Grocers are embracing Mardi Gras season by stocking up on traditional favorites like king cakes, Cajun spices and seafood.
They are likely to have special displays and promotions to attract customers celebrating the season. Some stores are offering catering services for parties and gatherings.
Associated Grocers Inc.
Eleven retail members of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated Grocers participated in a King Cake Tasting event, submitting cakes for AG employees to judge.
Bedico Supermarket in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was crowned the winner with its Cookie Butter King Cake.
Associated Grocers also recently held a King Cake Crawl. Participants have put their king cakes on display all season long.
Stores kicked off the season with AG-produced mini-video vignettes featuring specialty king cakes from cream cheese, praline pecan and other fillings.
Customers also have the chance to enter to win a gift card as part of the promotion.
[RELATED: Associated Grocers Hosts Shopping Spree At 2 Louisiana Stores]
Winn-Dixie
Winn-Dixie is showcasing local flavors for Mardi Gras celebrations. The grocer is celebrating the heritage of the region, where food is at the heart of every celebration.
“For 100 years, we have proudly served our vibrant communities across the Southeast, and we celebrate the time-honored cultural traditions that make Louisiana truly unique,” said Jennifer Robertson, regional VP for Winn-Dixie.
“With many visitors in town for the … carnival season, Winn-Dixie is excited to continue offering classic New Orleans favorites with fresh ingredients and festive spirit to fuel the fun. This carnival season, go big on flavor because … nothing beats eating like a local.”
Winn-Dixie is showcasing its selection of more than 50 varieties of king cakes at its neighborhood stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, the Alabama Gulf Coast and the Florida Panhandle.
Baked fresh daily, options include traditional cinnamon, as well as favorite fillings like cream cheese, strawberry and chocolate. The grocer also offers more variations, including its newest king cake flavors, Bon Temps, cookies ‘n cream and confetti.
Winn-Dixie will host king cake decorating parties at select stores across the Gulf Coast.
On March 4, Winn-Dixie will participate in two Louisiana parades – the Krewe of Bogue Falaya in Covington and the Krewe of Argus in Metairie. Local stores will remain open during normal business hours on Fat Tuesday.