavors. The price of CCM tablets, much like other seasonal products, may see variations depending on demand and the time of year, highlighting how consumer preferences can influence market dynamics.