SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—High retail sales are expected for cranberries, stuffing, red wine and other items for traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, said The Nielsen Company.
Consumers are expected to shell out more than $46 million on stuffing; $34 million on cranberries; $14 million on sweet potatoes and yams; and $16 million on egg nog. Nearly 14 million bottles of wine will be served at Thanksgiving celebrations, with red wines slightly more popular than white wines. Pinot Noir and Riesling are more popular during Thanksgiving week compared to other times of the year.
“Back to basics is the theme for Thanksgiving celebrations this year as consumers comparison shop and search for price deals on traditional fare,” said Todd Hale, senior vice president, Consumer & Shopper Insights, The Nielsen Company. “Expect grocery retailers to be aggressive with advertising, recipe ideas, price promotions and prepared Thanksgiving meal offers in order to maximize sales during this critical ‘food holiday’ and to capture consumers who opt to cancel holiday restaurant plans due to the current economic conditions.”
