Autumn seasonal trends drive food and retail activity

As autumn arrives, seasonal trends in food, commerce, and local activities are emerging. According to USDA data, U.S. produce advertisements have seen a 3% decrease from the previous week, though autumn promotions for items like pumpkins, apples, and hard squash are expanding. Notably, pumpkin prices have decreased by 12% compared to last year, while broccoli crowns saw a 20% increase.

Culinary interest is shifting toward seasonal ingredients. Recipes featuring pumpkin and apple are prominent, ranging from savory pumpkin risotto and spiced oatmeal bars to desserts like milk chocolate pumpkin ganache and apple dapple cake. Many families are also engaging in traditional fall activities, such as visiting pumpkin patches in South Carolina or attending harvest festivals and corn mazes in Minnesota.

In the retail sector, several companies are launching seasonal promotions. Dunkin’ is offering limited-edition sweater cup sleeves and coffee promotions, while Hardee’s is running a National Biscuit Month campaign. Other food service providers like Sonic and Sonny’s BBQ are also introducing seasonal deals to coincide with the change in season.