Mania

America loves a good fad. While many credit the media for a product’s hype, it’s actually a traditional marketing strategy that’s usually behind things - scarcity.

Take the McRib which debuted in 1981 and then got cancelled in 1985. McDonald’s brings it back periodically but its timing’s uncertainty drives interest and demand.

How many times have you seen “only 1 left in stock - order soon” on Amazon? Pretty motivating tactic.

What confounds me, though, is the recurring popularity of all things pumpkin-spiced. I guess we can thank Starbucks and the Pumpkin Spiced Latte, first introduced in 2003 and brought back every August since.

Today, the American consumer can purchase…..

Blue Diamond pumpkin spiced almonds

Pumpkin pie spice Pringles

Native pumpkin spiced latte Deodorant

One DTQ pumpkin spice Beard Oil

Twinkies pumpkin spice

Breath Palette’s pumpkin pudding toothpaste

And, my favorite: Adam's Pumpkin Spice Detail Spray for automobiles.

Back to pumpkin spice lattes for a moment. Returning to pre-pandemic routines like picking up a latte on a pleasant fall morning feels really good; it’s packed with nostalgia and the comfort of fond memories.

Whether it’s scarcity or tugging on nostalgia, rest assured that marketing is doing its part to keep pumpkin farmers in business.