# Novel Summertime Snacks brands with cult followings launch summer-inspired novelty items. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published May 22, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/Novel-Summertime ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Novel Summertime trend? **Novel Summertime:** Fast food and beverage brands with notable fan followings are launching on-brand summer-inspired novelty products designed to go viral. This evolution highlights the continued interest in poking fun at the ubiquitous nature of certain large brands. ## The consumer insight behind the Novel Summertime trend Consumer appreciation of certain brands has strengthened to such an extent that the object of fandom has entered the space of pop culture. As a result, many individuals are interested in new and often outlandish branded developments that are unique and offer collector's value. This ultimately satisfies a consumer desire, wherein one's favorite brands become better integrated into their lifestyle. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 25, 2018 to May 22, 2019 - Published: May 22, 2019 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Novel Summertime trend ### Branded Novelty Products Fast food brands with notable fan followings are launching on-brand summer-inspired novelty products designed to go viral. ### Nostalgia Marketing Brands are appealing to millennials by creating apparel and accessories that remind them of their favorite childhood snacks and beverages. ### Pool Floats and Apparel Fast food and snack brands are expanding their merchandise offerings to include pool floats and apparel as part of a clever branding tactic for tapping the Instagram generation. ## What the Novel Summertime trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Food and beverage brands are launching on-brand summer-inspired novelty products designed to go viral. ### For Apparel and Accessories Brands are expanding merchandise offerings to include pool floats and apparel as part of a clever branding tactic. ### For Marketing and Advertising Nostalgia marketing is becoming increasingly popular among brands looking to appeal to millennials and create unique marketing campaigns. ## Workshop question How can your brand insert itself into beloved seasonal activities with special edition merchandise? ## Trend signals for Novel Summertime Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 71%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Novel Summertime trend 6 featured examples from Jul 25, 2018 to May 22, 2019. - [Humorous Miniature Patio Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-saver): Boston Pizza & john st. Equip the Pizza Saver with Matching Stools (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging unique marketing strategies involving food products to enhance brand recognition and customer experience. - [Juice Brand Swim Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pacific-cooler): Pacific Cooler Has Created a Nostalgia-Inducing Capri Sun Bathing Suit (Category: Fashion) Implication: There is an opportunity for apparel companies to incorporate iconic brand designs into their products, resulting in new merchandise that taps into consumers' childhood memories. - [Fried Chicken Pool Floats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-fried-chicken-pool-float): Cracker Barrel is Giving Away a Southern Fried Chicken Pool Float (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants and food brands to create unique promotional products to engage customers - [Fried Chicken Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kentucky-fried-chickenflavored-ice-cream): KFC Will Offer Kentucky Fried Chicken-Flavored Ice Cream This Summer (Category: Marketing) Implication: Industry can embrace the trend of unique and savory flavor combinations in sweet treats, and update traditional dessert offerings. - [Ranch Dressing Pool Floats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-valley-ranch): Hidden Valley Ranch Launched a Summer Collection with Pool Floats (Category: Marketing) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore the opportunity of creating branded pool floats and novelty merchandise collections to enhance their brand visibility and drive consumer… - [Branded Condiment Bathing Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-sauce-packet-bathing-suits): The Taco Bell Sauce Packet Bathing Suits Come in Two Style Options (Category: Fashion) Implication: QSR brands can innovate and expand their brand merchandise offerings to include clothing and accessories, which can generate additional revenue and build brand loyalty. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)