Deli: Catering HOLIDAY CATERING Q&A with GELSON'S MARKETS Gelson's Markets has already seen an increase in overall catering order and anticipates holiday dinners to move back to larger gatherings. Supermarket Perimeter had the opportunity to (digitally) sit down with Paul Kneeland, the Encino, Calif.based retailer's vice president of operations to discuss what Gelson's has in store for the busiest catering season of the year. Supermarket Perimeter: Last holiday season, a lot of retailers emphasized catering options geared toward smaller gatherings. Do you expect to see that same trend in 2021, or is there going to be a rebirth of what holiday catering trends used to look like? Paul Kneeland: We are expecting the gathering size to increase for certain. We have already seen an increase in catering overall. Holiday dinners will also move up to larger gatherings. However, we think that larger gatherings may still purchase the meals for two to get variety for differing tastes in the same household - for example in a household of six, one family may get turkey dinner for two, a prime rib dinner for two and a ham dinner for two. We are looking at 2019 numbers with our current trend to help estimate product needs. SP: How does Gelson's approach its catering menu for each holiday? Do you typically stick to key holiday staples or come up with unique items shoppers won't likely find elsewhere? PK: We actually do both; a traditional menu with the addition of adding a trendy or popular protein or side. Last year we introduced a plant-based dinner and a cauliflower rice and a balsamic brussels sprouts side. This year we are going retro with a creamed corn and scalloped potato introduction. SP: Are there any current trends that you are working into your catering programs? PK: We have been working diligently on cleaner recipes that make our catering a healthier choice. Our dessert category in catering has been changed to accommodate smaller bite size goodies which give customers variety for after meal enjoyment. Fall in Love with For exciting recipe ideas and to learn more about Ferrero candy toppings visit www.ferrerofoodservice.com, or call (800) 408-1505 for more information. supermarketperimeter.com 30 - OCTOBER 2021 ©Ferrero 2021 Ferrero S.p.A. GELSON'S MARKETShttp://www.ferrerofoodservice.com