The Incredible, Edible Sale

But with a unique promotion always comes questions—particularly regarding food safety. As such, distributors would be wise to emphasize the utmost care in packaging and processing. Vaquero’s steaks are cut only after an order has been made and are shipped using cold packs on the same day, Ford maintained. Plus, on-site USDA personnel conduct a “careful review, monitoring, testing and grading [of] all products,” she added.

This level of checks and balances has led to some innovative branding opportunities. “Included with the price of our product [is] a custom enclosure, whether it be a letter, a recipe, a thank you, an invitation or just a nice note from the powers that be,” said Ford.

DESSERT: SWEET ESCAPE ›

After a day’s worth of promotional cuisine, there might not be much space left, but as those with a sweet tooth know: there’s always room for dessert.

This mantra has worked well for Fresh Beginnings, said Lauren Fox, sales and marketing manager for the Valdosta, Ga. company. “Customers come to enjoy and expect their yearly treats and become disappointed if they don’t receive them,” she said. The opportunity for repetition is a big draw for food gifts, particularly where sweets are concerned. “If a high-quality gourmet treat that can be shared by many is sent each year, recipients look forward to their gift from the sender,” Fox added.

The response is almost Pavlovian. Once recipients see packaging, they can’t help but conjure positive taste associations and expectations for the gift inside.

To capitalize on this, plus preserve freshness, there are numerous imprinting options for Fresh Beginnings’ items. “With each process, customers have become very creative and have turned their packaging into a commemorative tin,” she reported. By adding the date or creating a new design using screen printing or four-color processing, end-users ensure it’s a lasting impression.