Christmas baskets adjust to the competition and new consumption habits of Ecuadorians

From everyday consumer products to delicatessen They are exclusive in the offer of the traditional baskets or pantries that are in these days due to the proximity of the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. Consumers can find them both on the hangers of the country’s supermarkets and in the virtual showcases of the social networks of various companies.

For example, Almacenes Tía offers its customers nine types of pantries ranging from $ 5.99 to $ 34.99. In the first, which they call “Christmas cover”, there are basic products, such as rice, oil, noodles and Easter bread from their brand Ta’Riko. In the others, others are added according to the client’s need.

“When deciding the offer of products that each basket contains, year after year we try to maintain the same benefits and prices for the final consumer. Each one varies its products and presentations, and given the final budget, the buyer will be able to choose the one that is most convenient for him, ”says the company.

The packaging is also varied: there are cardboard with Christmas designs and containers or baskets that can be used at home.

While, Favorite Corporation, which includes the chains Megamaxi, Supermaxi, Akí and Titán, offers fifteen different types of baskets, pantries and containers, whose prices range from $ 9.99 to $ 199.99, explains Rubén Salazar, its corporate manager.

“What we are looking for is to cover all price segments, in such a way that the client can choose according to their budget and product needs. On the other hand, the client can assemble a basket or pantry to their liking, and we at our distribution center prepare and deliver it to the address requested. We provide this service under certain conditions ”, says the executive.

Both companies indicate that they adapted their offer to the changes in consumption habits of Ecuadorians that occurred last year with the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why some types, brands and product presentations varied, but its executives add that the important thing is that the client has multiple options to choose from..

Likewise, Tía and Akí have a similar commercial strategy: if the consumer presents the price of baskets at a lower price, they offer to match or improve it.

In general, the sales expectation is optimistic. Tía believes that the country’s economy is gradually recovering, so she hopes to increase the sale of Christmas baskets by up to 30% over 2020. And La Favorita indicates, without giving figures, that 2019 had a drop in demand , and 2020 was even more accentuated, but that the outlook for 2021 “is even more encouraging than 2019.”

In the chain My Commissariat, of Corporación El RosadoSix types of baskets are also already offered, with prices ranging from $ 9.79 to $ 29.79. They contain national and imported products.

For seafood lovers, there are also Christmas pantry options from the Santa Priscila fishery. Belgium Acosta, its Business Development manager, explains that during the pandemic the local consumer turned to buying fresh proteins online; therefore, in 2020 they released this “novelty” to the market. And they took it up again this year.

In keeping with the times, the three types of baskets have special names: the Noel, for $ 29.99; the Rodolfo, for $ 19.99; and the Elves, for $ 9.99. “All three are different combinations of shrimp, tilapia and salmon in special presentations; also, shrimp burgers, nuggets of tilapia and others ”, says the executive.

The pantries are sold through its website www.santa-priscila.com; and hotels, restaurants and cafes (the sector called horeca).

Those who prefer to consume organic products also have basket alternatives in companies such as Agroapoyo SA Under the Yuniq brand, it sells eight types of “packs Christmas ”ranging from $ 12 to $ 30. They include, for example, dehydrated fruits or vegetables, snacks and organic sauces, wines, craft beers and accessories (such as mortars or candle holders) made from Himalayan pink salt.

In addition, for the purchase of any of them plus $ 6 you can choose between a wooden board, a canvas bag, a set for tea or an ecological cover.

Verónica Oleas, your Head of Marketing and Public Relations, He says that they launched their baskets in 2017. At that time and until the end of 2020 they had their own premises in the capital, but they closed it because they could no longer support it because of the crisis generated by the pandemic. So your sales will now be developed by allied organic product networks and stores.

“Last year there was a drop in the sale of packs, because currently there are many startups and the competition is strong. Every year we look for new options, but this our strategy was one of prices; in fact, compared to last year, packs they are cheaper, we have from $ 12 including taxes ”, says Oleas.

Oleas says that its plant, located in Quito, has GMP, HACCP and Kosher certifications. “Many of their products come from certified organic crops, they are gluten-free, suitable for vegans, free of additives or lactose. We work directly with producers to promote fair trade, “he says. (I)