Dive Brief:
- Target is set to launch more than 20 new seasonal private label food items starting at $1.99 as part of its fall assortment, according to a Tuesday emailed announcement.
- The products will be part of Target’s Good & Gather and Favorite Day brands and available for purchase both in-store and online starting Sept. 3.
- This is the latest private label goods launch from the retailer as its food and beverage category sales continue to grow.
Dive Insight:
The fall assortment of goods consists primarily of apple- and pumpkin-flavored products, including apple pie-filled cookies, apple cider donuts, apple caramels and apple bourbon trail mix, according to the announcement. But the retailer also said customers can find some unexpected items, like honey pumpkin and goat cheese ravioli.
Target noted that during last year’s fall season, it sold enough cookies to give every person at the 2023 Superbowl 85 boxes each.
The retailer’s food and beverage category has performed well so far this year. During its first-quarter earnings call, Target’s Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington said the category experienced grown in the “high single digits” as well as improved the chain’s foot traffic. Target’s recently announced second-quarter earnings saw similar growth with food and beverage sales growing in the low single digits with much of that growth due to sales in snacks, candy and beverages, Hennington said during the call.
The mass retailer has launched numerous food-centered promotions, including ones connected to its private label and exclusive product assortment, over the past year as its grocery sales continue to grow. Earlier this year, Target released new alcoholic beverages ahead of Easter, with options exclusive to the retailer starting at $7.99.
During last year’s holiday season, Target launched affordable meal options, including $25 holiday dinners and sides for under $5.
