Shuman Farms is wrapping up an extensive renovation of its packing facility in Cobbtown, Ga., says John Shuman, president and CEO.
“Upgrades and changes to our repack room, including the installation of a new grader, will increase productivity and efficiency, which will positively impact our ability to service our customers,” he said.
All renovations will be completed ahead of the season, and the first trucks of Vidalia sweet onions will be ready to roll out April 17.
This year’s Vidalia sweet onion crop looks to be of good quality with a variety of sizing available, Shuman said.
“Consumers wait eight months for the start of Vidalia season, and we encourage our retailer partners to build on that excitement in their produce departments by creating show-stopping displays welcoming their customers to the start of the season,” he said.
At retail, Vidalia onions work well with many other items in the department and provide a great opportunity to drive sales of other categories as well.
“For example, when consumers have Vidalia onions in their basket, they are six times more likely to purchase peppers, five times more likely to purchase mushrooms and squash, four times more likely to purchase potatoes and tomatoes and three times more likely to purchase fresh beef,” Shuman said.
“The quickest and easiest way to drive Vidalia onion and overall produce department basket size is with cross-merchandising,” he added.
Marketing plan
Shuman Farms offers messaging, POS materials and social media content for the 2023 season that will inspire consumers with recipes that include Vidalia onions from the marketer, Shuman said.
“Whether you’re having a cookout, grilling during the week or enjoying a spring celebration with your family, you can’t go wrong when you start your dish with Vidalia onions from Shuman Farms,” he said.
Shuman said the marketer has noticed that comfort foods with a healthy twist is a huge trending food topic for 2023.
“The health benefits of Vidalia onions and their versatility of flavor make them the perfect item for any classic dish,” he said. “Our most Googled recipe from our website is our Homemade Vidalia Onion Dressing, and we’re excited to share more healthy recipes with our consumers for every occasion.”
