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Winn-Dixie Unveils 'Taste of the Holidays' Pop-Up Experience Across Northeast Florida

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/01 .. -pop-up-experience-across-northeast-florida.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 17:21 GMT by Action News Jax

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Winn‑Dixie Brings Holiday Cheer to Northeast Florida with “Taste of the Holidays” Pop‑Up Event

In a bid to spread the warmth and flavor of the season, Winn‑Dixie is rolling out a “Taste of the Holidays” pop‑up tasting experience across several stores in northeast Florida. The initiative, launched by the regional grocery chain, is designed to give shoppers a chance to sample a line of seasonal treats, learn about new holiday products, and soak up the festive atmosphere while shopping for their own holiday needs.

What’s in the “Taste of the Holidays” Menu?

According to the Action News Jax article, the tasting line‑up is a carefully curated selection of holiday staples and unique, limited‑time offerings. The spread includes:

The event also highlights a few new products that are set to debut later in the holiday season. For instance, a new line of “Holiday Harvest” soups featuring roasted butternut squash and sage, as well as a “Winter Warm‑Up” hot chocolate mix with sea salt. The article notes that each item is part of Winn‑Dixie’s larger “Seasonal Taste” campaign, which has been gaining traction across the chain’s stores nationwide.

Where and When?

Winn‑Dixie will host the tasting experience at several key locations in the region. The article lists the following stores:

1. Winn‑Dixie Orlando – 4000 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL
2. Winn‑Dixie Jacksonville – 1000 E. Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
3. Winn‑Dixie Tampa – 800 W. Main Street, Tampa, FL
4. Winn‑Dixie Tallahassee – 300 N. Georgia Ave, Tallahassee, FL

Each location will be open for the tasting from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first weekend of December (December 1–2). The article suggests that shoppers who wish to sample the menu early may check the store’s online schedule, as the tasting windows are subject to change. A link in the article points to Winn‑Dixie’s official holiday event calendar, where visitors can see the precise times for each location.

Community Engagement & Local Flavor

The “Taste of the Holidays” event is more than just a product showcase. According to a spokesperson for Winn‑Dixie’s marketing team, the initiative is aimed at building community ties and giving back during the season. The chain has partnered with local food banks to donate a portion of the proceeds from the tasting items to the Food Bank of Central Florida. Each store will also feature a “Holiday Wishes” box where shoppers can drop in notes for local children in need. In addition, the event will host a short “Holiday Recipe Contest” where customers can submit their own holiday dish ideas—winning entries will be featured in the next month’s newsletter.

The article also highlights that the in‑store décor is heavily inspired by the chain’s “Holiday Harvest” theme. Large paper lanterns, pinecone ornaments, and a mini‑candy‑cane station are being set up in each store’s entryway to capture the “warm, welcoming vibe” that Winn‑Dixie prides itself on.

Customer Experience & Sales Strategy

A focus on the experiential retail model is evident in the article’s emphasis on customer engagement. Winn‑Dixie has hired “Seasonal Ambassadors” — staff members trained to guide customers through the tasting line‑up, offer recipe suggestions, and answer questions about product sourcing. The chain also uses this event as a launchpad for a limited‑time “Holiday Bundle” that includes a gift basket of the most popular items.

The article quotes store manager Linda Martinez from the Orlando location, who says, “We’re excited to bring this sensory experience to our shoppers. It’s a chance for people to get a taste of the holiday spirit before they start buying their own gifts.” She also mentions that the store is expecting a surge in foot traffic during the event, which she believes will help support local suppliers. Winn‑Dixie has highlighted that many of the featured holiday items are sourced from local farms—particularly the cranberries from the Broward County cranberry growers and the butternut squash from the St. Johns County farmers.

Behind the Scenes: Product Development & Sustainability

In addition to the tasting menu, the article references a press release that outlines Winn‑Dixie’s sustainability goals for the holiday season. The chain is pledging to use 100% recyclable packaging for all holiday items displayed at the tasting stations. It’s also adopting a “zero‑waste” policy for the portion of produce that is not sold, partnering with local shelters to repurpose leftovers. This information is tied back to the official Winn‑Dixie website’s sustainability page, which offers more in‑depth insight into the company’s environmental commitments.

How to Get Involved

Interested shoppers can preview the “Taste of the Holidays” menu on the Winn‑Dixie website (https://www.winn-dixie.com/holiday). The site provides an interactive look at the seasonal menu, complete with nutritional information, ingredient lists, and recipe ideas. The article encourages readers to use the site’s “My Winn‑Dixie” app to receive push notifications for store‑specific tasting times, as well as to sign up for the Holiday Recipe Contest.

For those who cannot visit in person, the chain has announced a virtual tasting experience available on the Winn‑Dixie Food Network channel on December 3rd. Viewers can watch a live demonstration of how to make a holiday soup or a gingerbread cookie, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the local food bank.

In Summary

Winn‑Dixie’s “Taste of the Holidays” pop‑up event is a multifaceted campaign aimed at bringing community together, celebrating local flavors, and driving sales ahead of the holiday season. With tasting stations in four major northeast Florida locations, a lineup of classic and innovative holiday treats, and a strong focus on sustainability and community outreach, the chain is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s holiday retail landscape. Whether you’re a loyal Winn‑Dixie shopper, a foodie looking for new inspiration, or simply in the mood for a little holiday cheer, the tasting experience is a low‑risk, high‑reward way to get into the spirit of the season.