Retailers go spooky for Halloween

Halloween looks set to become an even bigger date for the diary this year, with retailers trying to entice kiddies with fancier fancy dress and kookier spooky sweets.

But it is not just the candymen cashing in on the occasion, since certain fresh produce suppliers have been getting involved, offering healthier Halloween treats.

In a bid to encourage youngsters not to forget their 5 A DAY, while enjoying the festive fun, Asda has introduced a Garden Gang bobbin apple bag and a Halloween satsuma net.

Asda fruit buyer, Lee Harper said the enjoyment factor was key: “Asda really want to create some excitement for our customers to help inspire them that fruit can be fun.”

The new packaging will be available in a limited edition 1.5kg bag for three weeks from October 27.

The bags will feature Halloween-themed games and jokes alongside a wand-wielding apple to encourage children to ask for the healthy treats.

Halloween satsuma nets will be available for one week only from October 27, with a recipe for 'vampire's blood and guts' on the reverse as a healthy alternative serving suggestion.

"Changing the packaging for Halloween on satsumas and apples will help create some entertainment and inspire children to enjoy fruit as part of this festival," said Harper.

"The new Halloween packaging should shout out at consumers and attract them to products they may have not previously considered."

Asda will also be displaying Halloween POS markers throughout the fresh produce section.

Meanwhile, Capespan has introduced a 'Dip 'N' Treat' product, in time for the October and November fetes.

The 'Dip 'N' Treat' packs, designed exclusively for Morrisons, contain four apples, and a choice of milk chocolate, white chocolate or toffee-flavoured dips.

Retailing at 99p each, the special packs can be found on the fresh produce barrow in store. From October 17 for three weeks only.

"Dip 'N' Treat packs are just part of Morissons' wide Halloween offering and provide a modern twist to the traditional toffee apple," said fresh produce buyer Paul England.