Pumpkin carving is synonymous with Halloween but there is a growing trend for pineapple carving . During Halloween in 2017, 135,428 pineapples were sold. Asda is predicting pineapple sales to increase 100% year on year.
Usually reserved for sipping summer drinks out of or eaten as a refreshing snack, it seems pineapples now have a place at Halloween, with Asda expecting to sell 100% more of the spiky fruit compared to the same period last year as more customers are opting for alternative fruit and veg to carve.
The supermarket’s pineapple buyer spotted an increase in the number of pineapples flying off shelves in Halloween last year, and after seeing numerous social media influencers continuing the trend for alternative carving already in 2018, stores have been stocked up.
James Tilson, senior buyer at Asda said: “Pumpkins have long been a staple of Halloween celebrations; however, we are expecting a rise this year in the number of pineapples sold for carving purposes after seeing lots of different posts on sites like Instagram and Pinterest.
“Carved pineapples fill the room with a sweet smell and they also give the carver more options when it comes to design, the pineapple stem is an added feature a carver can use in their design and the rough skin gives off a scarier effect than the smooth surface of a pumpkin.”
Last year, Asda sold 135,428 pineapples during Halloween and the supermarket has increased their pineapple orders this Halloween by 100% in the run up to the 31st October where they are expecting sales of pineapples to grow considerably.
Renowned food artist, Prudence Staite of Food is Art, said: “It’s a really interesting trend emerging. Originally, it was actually turnips that were carved during Halloween, however, pumpkins soon become synonymous with the holiday.
“Now it seems as though Pineapples are making an appearance, they are certainly easier to carve, and the design options are endless.”
Asda is selling pineapples for £1, medium pumpkins for 75p and large pumpkins for £1.50.