Read the Cinco de Mayo creative merchandising opportunities abound overview.
Denise Junqueiro, senior director of marketing and communications for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, also suggested a number of options for a one-stop Cinco de Mayo shop: tortillas, chips, cheese dips and pre-chopped ingredients for guacamole are among ideal complements to avocados for the holiday.
Kristyn Lawson, spokeswoman for Miami-based Fresh Directions International, which markets the Luv brand, said consumers will see more varieties on display for the holiday this year, including the tropical Carla avocado.
“The spirit of this year’s Cinco De Mayo is captured with Luv’s Fiesta Vibe campaign featuring hass and tropical avocados adorned with sombreros and dancing to mariachi music,” Lawson said, noting that festive and colorful point-of-sale materials are available.
Jay Alley, vice president of sales for Rhome, Texas-based Fresh Innovations, which markets the Yo Quiero! brand, recommended retailers use refrigerated end caps and secondary ice bath displays to showcase guacamole.
“Guacamole is a fun, social dip, and the displays should be fun as well,” Alley said. “Items that cross-merchandise well with guacamole are of course salsa and queso.”
Other tie-ins could include tortilla chips, fresh tortillas, taco fixings like pico de gallo, limes and shredded cheese, he noted.
“I have seen some even do (a) complete meal deal where everything for that one meal is in the case, with guacamole being the star,” Alley said.
Kirk Marquardt, vice president of avocado sales for Coral Gables, Fla.-based Del Monte Fresh Produce, suggested cross-merchandising with pineapple, guacamole ingredients like onion, cilantro, limes and tomato, and even specialty items like barbecue brisket guacamole.
Peter Shore, director of business development and marketing for Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers, recommended merchandising avocados with citrus, salsas and guacamole ingredients like peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and cilantro.
