Trick or treat? The countdown for Halloween has started
The leaves are changing color and the cold October weather has arrived, giving you the chance to dress up your company in the colors of this famous celebration and bring your customers along for October 31st. Limited editions1 and seasonal items have been shown to motivate customers to make impulse food purchases, especially by millennials and GEN Z. Consumers are intrigued by the unusual and more precisely by what’s unique.
Even more reasons to capitalise on this trend and offer products to match!
So, what are our predictions for Halloween 2024?
When you think of Halloween, you immediately think of sweets and candies. But did you know there are other treats you can offer?
This year, familiar products such as cupcakes, pies, puff pastries, biscuits, and brownies with terrifying Halloween themes will keep consumers busy throughout the season. In addition to product types and shapes, Halloween colours such as orange, red, purple, black, and green will also be used2. It's interesting to create a real experience for consumers by offering products that follow these themes.
We've compiled an overview of the trendy recipes and tastes for Halloween 20243:
Ghosts and Boo recipes
One shape that works well for the season is ghosts. Whether it's pastries, brownies, biscuits or pies, ghost-themed baked goods will amuse consumers with their playful and festive designs. This character can be both scary and funny to appeal to all ages (kids or their parents).
Spooky and spider cookies
Flavoured or decorated with themed motifs, spooky biscuits and spider biscuits are a hit at Halloween.
And yet they're so easy to make: decorate the biscuits with intricate spiderweb designs using royal icing or edible markers. For an extra spooky touch, add edible eyes or candy spiders. You can offer a selection of different biscuit shapes and sizes, such as giant spider biscuits or mini spider web snacks.
Mummy puff pastries or pies
A timeless Halloween figure is the mummy. Why not create your own using puff pastry?
For a savoury or sweet version, make a delicious tart and add random strips of puff pastry to bring your mummy to life. Bake until golden and crisp.
Ideal as a dessert in your restaurant or as a snack in your coffee shop.
Pumpkin shaped bread
Pumpkin breads are a delicious twist on traditional Halloween treats.
You can offer savoury versions by forming pumpkin-shaped bread balls with a gourmet seasonal filling, including melting cheese and pumpkin.
Tips: This can also be used as a container for a seasonal soup. Autumnal effect guaranteed!
To create visually appealing pumpkin-shaped pastries, use moulds to shape the pastry. Brush the pastries with a cinnamon sugar glaze or dust them with icing sugar to improve their appearance and flavour.
Halloween cupcakes
Halloween cupcakes provide the perfect canvas for festive creativity and can be an eye-catching centrepiece for your seasonal menu. They're especially popular with kids, parents and everyone in general.
You can play around with the filling but especially the topping. You can personalise your muffin endlessly to make it spooky, including making a spider's web, a ghost, a bat or an eyeball. All you have to do is have fun!
Autumn flavors
As well as creating a visual effect by offering personalised treats, you can adapt the flavours and modify them for the occasion.
You can use cinnamon, pumpkin, chocolate and peanut butter. Incorporating these autumn flavours into your menu not only enhances the seasonal experience, but also offers a range of options to satisfy a variety of tastes.
Tips: To be even spookier, incorporate Halloween-themed colours and flavours, such as cinnamon, into your hot and cold cocktails and drinks to make them stand out.
FESTIVE GUIDE FOR FESTIVE OCCASION
Take the opportunity to customise your products and give them the colours of the season.
We've created a guide with some quick and easy recipe ideas. Your customers are sure to love them!
Recipes for a scary good time
These recipes are sure to delight your guests and make your Halloween party even more special.
Blackberry Filled Croissant
For breakfast or a tasty snack, try this filled croissant.
It's quick and easy to make.
Fig and Mozzarella Half-Baguette
For the complete experience, offer a tartine for lunch or dinner.
Flavours and colours that will delight your customers.
And what about some more tips and tricks for a global Halloween atmosphere?
Whether you're a coffee shop looking to decorate your space or a restaurant looking for a subtle, spooky vibe, incorporating themed activities and cross-promotions can enhance your Halloween celebration and provide an experience for your customers.
How to decorate your restaurant for halloween? Create a Spooky Atmosphere with Decorations and special menu
Set the tone for Halloween with simple yet effective decorations. Hang spooky spider webs, and add black candles or gothic-style candlesticks for a haunting vibe. For family-friendly spots, use bright colors and playful characters to keep things fun and festive.
Enhance the atmosphere by renaming dishes and drinks with spooky names like “Witch’s Brew” or “Vampire’s Kiss.” Add dry ice for a mysterious, misty effect to immerse guests in a true Halloween experience.
Boost Engagement with Halloween Marketing Tips : promotion and communication
Increase engagement by hosting social media contests, such as costume or pumpkin carving challenges. Encourage customers to share their photos with your products using a branded hashtag to boost visibility.
Go beyond basic posts by sharing behind-the-scenes videos of your Halloween-themed dishes. Offer early access to specials for loyal customers and engage kids with Halloween treats. Collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotions to attract new clientele.
Sources : 1 Innova market insights, 2024: Chocolate Confectionery Market: Global Overview | 2 British baker, 2024: Spellbinding bakes: the Halloween trends making consumers cackle this year | 3 Tiktok, 2023-2024: Halloween bakery ideas, recipes