Christmas Marketing: Why Early Planning is Essential for Food & Drink Businesses
Christmas isn’t just busy. It’s pivotal. For many food and drink companies, the festive period accounts for up to 70% of annual sales, making it the most critical time of the year. But achieving success during this high-stakes season doesn’t happen by chance, it requires proactive planning, starting now.
In fact, for the biggest retailers, “Christmas in July” is a reality, with planning often kicking off in January. And it’s not just for the major players. Early preparation allows food and drink businesses of all sizes to get ahead of the competition, adapt to customer behaviours, and make this year’s festive season their most successful yet.
At Wyld Reach, we believe in planning that puts your brand at the forefront while keeping your customers’ needs in mind. From securing stock to crafting effective marketing strategies, we help you create a seamless customer experience that sets you apart.
Why should your food and drink business plan for Christmas Now?
- Stand Out in a Crowded Market:
The festive period is fiercely competitive, with brands vying for attention across every platform. Starting your marketing efforts early ensures your business stays top-of-mind when customers begin their Christmas shopping—often as early as September. A strong presence throughout this extended season helps you cut through the noise and capture valuable market share. - Optimise Your Supply Chain:
The festive rush often brings supply chain bottlenecks, and late preparations can leave you scrambling to meet demand. By planning early, you can secure stock, coordinate with suppliers, and avoid last-minute headaches. Ensuring product availability protects your reputation and builds trust with your customers. - Deliver a Better Customer Experience:
Early planning allows you to create a seamless and enjoyable shopping journey. From festive-themed email campaigns to an optimised website built for holiday traffic, a well-thought-out strategy enhances customer satisfaction. Consumers value brands that make Christmas shopping stress-free—and when you deliver, they’ll return again and again.
Supporting Your Customers’ Budgets
In today’s financial climate, your customers are looking for ways to manage their Christmas spending. Offering Christmas products and promotions from as early as August or September allows them to spread the cost, reducing stress and making their experience with your brand more positive.
Businesses can take advantage of this trend by offering exclusive early-bird deals, limited-edition bundles, or payment flexibility like Klarna or PayPal Pay-in-3. These thoughtful options not only boost sales but also show your customers that you understand their needs.
A Real-World Example:
Take an Aberdeen-based seafood business, for instance. By launching their Christmas range in September, they allowed customers to plan ahead, secure seasonal favourites, and spread costs over time. Early promotions not only increased sales but built stronger customer loyalty by making the shopping process easy and accessible.
Your Christmas Checklist
- Review Last Year’s Campaigns:
Look at what worked, what didn’t, and where you can improve. Were there missed opportunities or supply chain delays? Learning from the past is essential for a better future. - Secure Stock Early:
Collaborate with your suppliers to lock in inventory well in advance. This is especially critical for seasonal products prone to shortages as December approaches. - Start Marketing Early:
Get your content calendar ready now. Plan to begin promoting your festive range by late summer or early autumn. This ensures a longer runway for engagement and sales. - Encourage Early Purchases:
Offer incentives like discounts, exclusive bundles, or flexible payment plans to motivate early shopping. Not only does this spread demand, but it also helps your customers feel more in control of their budgets. - Local SEO Optimisation:
Ensure your website is optimised for local searches, especially if your business has a strong local presence in areas like North East Scotland. This can help attract nearby customers looking for quality products from trusted sources.
Why speak to Wyld Reach for Christmas food and drink marketing support?
At Wyld Reach, we’ve helped countless food and drink businesses turn the festive season into a thriving success. Whether it’s streamlining your supply chain, segmenting your audience for targeted campaigns, or building email flows tailored to early shoppers, we’re here to make sure you’re ready long before December rolls around.
The festive season isn’t just an opportunity—it’s the opportunity. By starting early, you’re setting your business up to maximise sales, delight customers, and end the year on a high.