Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has been a fall favorite since before McCormick introduced the first pumpkin pie spice blend in 1934.
But pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor. “It’s an experience – and an emotional one at that, “ says Charity Gibson, chief marketing officer at Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), the No. 3 distributor in the 2024 PPAI 100.
As Bailey Fink wrote for Allrecipes in 2022, “The truth is, we don’t love pumpkin spice because of its taste, but because of its smell – and even more than that, because it’s nostalgic. … Our brain perceives it as a warm, happy memory that we enjoy.”
Gibson likewise credits the enduring popularity of pumpkin spice to its multisensory appeal engaging smell, taste and touch. “The best brands use all five senses to create a neurological connection between their brand and the community they serve or desire to serve,” she says.
Whether you’re talking about sweet treats spiced with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves or cozy apparel and hard goods in earthy oranges and browns, it’s a must-have theme for the season.
“Pumpkin spice-themed promo could really be perfect for anyone with the right products and messaging, either playing into the love or hate the public has for all that pumpkin spice has become,” says Gibson, adding that it offers plenty of opportunities for self-promo.
“August/September is the perfect time to double down on creating some sweet self-promo with thoughtful messaging,” she says. “Fun sayings on quality products with branded packaging, delivered at just the right time with a gift card to a local coffee shop? Pair that with a handwritten card and a call to action to enter to win 25 branded coffee mugs if the recipient posts their pumpkin spice selfie to Instagram and tags you in it? Big win. Truly, so many ways to get creative.”
Here are a few pumpkin spice options for promo with that cozy fall feeling.
The Thanksgiving Recipes Spice Gift Set includes three spice tubes – pumpkin spice, nutmeg and poultry seasoning – each with a holiday-themed sleeve or story booklet. The complete set is customized with your client’s logo in full color on the package, spice tube lids and inside lid of the shipping-ready gift box.
Le Tour de Spice / PPAI 762815, Standard-Plus
Create a kit with handmade goodies like Pumpkin Spice Almonds and Pumpkin Spice Crispycake for a double dose of fall flavor. Sweet flavors of cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg come together in these two treats reminiscent of pumpkin pie without the post-Thanksgiving food coma. Both comply with FDA, Prop 65.
HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum
Invite recipients on a treasure hunt with this 40-piece Gourmet Chocolate Truffles Gift Box, which includes pumpkin spice truffles – as well as espresso, cookies and cream, chili pepper and sea salt caramel – in a custom screen-printed black glossy box.
NC Custom / PPAI 111662, Silver
Gibson recommends the stylish and eco-conscious Perka Guji Recycled Steel and Coffee Grounds Mug (15 oz.) with copper trim. The outer wall and handle are crafted from a blend of recycled coffee grounds and recycled polypropylene, and the inner wall is made of recycled stainless steel. Each purchase includes a donation to Shelter to Soldier to support training service dogs for veterans.
Logomark / PPAI 110898, Platinum
Pair a mug or tumbler with Festive Coffee Shop Drinks, a book of more than 50 holiday-inspired recipes for coffee, hot chocolate and more, including pumpkin spice and other seasonal flavors. Customize with a belly band or full-page insert.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Silver
Pumpkin spice cookies are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Go for something a little different with a dozen (or half) Pumpkin Spice Cookie Shots. Customize with a logo on each cookie, as well as a custom-branded gift box.
Dirty Cookie / PPAI 814973, Standard-Base
This Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake isn’t quite pumpkin spice, but it was chosen to be on Oprah’s O List! Made in the USA, it comes in a silver gift box tied with a satin ribbon foil-stamped with your imprint. It weighs in at 1.75 pounds, serves 10-14 and is shelf stable for up to a week.Certified kosher available.
Maple Ridge Farms / PPAI 114165, Gold
Get cozy and clean with this Fall Favorites Bath Bomb Box Gift Set, three bath bombs in pumpkin spice, apple harvest and cinnabun, that come packaged in a kraft box tied with fabric ribbon plus a full-color custom gift tag.
Groline / PPAI 111079, Standard-Plus
Create a cozy atmosphere with a pumpkin spice-scented Aurora Concrete Candle (one of 10 scents available). Laser engrave your client’s brand on this modern, loft-style concrete jar with copper accent that contains a 12-oz. candle that will burn for up to 42 hours.
SnugZ USA / PPAI 112982, Platinum
