As the holiday season rolls in, meal kits are a great opportunity for restaurants and food brands to capture the spirit of the season in a convenient, festive package. Whether customers are hosting their family, planning a small gathering, or simply looking for delicious stress-free options, holiday meal kits can provide everything they need, curated and ready to serve.
Craft a Memorable Theme and Story
Start by creating a theme or story around your meal kit that resonates with holiday traditions. Whether it’s “Cozy Winter Comfort,” “Holiday Feast for Foodies,” or “Classic Celebration Dinner,” the theme sets the tone for what customers can expect. Use imagery and words that evoke holiday joy and warmth to build anticipation and establish an emotional connection with your audience.
Offer a Taste of Tradition and a Touch of Surprise
Build a meal kit that combines familiar holiday staples with unique flavors or signature dishes from your restaurant. A Thanksgiving kit, for example, might include a classic roast turkey alongside a special side or dessert unique to your brand. Providing an element of surprise makes your kit feel like more than a convenience—it’s an experience. Highlight these elements in your marketing, creating the sense that your kit is a holiday treat they can’t find anywhere else.
Spotlight Convenience and Time-Saving Benefits
Holiday planning can be overwhelming, so emphasize how your meal kit makes it easier. Use phrases like “Skip the Shopping,” “Ready in 30 Minutes,” or “All Ingredients, Zero Hassle” to show customers how you’re helping simplify their season. Position the meal kit as a smart, stress-free choice that leaves them more time to relax and celebrate with loved ones.
Leverage Social Media with Visual Storytelling
Social media is the perfect stage to showcase your holiday meal kit. Share photos of the meal kit in beautifully set table scenes, with close-ups of the delicious dishes. Videos of your chef preparing the items or packing up the kit bring authenticity and excitement, showing customers exactly what to expect. Engage with your followers through polls or “this-or-that” choices about holiday sides to keep your audience excited.
Create a Limited Edition Feeling
Holidays are a limited-time experience, so play on the exclusivity. Use language like “Limited Quantity Available” or “Pre-order Now Before It’s Gone” to create urgency and prompt customers to order early. Offering an early-bird discount for pre-orders can also incentivize customers to reserve their kits right away, locking in demand.
Partner with Influencers or Local Bloggers
If there are local food influencers who align with your brand, consider sending them a kit to preview on social media. Seeing a trusted face share your meal kit experience, along with unboxing videos and first impressions, can help create a buzz and give potential customers a sneak peek of what they’ll receive.
Encourage Customer Shares and Tagging
Encourage customers to share their holiday meal kit experience on social media with a custom hashtag or by tagging your brand. Offer incentives like entry into a holiday giveaway for everyone who posts their setup, finished dishes, or holiday moments using your kit. This builds community around your product and brings in a stream of user-generated content that keeps the promotion rolling.
Provide Clear Instructions and Reheating Tips
Great marketing continues after the sale. Make sure to include easy-to-follow instructions and reheating tips in the meal kit, so customers feel confident preparing and presenting each dish. Offering a quick “holiday hotline” or live chat support for questions can give customers extra reassurance and enhance their experience.
Gather and Share Customer Testimonials
After the season, reach out to customers for feedback and testimonials. Highlight good reviews on your website or social media, especially as you plan for future holiday seasons. Potential customers are more likely to try your holiday kit if they see how much others enjoyed it.
A few of our clients currently marketing holiday meal kits and Thanksgiving dining experiences to help inspire you:
One Market, Succotash (National Harbor, MD), The Grill (District Wharf, DC), Gatsby (Capitol Riverfront, DC), Bistro Du Jour (District Wharf, DC), Spruce, Village Pub
