Merchandising

Berry Boost: Merchandising Advice to Help Drive Sales

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:34:46 GMT

Taste, nutrition content and the grab-and-go factor might prompt consumers to put berries on their shopping list, but purchases might also be driven in-store by creative displays and innovative merchandising techniques, grower-shippers say.

Retailers can make an impact on shoppers with strong berry displays that offer variety and make choices clear for shoppers, says Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms LLC.

Focusing on high-visibility merchandising that leverages berries’ natural impulse appeal also can help drive maximum velocity, says Brad Peterson, director of business development for Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms.

Visibility and scale are of utmost importance, adds Steve Magami, co-founder and CEO of Century City, Calif.-based Fruitist.

“Larger displays create a sense of abundance and quality, which drives trial,” he says.

Hype the Health Benefit

The blueberry category has an advantage of its own when it comes to currying favor with consumers, says Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council.

USHBC has long sponsored health research that has created a strong foundation on which retailers can build, he says.

Display Decisions

Naturipe’s Moran encourages retailers to start off by making sure their berry displays are well-stocked with multiple pack sizes throughout the day.

“Data continues to show significant lost opportunity due to out-of-stock situations,” he says.

Cross-merchandising is another sales booster, like placing berries near yogurt, bakery or breakfast items so shoppers can easily picture how berries fit into meals and treats, Moran says.

“Creating abundant, tiered displays at the store entrance or within high-traffic corridors establishes a sense of farm freshness that captures shoppers immediately,” California Giant’s Peterson adds.

Large pack sizes also help lift berry sales.

Data from the California Strawberry Commission says 32-ounce containers are “massive drivers of category growth,” accounting for nearly 68% of incremental sales, Peterson says.

He also recommends cross-merchandising.

“Retailers can simplify holiday shopping by pairing fresh berries with bakery staples like shortcakes or dairy items like whipped cream,” he says.

And since more than half of strawberry volume is historically sold on promotion, implementing BOGO offers or multi-buy pricing can generate volume lifts exceeding 35%, Peterson says.

What a Study Shows

Cronquist says USHBC shopper research has shown that:

Clear and bold in-store merchandising sells more blueberries.
Cross-merchandising with highly aligned products (like yogurt) is also successful.
Signage that refers to the quality and value of blueberries is effective as well.

“Positioning blueberries as a ‘healthy-but-easy’ snack with multiple everyday use cases is key to increasing basket size and repeat purchase behavior,” Cronquist says.

USHBC provides turnkey, customizable retail merchandising solutions, including:

Seasonal marketing toolkits aligned to key selling periods and occasions.
In-store activations, point of sale and signage designed to drive visibility and impulse purchases.
Digital shelf and e-commerce assets to support omnichannel conversion.
Shopper insights and data-backed strategies to guide merchandising, pricing and promotion decisions.

“Clear pricing, strong quality cues and well-organized displays help shoppers move confidently through the purchase process,” Cronquist adds.

Mind the Placement

Fruitist’s Magami suggests that retailers rethink how berries are positioned in-store.

“For a long time, they’ve been treated as a commodity produce item, which naturally limits how often people buy them,” he says. “But when you start to merchandise berries as a snack, you unlock a very different kind of behavior.”

That means moving them beyond the produce aisle and into more impulse-driven environments, like near checkout, in grab-and-go coolers or alongside items people already associate with snacking, he says.

Fruitist works closely with retail partners to share insights on what’s actually driving growth, he says. That includes product placement, how various formats perform and how berries can bring new shoppers into the category.

Sometimes, Inspiration for Produce Ad Merchandising Just Needs a Little Push

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:37:23 GMT

I walked around a store as a specialist early one morning, going through the open back dock doors. It was a couple of hours before the store opened.

This wasn’t uncommon. As I visited store locations as a specialist, I had to get an early start, hit as many stores as I could, checking in with produce managers along the way. My job was multifaceted, sometimes hard to explain.

However, mine was indeed a support role: help the produce managers be successful, be it with merchandising, inventory control, managing their crews, training and more.

I walked through the back room; the load was still there from the overnight delivery. A familiar produce veteran was busy pulling pallets into the cooler, rotating and putting the load away. All well here, I thought.

Then I ran into an odd sight.

I found Milt, the produce manage out on the dimly lit sales floor. While the rack setup man was making good progress for store opening, Milt was sitting on a half-pallet of mixed apple varieties, staring at the empty, freshly matted display table in front of him.

Milt hadn’t noticed me when I interrupted his train of thought. “Good morning,” I said. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, hey, Armand,” Milt replied, smiling behind his thick eyeglasses. “I was, um, just uh — you know, waiting. Waiting for inspiration.”

I patted him on the shoulder. “Be right back,” I said.

In many cases when a store was discovered “on fire” — or in terrible stock condition — specialists such as myself weren’t above shedding the sport coat for an apron, rolling up our sleeves to help a crew catch up. In this case, the produce department was in good shape; Milt was just faced with building his lead ad display for the week. He was stuck for ideas, which typically come from experience or from seeing other displays. After a quick detour to the deli, I bought some coffee for the crew.

“Here’s a cup of inspiration for you,” I said. I leaned up against the pallet with Milt as he continued to ponder his course of action. I could relate. I’d been there once or a thousand times myself over the years. After a few sips, I broke the silence. “Tell me what you’ve got so far.”

Milt stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I want a fall look. I have these nice bushel baskets for props. I’m thinking something simple. I’ll line up the shipper cartons to build a spillover in front of the display, then line the bushel baskets on the top layer, dummy those up to limit the amount of product. The two baskets on either side will be bulk red delicious, with the center basket being golds. That’s what I’ve got so far.”

“I like it,” I said. “Basic. Bushels always a nice farm touch. How about the back of the display? Got anything there to add some height to draw the eyes up there?”

“Huh? Oh yeah. The half-bushel stack is right there,” Milt said, pointing to the side of the table. “I can place those behind the table so it looks like the apples are pouring out. Maybe use this checkerboard tablecloth beneath to line the box tops, maybe some totes in front.”

“Nice touches,” I said. A good display draws upon the senses. Height, depth, color, color breaks, freshness, abundance — or at least the illusion of abundance. “Is that it?”

“Getting all the signing wrapped up, and just getting it all done,” Milt said.

I peeled off my sport coat. “I have a little time. Let’s do it.” In about 30 minutes, the display came together as we chatted about the latest company happenings, about what was coming up, about our families, our favorite sports teams.

Sometimes, inspiration just needs a nudge — and some coffee.

Armand Lobato’s more than 50 years of experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. He has written a weekly retail column for two decades.

Smart Merchandising Tips to Help Boost Mango Sales

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:04:25 GMT

Merchandising tactics like creating huge displays and focusing on core volume drivers might help retailers move more mangoes, distributors say.

“We have always contended that when you get really, really large displays out there, you move more fruit,” says Chris Ciruli, partner at Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros.

“We’re talking about trying to convince retailers to go to 8- to 16-foot displays — something very impressive and eye-catching when you walk in the store that gives you that impulse buy,” he says.

Ciruli says he’s seen that technique work firsthand and adds that the National Mango Board plans to conduct research to back up that claim.

During the late winter and early spring, when weather issues might still exist in parts of the country, selling mangoes can be a challenge, he says, even though volume is picking up.

“But when you see these large displays of ripened fruit on display, it gives that impulse buy, and we do see fruit move better,” Ciruli says.

Display size has everything to do with boosting mango sales, agrees JoJo Shiba, West Coast director for GM Produce Sales LLC, Hidalgo, Texas, especially if those displays appear at the right time.

For example, honey mangoes will be peaking through the third week of April, she says. So, now is the time to go in on honey mango displays.

Sebastian Sanchez Jr., director of sales and procurement for Santis Produce LLC, Pharr, Texas, recommends focusing on core volume drivers — tommy atkins, kent and keitt varieties — along with honey (ataulfo) mangoes.

“Keeping the set simple but effective helps drive movement and avoids overwhelming the customer,” he says.

He adds that it’s a good idea to display a mix of bulk and packaged product.

“Bulk drives impulse purchases and strong volume, while consumer packs provide convenience and consistency, helping build customer confidence and repeat purchases,” Sanchez says.

When it comes to consumer packs, Ciruli suggests cardboard packs or clamshell containers rather than plastic bags.

“We still see a lot of retailers using plastic bags with mangoes,” he says. “Mangoes don’t ship well in bags; they don’t breathe well in bags.”

Ciruli Bros. offers a 5-pound cardboard consumer pack as well as clamshell containers.

In ethnic communities, retailers may be able to sell mangoes by stacking boxes outside the entrance to the store or just inside the door, he says.

“It really helps push volume to have large displays with boxes involved,” Ciruli says.

Cross-merchandising is another way retailers might sell more mangoes, distributors say.

“Mangoes pair extremely well with other tropical items like pineapples, which we also supply under our label,” Sanchez says.

Retailers can cross-merchandise mangoes with limes and chili-lime seasonings to enhance the overall tropical display and drive additional sales, Sanchez adds.

Ciruli also suggests cross-merchandising mangoes with complementary fruit items like avocados, Hispanic-style foods or Hispanic food flavorings.

“There are definitely a lot of cross-merchandising ideas we’re trying to push to get mangoes in more places than just the produce section,” he says.

Shiba suggests merchandising all or some mangoes with citrus items because of their high vitamin C content.

Some retailers started that during the COVID-19 pandemic and saw sales spike, she says.

Displaying both red and yellow mangoes is another good merchandising tip, she says, and ideally, more than one size.

No matter the mango variety, Lavanya Setia, director of marketing for the National Mango Board, Orlando, Fla., says it’s best to avoid storing whole mangoes in freezers or refrigerators, and she suggests using mangoes to complement produce items such as berries (for smoothies) or avocados.

And don’t overlook opportunities with organic mangoes.

“Offering organic mangoes gives customers the ability to choose and expands your reach to health-conscious shoppers,” Sanchez says. “Having that option available is increasingly important in today’s retail environment.”

Winning Strategies to Boost Big Game Sales

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:39:33 GMT

The week of the Super Bowl and the week leading up to it are some of the biggest of the year for the produce department at Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper.

“We give it as much attention as any holiday,” says Jeff Cady, the director of produce and floral for the Williamsville, N.Y.-based company.

It’s worth paying a lot of attention to this annual sporting event, whether you’re a retailer or a produce company, as consumers plan for big game gatherings.

Index Fresh typically experiences a demand increase of 15% to 25% in its avocados leading up to the Super Bowl, “adding to what is already a peak sales period,” says Kellen Stailey Martin, who serves as vice president of marketing for the Corona, Calif.-based company.

Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo expects to see at least a 25% increase that week.

“We view January and early February as a multiweek lift period,” says Peter Shore, vice president of product management.

The Hass Avocado Board, Mission Viejo, Calif., reports a 25% rise in dollar sales and a 3.8% uptick in avocado units sold in the 2025 Super Bowl run-up, compared to 2024. Stailey Martin expects 2026 to be a strong year, too.

Drumming Up Excitement

To encourage sales, Rhome, Texas-based Fresh Innovations LLC dip brand Yo Quiero offers recipes and party ideas for the Super Bowl on its website and works with influencers who also provide ideas and content consumers can use.

It’s important to work with influencers with usage and recipe ideas, says Tara Murray, vice president of marketing.

“We want to make sure they have a voice that matches our brand and they have great ideas to take our products beyond the dip — to show different things you can do and different products you can add them to,” she says.

The influencers start talking about the Super Bowl as early as October, she points out, and ramp up close to the Big Game to offer more content and excitement.

Calavo also uses social media to create essential pregame buzz.

“We create content with engaging usage or recipe ideas, reminders to consumers to pick up avocados in time for the game, share tips about how to choose ripe avocados, and we amplify excitement and participation through fun contests and giveaways,” Shore says.

Avocados From Mexico prides itself on taking a different spin on marketing. This year, the Irving, Texas-based group is working with comedic actor Rob Riggle, featuring him, as The Guac Guru, on in-store displays, shippers and on bags.

“Our brand leans into fun, and that separates us from other avocado brands,” says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution.

Index Fresh partners with Avocados From Mexico to support Super Bowl promotions through branded bags and in-store offers. Themed bags feature a $1.50 cash-back, scan-and-save incentive.

“Shopper research for 2025 revealed that those influenced by coupons or promotional offers are 20% more likely to take action than the average consumer,” Stailey Martin explains.

Tops Friendly Markets starts gearing up for the Super Bowl in September when it runs mini marketing campaigns and digital coupons for the first four to six weeks of the football season.

“We let that simmer down, and we hit it again in January,” Cady says. “That’s the playoffs, so that’s the exciting time.”

In the time just before the Super Bowl, to get customers excited, Tops places a Super-Bowl-themed overwrap on its circular dedicated to football-related foods such as avocados, carrots and celery, trays of produce, beer and chips.

The company also features Super-Bowl-related recipes on its website and features digital coupons.

Giant Food, Landover, Md., launches a Super Bowl landing page on its website, titled, “Game Day” or “Big Game,” to drive customers to find the best promotions.

Calavo also uses social media to create essential pregame buzz. “We create content with engaging usage or recipe ideas, reminders to consumers to pick up avocados in time for the game, share tips about how to choose ripe avocados, and we amplify excitement and participation through fun contests and giveaways,” says Peter Shore, vice president of product management.

(Photo courtesy of Calavo)

In-Store Merchandising

Close to the Super Bowl, Tops Friendly Markets has a couple of prominent displays of avocados, which are also featured in the circular and recipes.

“We’re trying to solve customers’ problems,” Cady says. “It’s got to come alive in the store.”

He will use avocados in a display with items such as tomatoes, garlic and onions for customers who want to make dips like guacamole or salsa, and he likes to include another display with items such as carrots, celery, radishes and cucumbers, with some dips, for those customers who want to build their own trays. Ready-made trays are also available.

Giant Food customers also like a selection of produce, and stores group fresh produce like peppers, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, avocados and grapes to make charcuterie boards and grazing tables for their Super Bowl parties, says Matt Novosel, produce and floral category director.

“Fresh-cut and prepackaged items are a huge driver for the category this time of year, especially veggie and fruit platters,” Novosel adds.

Customers also use the fresh produce to make homemade spreads and dips, he says. The company’s in-store magazine, Savory, offers a plentiful selection of recipe ideas and easy ways to save on entertaining for the event.

Getting Ripeness Right

Avocados, one of the mainstays of Super Bowl snacking, are one of the hardest produce items to get right when it comes to ripeness.

Most of Tops’ avocados around the Big Game are merchandised ready to eat, but a small section will be less ripe, Cady says, to give customers options.

Demand for ripened fruit from Index Fresh also spikes in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.

“Since most shoppers purchase avocados to eat on game day, one to two days before Super Bowl Sunday, providing ready-to-eat, ripe options is essential,” Stailey Martin says. “For the segment of consumers shopping early, Index Fresh recommends offering firmer avocados at promotional prices, boosting sales until the Big Game.”

Avocados From Mexico prefers loose avocados to be ripe and bagged fruit to be less ripe because consumers are taking several home. It also offers educational messaging for consumers on how to speed up or slow down the ripening at home.

“Education and knowledge of how to ripen the fruit remains the top area after price and selection,” Bazan says.

Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce recommends that retailers ripen to Stage 4 during the week leading up to the event.

“According to our 2024 avocado usage study, approximately two-thirds of shoppers intend to consume their avocados within two days of purchase under typical circumstances,” says Jennifer Anazawa, director of trade and category development. This figure increases to 84% for the Super Bowl, with 50% purchasing avocados either the day before or on the same day.

Cross-Merchandising Boosters

Giant Food creates cross-merchandised displays that, along with avocados, feature freshly made tortilla chips, onions, tomatoes, limes and seasoning packets.

“We work to create destinations that make it easy and convenient for our customers to find everything in one stop,” Novosel says.

The stores also cross-promote with floral and decorate the produce department with themed balloon displays.

“This is a great opportunity to decorate the department and store while driving units and additional items,” he adds.

Index Fresh likes to leverage promotional bag and bin displays near salty snacks and register endcaps. This, Stailey Martin explains, is “a proven strategy for capturing impulse buyers and boosting unit sales. Strategically placing avocados in high-traffic areas helps maximize exposure and engagement, fueling big game excitement at the store level.”

Yo Quiero products are featured in refrigerators in the store perimeter, and the manufacturer provides trade deals, recipe ideas and bundled offerings so retailers can build secondary, refrigerated displays that bundle Yo Quiero dips with store-brand items like chips, veggie trays and meat.

“These trade deals allow retailers to provide aggressive pricing, which encourages multi-product purchasing from consumers,” says Jay Alley, who is the co-owner and vice president of sales for Fresh Innovations.

It works really well, he adds, when retailers cross-merchandise “and create displays of game day essentials like dips, chips, beverages, barbecue items and even paper goods. Retailers have seen that when they create a football destination in store, it drives excitement and sales.”

Calavo also takes advantage of cross-merchandising, encouraging retailers to feature guacamole ingredients — jalapeños, serrano peppers, tomatoes, lemons, limes, onions and garlic — alongside avocado bags or large displays.

“This tested strategy makes shopping easy for consumers and significantly drives cross-category purchases,” Shore says.

Calavo recommends retailers leverage secondary displays, such as hanging strips or smaller merchandisers, in other high-traffic store aisles.

“This placement serves as a critical purchase reminder and successfully captures impulse buys, further boosting avocado movement,” Shore explains.

Avocados From Mexico makes recommendations to retailers on how and where to merchandise, but Bazan points out “there’s a lot of opportunity within produce and outside produce. When we merchandise outside produce, we’ve seen we can help lift other departments too.” A branded display in the meat area, for example, can drive a 19% boost in sales.

Mission Produce likes to see its avocados merchandised with affinity items and a recipe card to inspire bigger baskets.

“Ahead of the big game, avocados are frequently found in baskets with other affinity items,” Anazawa explains. “Consider adding a secondary display using bag racks or display bins to capitalize on these opportunities.”

Secondary Displays Are a Prime Way To Boost Sales

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:00:16 GMT

How’s sales? That was usually the first question that I’d ask a produce manager during store visits. It was also remarkable how somehow the question seemed to throw them for a loop.

“Sales?” They would answer slowly, meaning they really had no idea where they stood for the week. “All right, I guess.”

The question was rarely something more precise, such as, “We should hit $145K this week if our Saturday pans out like I think it will, as we’re up 3% to 6% in sales over last year so far this quarter.” That kind of answer would be impressive, and I was indeed impressed on occasion.

Achieving maximum produce sales, like most retail operations, is an inexact science. So many factors are involved: seasonality, pricing (of course), quality, stock level, competition, local economics and ample supply. Even the weather can play a role in how many customers will walk through your door.

What then motivates shoppers to reach out and buy something remains anyone’s guess.

We do know from the primitive but interesting data mining of sweeping up numerous shopping lists is that under the “Fresh Produce” heading was often written, “Fruit” and “Stuff for salads” — reinforcing the long-established premise that a majority of produce purchases are indeed impulse sales. (You know, whatever appeals to the customer’s eye in the valuable, “Ah-ha!” moment.)

OK, maybe that moment is not so dramatic. Still, it’s when a combination of thoughts collides: “A bag of gala apples for the kids lunches this week will work,” or “Oh, the bell peppers are on sale. They’re always good for sauteing with ground beef,” or “Fresh jalapenos, gonna get a few to slice up for my breakfast eggs and game time nacho topping.”

Merchandising to match the impulse sale moments is also key.

Once, during an overnight reset, a disgruntled clerk said, “I don’t care what you do, we only sell two cases of bunch spinach each week.” A friendly wager was made, and within a week the store was selling eight cases weekly, simply because of a lobby display was built.

Oh, ye of little faith.

I was in a hardware store last week looking for wood glue for a project. I walked the fastener screw and nails aisle. No glue. “Uh, yeah. We stock that near the paint,” the clerk said. In the paint section? Well, all right, I thought. Clear on the other end of the massive, big box store?

The merchandiser in me thought: You know, it’s their playground, but a shipper display of wood glue would sell very well here, placed among all these other fasteners, right?

Which brings me to my point: the importance of duplicate or secondary displays.

You know the drill: bananas near the cereal aisle, a shot of lemons in front of the seafood case. sliced packaged mushrooms sell like crazy when a display is parked in the meat department next to the steaks, especially during heavy barbecue periods.

I used to build a makeshift display of the candy apples we sold in produce; open cases stacked on a cart and placed near the checkout lanes. Instead of the usual one or two cases, we would easily move 10 to 20 cases, even on a slow day. Sales. Impulse sales.

All the little extra efforts made play right into customers’ heavy impulse tendencies.

Secondary or cross-merchandising isn’t new, and it isn’t limited to the springtime strawberries-and-shortcakes displays either. Every season is ripe for coming up with ideas to push sales with secondary displays. Every day, and especially every weekend or other peak periods, the opportunity to increase sales knows no bounds.

If you can imagine a duplicate display working, make your plan. Know where and how you want to merchandise the item, and make sure the space is available. Order enough product to support the effort, expecting the best quality and the best possible sales.

Give it a try. When the boss comes around, asking “How’s sales?” — you can cite sales figures, all right, but you can also point to some of your extra effort displays to show that you’re not just leaving sales completely to chance.

Armand Lobato’s more than 50 years of experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. He has written a weekly retail column for nearly two decades.

Wonderful Pistachios, NFL Star Josh Allen Kick Off National Ad Campaign

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:39:46 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios unveiled the next chapter of its partnership with Buffalo Bills quarterback and pistachio farmer Josh Allen, debuting a national advertising campaign that puts Allen’s NFL stardom center stage following the launch of the Josh Allen Scholarship.

Set to air through the remainder of the NFL season, the television spots build on Wonderful Pistachios’ comedic “The Don’t Hold Back Snack” campaign that launched earlier this year, but with a football-inspired twist, according to the brand.

The Josh Allen Scholarship and multilevel marketing campaign highlight Allen’s unique role as both a star football player and an official grower of Wonderful Pistachios. His family’s farm in California’s Central Valley, which produces pistachios for the brand, provides authentic connection that blends family farming tradition with professional excellence on the field, the brand says.

“Partnering with Wonderful Pistachios allows me to honor where I come from and give back to the community that shaped me,” Allen said in a news release. “It’s equally about fueling fans and athletes with a great snack and planting seeds of possibility for the next generation in the place where my story began. Wonderful Pistachios isn’t just a brand I represent — it’s a part of who I am now.”

“This campaign goes beyond the traditional celebrity endorsement,” says Michael Perdigao, president of The Wonderful Agency, which produced the campaign. “Josh’s story is one of authenticity and a deep connection to our brand. The commitment to his character in the TV commercials brings our message to life in a significant way that goes above and beyond the bottom line.”

At the heart of the campaign are new 30- and 15-second television commercials by director Harold Einstein. In the satirical spirit of Einstein, the humorous commercials feature Allen in the locker room, reminding his “teammates” that instead of going to outrageous lengths to curb snacking, they should simply reach for Wonderful Pistachios.

In “High Five” and “Taped Up” TV commercials, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s teammate is wrapped in a giant ball of athletic tape to keep him from reaching for unhealthy snacks.

(Photo courtesy of Wonderful Pistachios)

In “Ice Breaker” and “Melt Down,” Allen consults a fellow football player encased in ice after an ice bath to hold back on snacking. In “High Five” and “Taped Up,” Allen’s teammate is wrapped in a giant ball of athletic tape to keep him from reaching for unhealthy snacks.

“Josh showed up ready to work, and I have to admit, I was impressed we managed to squeeze a season’s worth of content into a single day,” says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. “Turns out, he’s as good at hitting comedic timing as he is at hitting wide receivers.”

“Ice Breaker” debuted Oct. 5 during the nationally televised Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots Sunday Night Football game on NBC. The remaining commercials will roll out across cable outlets, digital streaming platforms and social media during football season. They join five existing “Don’t Hold Back Snack” spots from Einstein that debuted earlier this year, including “Cement Hands,” “Lilliputians,” “Bear Hug,” “Crocodile” and “El Stachio.”

Wonderful Pistachios and Allen recently announced details of a significant philanthropic collaboration — the Josh Allen Scholarship — which supports first-generation students in Allen’s rural, farming hometown of Firebaugh in California’s Central Valley.

“Launching the scholarship with Wonderful makes this campaign especially meaningful because it brings real opportunities to kids who remind me of myself at their age,” Allen says.

Scholarships are open to 12th grade students at Firebaugh High School, who are invited to apply by their school administration. Those accepted will receive guidance with college applications and up to $12,000 in financial support over four years to pursue higher education. This initiative builds on The Wonderful Company’s long-standing commitment to empowering Central Valley youth through education and opportunity.

Complementing the scholarship and TV launch, life-sized standees of Allen are featured in stores nationwide alongside new Josh Allen POS displays and spectaculars, giving fans a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the star quarterback while stocking up on Wonderful Pistachios. Social media and PR activations will amplify the partnership, including exclusive, behind-the-scenes content from Allen’s commercial shoot and a bloopers reel that will be shared on his own social channels, according to Wonderful Pistachios.

Bako Sweet Kicks Off Game Day Packaging Promotion

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:49:30 GMT

Sweetpotatoes from Country Sweet Produce’s Bako Sweet brand will be suiting up for its first Game Day Tailgating packaging promotion, which will give retailers “a fresh opportunity to score incremental sales this fall,” the company says. Running September and October, the brand’s product lineup will feature limited-time, football-themed packaging and in-store displays designed to capture shopper attention.

“Fall is one of the most exciting times for food and entertaining, and game day gatherings are a perfect occasion to spotlight sweet potatoes,” says Susan Noritake, vice president of sales and marketing at Bako Sweet. “We’re encouraging retailers to get their orders in now so they can be ready to win big when shoppers start planning their tailgates. Our themed packaging and fun, high-visibility displays not only grab shopper attention but also inspire creative, better-for-you game day recipes.”

The promotion will include organic and conventional sweetpotato trays, organic and conventional 3-pound and 5-pound mesh bags, and Single Sweets — wrapped sweetpotatoes that are washed, ready to microwave and now dressed to look like footballs.

It will also include Game Day Tailgating display bins featuring the “Sweeten Game Day Tailgating” theme, complete with a football goal post graphic and sweetpotato appetizer imagery for retail. The company says visually engaging displays like this can give retailers a powerful way to inspire impulse buys.

Beyond the store, Bako Sweet says it will share a lineup of tailgating and grilling recipes for sweetpotatoes across its social media channels and partner with influencers to create game day-inspired content as part of the promotion.

The company says Game Day Tailgating packaging and displays will be available for shipment starting Sept. 1, and it encourages retailers are to secure orders early.

Designing Desire: How 'Think Blink' Moves Produce Sales

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:21:07 GMT

In the fast-paced world of grocery retail, making a lasting impression is no longer just about price or product placement, especially in the produce aisle.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president and founder of the Toronto-based strategic design agency SLD and author of “Think Blink Manifesto,” says creating emotional connections in the blink of an eye is the secret to building shopper loyalty — and boosting produce sales.

Emotions Drive the Cart

“Eighty percent of all buying decisions are made emotionally,” Lacroix says. “And 80% of communication is visual — 40% of that is color and shape.”

That’s the foundation of Lacroix’s Think Blink philosophy, which combines strategic thinking (think) with instantaneous emotional connection (blink). It’s about reaching shoppers’ hearts before their rational minds kick in.

For the grocery produce aisle, that means branding and design need to work together to create a visual and emotional experience, and quickly. In Lacroix’s terms, it’s about developing mental shortcuts that help shoppers feel good about what they’re buying. And in a category where freshness, sourcing and health drive decisions, visuals are key.

When shoppers can “meet” the farmer through visuals or narratives, they’re more likely to buy — even if the price is a bit higher.

(Photo courtesy of SLD)

What’s the Blink Factor?

Lacroix coined the term “blink factor” more than three decades ago after observing that shoppers often identify brands not by name, but instead by shape and color — e.g., Pizza Hut’s iconic red roof. He realized that fast decisions are made visually, and the same holds when consumers grab a bunch of kale or a clamshell of strawberries.

In produce, cues like “locally grown,” “organic,” or even a province or state name can serve as these emotional triggers.

“[Canadians] buy strawberries in November knowing they traveled from California,” he says. “But if they see it’s Ontario-grown [or regional], they immediately associate it with freshness and quality.”

These visual cues tap into the consumer’s emotional brain, which seeks to conserve energy by making fast, intuitive choices, Lacroix says. And that’s where the opportunity lies for produce marketers: help consumers feel good fast.

Storytelling Adds Value

To elevate the produce experience, Lacroix emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool that’s underutilized in grocery retail. When shoppers can “meet” the farmer through visuals or narratives, they’re more likely to buy — even if the price is a bit higher.

At Calgary Co-op in Alberta, Lacroix’s team developed shelf signage that went beyond the basics. Each produce sign featured the standard price and product name but also included a brief story about the farmer or farm where it was grown.

“Buyers tend to think in terms of price and logistics,” he says, “but when you get them thinking about marketing, the product gains emotional value.”

Other examples include Loblaws’ chicken line, which displays farmers’ photos on packaging, and Lay’s potato campaign in Canada, which spotlighted generational growers.

“People feel like they know the farmer,” Lacroix says. “And when that happens, they trust the product more.”

Visual cues tap into the consumer’s emotional brain, which seeks to conserve energy by making fast, intuitive choices, says Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president and founder of SLD.

(Photo courtesy of SLD)

Practical Implementation

So how can grocers apply the Think Blink approach in the produce aisle? Lacroix suggests:

Shelf signage with stories — add a small card with a grower’s photo, name, location and a short story right next to the product.
Visual cues for freshness — use consistent color palettes, icons or imagery to quickly communicate key attributes like “local,” “organic” or “in season.”
Website and in-store integration — Ensure the same storytelling appears online and in-store for a cohesive brand experience.
Seasonal nostalgia — tie produce to holidays and traditions; think recipe cards for cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving or pie ingredients with grandma’s recipe attached.

Nostalgia, Lacroix adds, is another underused emotional driver. A simple story about a holiday tradition — like a store manager’s family pie recipe — can create powerful bonds between shoppers and products.

“It nurtures you. It links past memories to present purchases,” he says.

The Farmers Market Vibe

Consumers crave connection, Lacroix says. While farmers markets offer direct interaction, supermarkets can replicate that sense of intimacy and trust through smart, emotion-based branding.

“We absorb images 600,000 times faster than words,” Lacroix says. “That’s why visual storytelling works.”

By humanizing products, even large retail chains can bring the farm into the store.

“It’s about making the product more than just a price tag,” Lacroix says. “It’s about making it personal.”

Your next read: Why they buy: the psychology behind produce purchases

7 Tips for Top-Notch Summer Corn Displays

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:25:50 GMT

Aw, shucks. Nothing says summer like the ripening of fresh corn in the summer sun.

I don’t know if I stole that thought or selected words from one — or several — John Steinbeck novels. What I do know for certain is that fresh corn is just one of the most defining points of summer within produce departments all across our country.

The English word “corn” originally meant “single seed of a cereal plant; seeds of cereal plants generally” and is closely related to the German word “korn,” according to an online search. In fact, I’ve read that “corn” was once used to describe any tiny kernel, even salt. Hence the term “corned beef” came about from salted or brined beef, explaining why there’s no trace within of the corn we know and love in the popular meat offering.

It’s also a fact that in the U.S., sweet corn makes up less than 1% of all corn grown. The majority being field corn, used for animal feed, gas and more.
While available year-round, sweet corn rises to prominence — in terms of retail merchandising space and increased tonnage — from the advent of Memorial Day, when corn is shifted around the country from warm weather states, all the way to late summer, when just about every state has a local or regional supply.

In short, corn is a perennial summer favorite in the produce aisle.

10 p.m. display remnants? Try 10 a.m. This display is an all-too common example of corn display oversight and neglect. Corn displays reflect a produce department’s reputation and must be constantly kept clear of debris, regularly rotated and stocked throughout the day.

(Photo courtesy of Armand Lobato)

The challenge, of course, is how to order, handle, merchandise and maintain sweet corn displays. Why? Because sweet corn is like caring for a toddler; you just cannot let either out of your sight for too long or problems quickly arise. Here are a few tips:

Ordering — Just like any high-respiration, highly perishable item such as mushrooms or berries, sweet corn dries out quickly. Order only what you can sell until your next delivery arrives, with only a minimal amount of safety stock.
Handling — Keep sweet corn refrigerated. As much as possible, store with a little top ice or mist regularly with water. Ensure freshness by rotating the walk-in cooler stock daily and rotating the display with every stocking.
Merchandising — Try to merchandise on a refrigerated display unit. Since this space is so limited, many chains display out of refrigeration, counting on high inventory turns to keep the display fresh. Merchandise fresh every morning and always pull and store excess displayed corn to your walk-in cooler overnight. Many chains will shuck, overwrap and even discount this corn the following morning for quick sale. Try corn display tie-in items such as cob holders, seasonings, red potatoes or other vegetables for color breaks, kabob and other serving suggestions to promote increased sales.
Always keep large, strong bags handy for purchases — Corn is bulky and takes up lots of space. I used to stock both large plastic and paper (i.e., checkout bags) near the display for this purpose.
Maintenance — I saved the best for the last. Fresh sweet corn displays don’t have what we call ‘long legs’ when it comes to shelf life. Like the toddler comparison, keep a constant eye on the corn display, as it breaks down quickly, in terms of dehydration as well as the fact that shoppers are not kind to corn displays – pulling off shucks and making a mess in very little time. This is to be expected. Be patient and keep the display closely monitored and pay constant, regular attention to keeping the display, surrounding floor, and signage – neat and clean.
One point that my good friend and Packer colleague Joe Watson pointed out during our previous summer corn display contest Zoom calls is that while most chains provide large, lined trash cans for shoppers to discard the corn husks, we thought it best not to do this. Why? Because if there is no such trash receptacle available, the display will stay less cluttered as customers tend to bag their purchases as-is. I’ve tried both methods, and I could see his point.
Fresh sweet corn is a strong produce staple, especially during the cookout and barbecue season — Emphasize these few kernels of truth to your crew: Keep the inventory close, the display fresh, the display rotated and, above all, keep it all clean. You’ll build sales and keep your customers happy.

Armand Lobato’s more than 50 years of experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. He is retired from the Idaho Potato Commission and has written a weekly retail column for nearly two decades.

Stemilt adds merchandising manager

Mon, 19 May 2025 12:37:42 GMT

Stemilt Growers said in a news release that Dashan Dookhu joins the company as its East Coast merchandising manager. Dookhu will fill the role held by Tim Harrington, who will retire in 2026.

Dookhu brings more than three decades of experience in the produce industry and will oversee merchandising efforts in key markets such as Toronto, Montreal, New England, New York and the mid-Atlantic

Stemilt said his focus will be to service its retail and wholesale partners while also leading the charge on promotional events, in-store samplings, food shows and the company’s well-known Cherry and Apple Colleges.

“We’re excited to welcome Dashan to the Stemilt team,” Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt, said in a news release. “He’ll be stepping into the role currently held by our esteemed senior merchandising manager, Tim Harrington, who is retiring in 2026 after more than 16 remarkable years with us. While we’ll deeply miss Tim and the impact he’s made, We’re equally enthusiastic about the expertise Dashan brings from his keen insight into the retail landscape to his passion for fresh produce and natural talent for growing connections. We’re confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to our retail partners and their shoppers.”

Dookhu joins Stemilt with over 36 years of experience, having held roles with notable retailers including ShopRite and Whole Foods Market. Known for his energy and creativity, Stemilt said Dookhu is poised to be a key player in expanding its presence and enhancing the shopper experience in produce departments across his territory. Based just outside Queens, New York, Dashan brings a strong local connection to one of Stemilt’s main market locations.

“What I’ve always loved about this industry is the people,” Dookhu said. “Meeting them, training them and watching them grow is the most rewarding experience. Having spent lots of time in the produce and floral world, I understand what resonates in produce departments. I’ve lived it, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with our partners across the East Coast.”

Stemilt’s merchandising program helps retail partners grow the category with premium fruit and effective in-store execution.

“I see this role as more than just merchandising,” Doohku said. “It’s about inspiring confidence, building trust and helping our retail partners succeed. Whether I’m setting up a promotion or walking a store floor, I’m focused on bringing energy, ideas and a deep understanding of what drives results in produce.”

Merchandising tips for moving more mangoes

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:10:39 GMT

With U.S. mango consumption rising rapidly, it pays to promote the tasty fruit at retail — especially this time of year.

When Jeff Fairchild got into the retail produce business more than four decades ago, mangoes ranked toward the bottom in produce department sales, he said. Today, they’re in the top 10.

Fairchild, now produce buyer for Eugene, Ore.-based Organically Grown Co., works closely with Portland-based New Seasons Market. He shared some of the merchandising strategies the chain of more than 20 stores has implemented to move more mangoes.

New Seasons Market displays mangoes at the stores’ front entrance, so they’re the first thing shoppers see when they come in.

That’s especially important during springtime, when consumers are excited to see a juicy, new fruit after eating apples and oranges all winter, he said.

And it’s early in the season, so mangoes are not yet competing for prime merchandising space with summer fruit, stone fruit or melons.

Stores will sometimes cross-merchandise mangoes with pineapples, another tropical fruit.

Mangoes are sourced primarily from Mexico from February through September. California, Ecuador and Peru provide them at other times of the year.

About 70% of New Seasons Market’s mango sales are yellow varieties like ataulfo, or honey, mangoes. The rest are green-skins like tommy atkins, kent and hadens, Fairchild said.

One thing that makes ataulfo mangoes so popular is that consumers can tell when they’re ripe by their color.

“People like that,” Fairchild said. “You can put them on a counter and watch them ripen.”

Stores have figured out how to offer a consistently ripe program, Fairchild said.

They request mangoes to be shipped like bananas — when they’re slightly green.

Mangoes arrive three times a week and are stored at an ambient temperature.

As consumers have discovered how much they enjoy mangoes, they’ve discovered how to pick out the ripe ones, just as they have with avocados, he said.

“We’ve really cut down on waste with mangoes, and we’ve improved our ability to offer people ripe fruit,” Fairchild said.

Shoppers sometimes buy mangoes at different stages of ripeness — some for now and some to enjoy later.

Mangoes have become a staple item at retail over the past seven to 10 years, Fairchild said.

“I remember, we conducted classes to teach people how to cut mangoes because no one knew what to do with them,” he said.

But that’s all changed.

“It’s become more of a daily item for us,” Fairchild said.

New Seasons Market now offers organic mangoes exclusively, as the price difference between organic and conventional has narrowed.

And consumers seem to like big mangoes, because they are easier to work with, he said.

Stores are “looking for premium size, good ripeness and a fair price,” he said.

Although peak mango season runs for about four months, Fairchild recommends kicking off the season with a big spring push when the new season gets underway.

“Our goal when they first come out is to hit them really hard with early ads and big displays,” he said.

That strategy can get shoppers into the habit of eating mangoes daily and can create customer loyalty.

In early summer, New Seasons Market promotes the category with a variety mango ad featuring varieties from India, Thailand and other Southeast Asia sources.

New Seasons Market features mangoes on ad every two to three weeks early in the season and about every three weeks during the summer, Fairchild said.

Now's the time for lemons and limes to shine

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:13:05 GMT

Citrus marketers say spring is an ideal time for retailers to capitalize on lemon and lime promotions.

With Easter, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo and graduation celebrations on the horizon, lemons make a great addition to displays. Cassie Howard, senior director of Category management and marketing for Sunkist Growers Inc., says lemons pair well with many items across the store.

“Lemons are a consumer favorite due to their multiple uses, ranging from drinks and dishes to DIY projects, and they are always in season,” Howard said.

All-around addition

Given that versatility, retailers have ample opportunities to showcase lemons and limes with many different displays.

“Placing limes alongside complementary products — such as fresh seafood, cocktail mixers, herbs, and grilling essentials — encourages impulse purchases by reinforcing their role in popular spring and summer recipes,” said Zak Laffite, president of Wonderful Citrus. “Creating visually appealing displays near produce sections, liquor aisles and checkout areas can further drive sales.”

Howard encouraged retailers to think of other cross-promotional opportunities such as flavored water.

“Sunkist research has shown that nearly two-thirds of lemon shoppers use lemons to flavor water at home, helping to keep themselves refreshed and hydrated,” she said. “With the upcoming summer season, this becomes even more top of mind for consumers. Cross-promotion in the water aisle is a great way to increase impulse purchases.”

Laffite said eye-catching POS displays in secondary locations, such as seafood and liquor departments, will also help capitalize on impulse purchases.

“Retailers should place lemons and limes beyond the produce aisle, cross-promoting them in key departments such as seafood, alcohol, bakery and even household cleaning,” he said. “Positioning citrus near fresh seafood and meats highlight their use in marinades and grilling, while placing them in the alcohol section inspires cocktail creations like margaritas and mojitos.”

With Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo and other summer holidays as peak lime consumption, Laffite encourages retailers to cross-promote limes with other popular items.

“Bundling limes with avocados, fresh tortillas, salsas and tequila or margarita mixes enhances convenience for shoppers,” he said.

Seafood is but one department prime for cross-promoting lemons.

(Photo courtesy of Sunkist Growers Inc.)

Current availability

The latest USDA crop forecast estimated lemon production for the 2024-25 crop to be about 1.1 million tons, with California expected to produce about 1 million tons, which is up about 6% from the 2023-24 season. Arizona lemon production is slightly down about 5% this season at 36,000 tons.

The USDA estimates fresh lemon imports are up about 8% through January but will settle at lower levels similar to last year’s import of 423 million pounds due to increased domestic production.

The availability and quality of lemons and limes have been good, marketers say, which builds toward consumers’ higher demand in spring and summer. Howard said Sunkist’s lemon crop size is up 10% this season. She said conventional lemons continue to drive the majority of sales, with bulk and bag volume up this year.

“We are noticing an increased demand for both seedless and organic lemons,” Howard said. “Our organic lemon crop size is up by over 30% this year, helping to meet demand.”

Laffite said Wonderful Citrus has also expanded its production to capitalize on the demand during peak season.

“Wonderful Citrus has prioritized operations in Mexico and has made major developments throughout the region in terms of both Wonderful Seedless Lemons and conventional limes,” he said. “These new developments will fill in gaps during peak seasonal transitions with complements from our California supply.”

What’s trending

Seedless limes continue to experience exponential growth, with Wonderful Seedless Lemons noting 300% volume growth since 2021 and bagged seedless lemons accounting for significant growth for three consecutive years. Laffite said consumption and household penetration grew by 40% in the past year, limited only by supply constraints.

(Photo courtesy of Wonderful Citrus)

Laffite said Wonderful Seedless Lemons launched a significant marketing campaign, “Lemons With Seeds Are Annoying,” to capitalize on that growth. The campaign highlights the small frustrations caused by lemons with seeds and touts the benefits of seedless lemons.

Howard said Sunkist offers recipe cards and header cards to help consumers maximize the use of seedless lemons.

“Retailers can promote seedless lemons as a convenience to save time in the kitchen,” she said.

With the continued growth in organic lemon and lime demand, retailers should use signage and displays to help drive more sales, Howard said.

“Featuring a prominent display area with clear signage indicating organic produce is beneficial to shoppers,” she said. “It is also essential to educate consumers about the benefits of organic products using in-store materials, along with special promotions or discounts, to encourage purchasing.”

David Villasenor, president of Villamex Farms, said he’s seen continual interest in organic limes.

“Organic limes are becoming more and more in demand, especially in big cities where the consumption of organic products has grown in its majority,” he said.

Another trend Laffite said has been a focus for Wonderful Seedless Lemons is online shopping, which continues to grow.

“Since consumers are not able to interact with produce items when online shopping and instead must rely on product images and their perceptions of the brand, it is important to have branded images on grocery e-commerce sites,” he said. “Branded produce outsells private label online by double-digits. It’s truly an opportunity for brands to shine.”

Laffite said Wonderful has seen strong growth among all citrus subcategories thanks to consumers’ continued focus on health.

“Healthier lifestyles continue to be top of mind post-pandemic, and citrus offers the functional benefits and convenience consumers are seeking,” he said. “Lemons can be easily integrated into everyday meals to add color and flavor, with no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Like many citrus, lemons add a healthy burst of bright flavor to meals and drinks, making it a great swap for added sugar or salt.”

And Howard said research by a master chef at Johnson and Wales University shows that lemons can reduce salt in recipes by up to 75%.

Villasenor encourages retailers to work closely with suppliers to best capitalize on lemons and limes building into spring and summer.

“Sales strategies can be done in collaboration with your suppliers and depending on the different markets and cities to maximize and promote more sales of limes,” he said. “The best way to promote limes is to have a closer relationship with the supplier and take the time to plan together a supplier-to-retailer sales strategy, which is very rare nowadays.”

Laffite said visibility is critical as even smaller footprint displays have been shown to drive more than 24% velocity lifts compared to stores without POS displays.

“To maximize their impact, retailers can feature our lemonade stand POS display that will bring nostalgia to the grocery store aisles,” he said. “Additionally, they can utilize our versatile hexagon bins with culinary-themed header cards, which are a perfect option for merchandising in the produce department or secondary locations, such as the seafood and alcohol sections. The rotatable header cards showcase usages from seafood and cocktails to salads, hot tea and even lemon water — which is one of the top uses for lemon purchases.”

Sunkist, too, offers interactive POS materials tailored to store goals and designed to engage consumers as well as cross-merchandising display bins to help lemons stand out.

“Our interactive point-of-sale materials are available for every variety within Sunkist’s robust portfolio, along with data-driven pack sizes, limited-edition cartons, and interchangeable bin header and header cards that illustrate innovative ways for retailers to integrate citrus during key promotional periods,” Howard said. “The variety-specific lineup features interchangeable messaging that promotes flexibility and in-store education, allowing retailers to utilize limited floor space effectively.”

Fresh fiesta: Make Cinco de Mayo essentials star in holiday promotions

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:44:09 GMT

Cinco de Mayo provides a prime sales opportunity for fresh produce as the holiday celebrating Mexican heritage and culture sparks a surge in demand for items such as avocados, limes, tomatoes and hot peppers as consumers plan festive gatherings.

Retailers can maximize sales through eye-catching displays, themed promotions and cross-merchandising strategies.

Peak produce items

A Cinco de Mayo celebration wouldn’t feel complete without avocados taking the lead. Avocados From Mexico suggests multiple recipes for consumers to get creative with avocados, not only as guacamole but also as a layered fiesta taco dip, in deviled eggs, as a skewer with mozzarella and tomatoes or even a dessert of lime meringue with avocado mascarpone cream .

“Avocados play a big role in the lead up to Cinco de Mayo,” says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution for Avocados From Mexico. “Per Numerator, the week during Cinco, fresh avocados are ranked No. 3 in total units after bananas and citrus fruits. When comparing the percent lift from the week prior to Cinco to the week of Cinco, fresh avocados are the top growing in absolute units and experience the highest percent change week over week.”

Meeting the increased demand is imperative, and this year looks to have an outstanding season. Naturipe Farms says this year’s avocado season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a strong supply driven by the growing impact of maturing avocado trees in Colombia.

With Mexico providing year-round supply and Colombia complementing the seasonal transitions, hass avocados from both these points of origin result in a harmonious blend, according to the company. By using multiple growing regions, Naturipe says it can provide an abundant supply of avocados, meeting retailer demand for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

When it comes to Cinco de Mayo promotions, consumers want avocados that are creamy, flavorful and perfectly ripe, whether it’s a party-sized bowl of guacamole or fresh avocado slices topping a taco, says Andy Bruno, president of Naturipe Avocado Farms Division.

“Cinco de Mayo is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and avocados are at the heart of that,” he says. “We’re seeing more people experiment beyond guacamole — adding avocados to margaritas, grilling them for smoky flavor or even incorporating them into desserts. It’s great to see this versatile fruit take center stage for the holiday.”

Bruno says Naturipe always sees a surge in sales leading up to the holiday.

Consumers preparing for Cinco de Mayo gatherings look for flavorful products that are convenient to serve, such as guacamole, salsa and queso items, says Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations LLC and Yo Quiero brands.

(Photo courtesy of Fresh Innovations LLC and Yo Quiero)

Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations LLC and Yo Quiero brands, says its guacamole, salsa and queso items are in the highest demand leading up to Cinco de Mayo.

“Consumers love this food-forward holiday, and they are looking for great-tasting products that are easy to open and serve,” she says. “Our line of dips are delicious, convenient and offer consumers a variety of flavors, sizes and heat levels.”

Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa’s Produce, says recipes are an effective driver during promotions.

“We find that Cinco de Mayo recipes have been an effective educational tool we offer to retailers next to displayed items,” he says. “We have been celebrating this Cinco de Mayo program for over 30 years, as it’s always been a driver in getting more Mexican Hispanic items around the peak of promotion time periods — like Lent, Easter, Cinco, Hispanic Heritage month, Mexican Independence Day — and, of course, the holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s.

“Retailers from last year say the signage and POS materials are driving their Hispanic category — up 20% to 30% — from the four weeks of promotion and display leading up to Cinco de Mayo, in which many are non-Hispanics and celebrating Hispanic food heritage at home,” he adds.

In addition to avocados, Schueller mentions that Melissa’s Produce sees a huge jump during this time in limes, key limes and avocado and in value-added items such as guacamole dip, salsa kits and tamale kits.

Schueller says, after avocados, other top produce items include jalapeño, serrano, anaheim, poblano, red fresno, habanero and yellow chili peppers, as well as popular vegetables such as jicama, tomatillos, chayote squash, cilantro, yuca root and aloe. For fruits, mango, papaya, cactus pears, plantains and more do well during this time period.

At Mission Produce, Cinco de Mayo is one of the top opportunities of the year to drive consumption of its avocados and mangoes, says Galen Johnson, senior director of sales.

“Consumers can go green and gold for Cinco with avocados and mangoes, the perfect pairing for a fiesta,” he says. “Cinco is the time to be festive with flavor, so adding mango is a great way to elevate a classic dish.”

Johnson highlights data from Circana showing 32.4 million pounds of avocados and 12.4 million pounds of mangoes were sold last year, generating a combined $99 million in sales for Cinco de Mayo. He says Numerator projects even more people plan to celebrate.

“At Mission, we’re looking at double-digit lifts in volume sales for both avocados and mangoes for Cinco de Mayo,” he says. “According to Circana, last year avocados saw an 18% volume lift and mangoes saw a 25% volume lift compared to the prior week. So, running promotions for the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo is key to driving more avocado and mango purchasing.”

With Cinco de Mayo on a Monday this year, Mission Produce is looking at large orders for the full week leading up to the holiday, and many promotions are starting the Wednesday before, Johnson says.

Cross-promotions and themed displays that inspire avocado and mango recipes, such as mango guacamole and avocado mango salsa, can help retailers maximize sales, says Galen Johnson, senior director of sales for Mission Produce.

(Photo courtesy of Mission Produce)

“The industry expects avocado demand to be strong, especially on small sizes because of the attractive price point,” he says. “California season is ramping up just in time for the holiday, so we’re expecting a great supply of locally grown, high-quality avocados to support strong national demand. Several other origins will also be on the market, including Peru, Colombia and Mexico.”

Johnson says Mission Produce is building custom ripe programs for its customers to meet the anticipated holiday demand with avocados and mangoes that are ripe and ready to eat.

“Over half of Cinco celebrators plan to dine out or order takeout this Cinco, according to Numerator, so we’re supporting our foodservice customers with an ample supply of avocados and mangoes that are ripe and ready to slice, dice and mash,” he says. “Promoting dishes that feature avocados and mangoes is a great way to get Cinco started.”

Retail strategies

Eye-catching displays, cross-merchandising and themed promotions can help retailers can entice shoppers as they plan for festivities.

“We have hundreds of retailers who participate in Melissa’s Cinco de Mayo program, which entails signage around the theme of the celebration and the many essentials for their produce departments,” Schueller says.

Johnson says retailers can maximize sales with cross-promotions and themed displays to inspire avocado and mango recipes, such as mango guacamole and avocado mango salsa.

Avocados From Mexico creates custom store displays as well.

“Avocados From Mexico will be at the center of every good celebration as ‘Guac Makes the Fiesta,’” Bazan says. “We have in-store displays and 360[-degree] support including social and digital efforts including a digital toolkit with Cinco-themed assets that retailers can leverage or utilize in their retail circular ads, social media, e-commerce and more. This year, Avocados From Mexico is also offering a Cinco thematic branded bag with a $1.50 cash-back rebate to encourage shoppers to buy multiples to prepare guacamole for their Cinco fiestas.”

Leading up to Cinco de Mayo, avocado shoppers spend 1.9-times more on groceries with avocados in the basket than without, she adds.

“We recommend retailers create a fiesta-themed destination complete with eye-catching displays, such as our molcajete-inspired display that can be utilized as a focal point to display avocados with complementary fresh items such as tomatoes, onions and limes, so shoppers can prepare for their at-home Cinco celebrations,” Bazan says.

An Avocados From Mexico proprietary study indicates there is a 25% increase in unit sales when more avocados are merchandised in a branded Avocados From Mexico display on the produce floor, she says. “Leveraging the Avocados From Mexico branded merchandising displays can give every basket a boost during the second most important consumption period for avocados.”

Murray says Yo Quiero’s marketing strategy focuses on variety with its Ultimate Dip Destination offerings.

“We provide recipe and party ideas that allow consumers to create fun and festive Cinco de Mayo spreads. We really want consumers to enjoy their Cinco celebrations, not spend hours shopping and prepping for them,” she says. “The Yo Quiero line of products ranges from guacamole to salsa to elote to bean dip and now to our new Creamy Jalapeño and Smokehouse Onion.”

Murray says retailers also do well in creating displays that cross-merchandise items like fajita meat, dips, chips, beverages and more to provide convenience for Cinco de Mayo shopping.

“These festive displays increase sales, create excitement and give consumers a one-stop shop for all their party needs,” she says.

Wonderful Pistachios shares 2025 Retailer Display Competition winners

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:10:59 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios has named the winning designs in its 2025 Retailer Display Competition , celebrating the creativity and merchandising skills of retailers across the U.S. and Canada in honor of World Pistachio Day.

The competition challenged participants to craft innovative in-store displays that showcased Wonderful Pistachios’ products in visually striking and fun ways, according to a news release.

A panel of judges evaluated 135 entries based on creativity, visual appeal and product variety. The 20 winning entries stood out for their boldness and eye-catching presentation, capturing the spirit of the Wonderful Pistachios brand, the release said. Each of the 20 winners will receive a $500 prize, awarded to the employee who submitted the display.

“Wonderful Pistachios congratulates all winners and participants for their impressive displays and thanks all who took part in making the 2025 Retailer Display Competition a success. The competition was a great way to engage retailers and celebrate World Pistachio Day while highlighting the beloved brand’s signature products,” the company said in the release.

Themed merchandising displays aim to drive Easter sales

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:11:32 GMT

Bako Sweet, known for premium sweetpotatoes and eye-catching, themed merchandising, says it is once again helping retailers elevate their produce displays to increase sales this Easter.

The brand says it is offering convenience, trending flavor and variety to shoppers nationwide.

“Retailers should be looking to create vibrant, impactful displays, and our color-drenched bags of sweetpotatoes are the perfect way to draw customers in this Easter season,” Susan Noritake, vice president of sales and marketing for Bako Sweet, said in a news release. “The data shows that our bright and playful displays make a huge impact on sales with retailers historically experiencing a 240% sales increase when using our display bins in stores.”

To further maximize sales, Bako Sweet recommends placing complementary items next to sweetpotato displays. Popular Easter dishes like traditional sweetpotato casserole, roasted sweetpotatoes and sweetpotato pie can be enhanced by showcasing ingredients such as compound butters, seasoned nuts, herbs, premium cheeses and baking ingredients nearby, the release said.

Additionally, Bako Sweet offers recipe content to their partners and suggests placing recipe cards or QR codes nearby displays that will inspire new and exciting renditions of classics, such as Sweetpotato Gratin, Sourdough Sweetpotato Biscuits or Vegan Easter Egg Brownies. The brand said this approach not only inspires creative meal ideas but also encourages shoppers to purchase everything they need in one location.

“Easter is one of the top sweet potato buying periods and with additional inspiration retailers can send this sales period into overdrive,” Noritake said. “Especially with [an] egg shortage this year, there’s the opportunity to be playful with decor, like putting our colorful array of sweetpotato varieties in Easter baskets or sharing egg-free treat alternatives like our Vegan Easter Egg Brownies.”

Bako Sweet said it recommends that retailers place orders for Easter merchandising displays as soon as possible and begin showcasing Easter-themed items by mid-March to take advantage of early shopper decisions in the lead-up to the holiday.

Wonderful Pistachios plans retail display competition

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:29:29 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios says it will get crackin’ for World Pistachio Day with its 2025 Retailer Display Competition, inviting retailers to showcase their creativity and merchandising skills.

The competition aims to celebrate the art of in-store displays while highlighting Wonderful Pistachios’ array of products in an eye-catching, fun and innovative way, according to a news release.

Retailers will have from Feb. 19-26 to submit their entries. To participate, retailers must complete an entry form on Woobox, accessible via a QR code or directly at woobox.com/7cfgkc . They will need to upload two to three high-quality photos of their Wonderful Pistachios display, ensuring the products and branding are prominently featured. Displays can include creative signage and props but must be free of competing brands and materials, the release said.

The judging panel will evaluate entries based on the following criteria:

50% creativity — How bold and out-of-the-box is the display? Does it embody the Wonderful Pistachios brand spirit?
25% visual appeal — Is the display eye-catching and well-executed?
25% product variety — Does the display showcase a wide variety of Wonderful Pistachios products?

Twenty winners will each receive a $500 prize, the release said. The prizes will be awarded to the employee who submitted the display on behalf of their store. Additionally, all participants will receive a small participation prize as a token of appreciation for their effort and creativity.

This competition is open to retailers across the U.S. and Canada, and all participants must be at least 18 years old. Each retail location is allowed to submit one entry only.

Stemilt offers tips for growing apple sales

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:59:07 GMT

How can retailers can lift apple sales despite a lower 2024 crop in Washington state? Promotion, variety mix, organics and packaged items all play a role in growing apple sales, says Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt.

“The crop is down 10% year over year, and the opportunity lies in focusing on more than one variety in ads and go back to multi-variety promotions,” Shales said in a news release. “What we saw last year with Honeycrisp is dollars grew by nearly 30% from 2022 to 2023. That’s incredible growth, but as we head into the new crop, the idea of singularly promoting Honeycrisp has to shift because volume is down. Try promoting all apples like Honeycrisp, fuji, granny smith, gala and Cosmic Crisp together to raise apple volume, that way you’re turning more than one apple at a time.”

There are options to share the spotlight with Honeycrisp, she said, adding that Stemilt’s Rave apples can act as a quick in-and-out variety in August and September.

“Rave is outrageously juicy with a refreshing, snappy zing that is only available for a short time, but can really help build velocity in the category,” Shales said. “Another variety to bring in when apples are at the top of mind for consumers is SweeTango. SweeTango has grown into a variety that remains available beyond the fall months and into the new year, with a sales velocity during its October peak promotion time that no other club apple compares to. What better way to delight consumers than with an apple that delivers on crunch, juice and hints of spice in the heart of fall?”

Another variety, Cosmic Crisp, now boasts year-round availability.

One advantage to carrying Cosmic Crisp is it also has no gap between the old and new crop and has become a core variety to the category, the release said. This year, Stemilt says it sees an increase in organic Cosmic Crisp opening the door for more organic promotion this season.

“It’s the perfect year to switch to Cosmic Crisp with Honeycrisp volume down,” Shales said. “We call it the dream apple with perfect flavor because it has a wonderful balance of sweetness, tartness and a creamy texture. One of the main benefits of Cosmic Crisp to retailers is its ability to be stored for long periods of time, and its natural resistance to browning. This year, Cosmic Crisp is up in organics, so regularly calling out the apple in promotion is a great way to build dollars in the category with a premium item that isn’t conventional.”

Fall has been the top time to highlight apples.

Figuring out effective merchandising strategies and offering packaged items can help drive impulse and online sales, the release said. Stemilt says it has EZ Band sustainable four-packs, Lil Snappers kid-size fruit, and other bagged apple options to build up the category and meet consumers with at the front door.

“Bags are always a great vehicle for increasing apple sales,” Shales said. “Since COVID, we’ve seen bags be a real growth point. At Stemilt, we have great capacity for pouch bags, 3-pound organic and conventional Lil Snappers apples and 5-pound bags for a volume play. It’s a good way to appeal to the timesaving, convenience-driven consumer. With retailers equipped with these five tools: multi-ad promotions, Rave, SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp and bagged items, we can lift the category and delight consumers with excellent quality apples this season.”

Tops produce team members go for Olympic Gold

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:02:07 GMT

While the rest of the world has been glued to TV sets cheering on Team USA in the Summer Olympics, associates at Tops Friendly Markets are gearing up for their own Olympics, with a twist.

Over the next several weeks, associates across Tops’ three-state imprint will challenge one another to a produce-themed Olympic competition to see who will bring home the gold, according to a news release.

“Back by popular demand is our Tops Produce Olympics, something our team members look forward to each time we hold this healthy competition,” said Jeff Cady, vice president, produce and floral for Northeast Grocery Inc., parent company of Tops Friendly Markets.

“We recognize that the summer months are prime time for consumers to enjoy freshly picked produce, especially from our local farmers, so it’s the ideal time for our produce team to shine!” Cady said. “This challenge, which has been going on for decades, encourages our associates to remind the community of the importance of getting their five recommended daily servings in a fun and engaging way and maybe even try something new.”

Throughout the Tops Produce Olympics, store teams compete in categories such as Boxing with Berries, Surfing with Seedless (grapes), Cycling with Cherries and Weightlifting with Watermelons.

Teams will earn points for the creativity of their produce displays as well as their ability to increase consumer awareness about the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables. Gold, bronze and silver medal honors, as well as regional awards, will be presented. There will even be prizes for photo finish.

To learn more about the Tops Produce Olympics, visit a Tops Friendly Markets location to see the competition in action.

Bako Sweet emphasizes summer sweetpotato offerings at retail

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:19:12 GMT

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Bako Sweet says it has range of summer opportunities for retailers, providing seasonal merchandising options and campaigns that aims to captivate both retailers and consumers alike

This summer Bako Sweet introduced its grilling merchandising bins, highlighting the versatility of sweetpotatoes in grilling recipes. The bins are available through Labor Day, providing retailers with an eye-catching seasonal display that encourages consumers to include sweetpotatoes in their summer grilling plans, according to a news release.

Bako Sweet said its dedication to staying fresh with the seasons means that merchandising options are continuously updated to reflect seasonal themes, ensuring that retailers can always offer something new and exciting to their customers.

“We are incredibly proud of the positive feedback and engagement we’ve received from our recent trade shows,” Susan Noritake, director of sales at Bako Sweet, said in the release. “Our commitment to providing innovative, seasonal merchandising options and supporting our retail partners is at the core of our mission. We look forward to continuing to grow and inspire with our value-added products.”

Bako Sweet said it is actively engaging people through social media to inspire them to use sweetpotatoes in new and creative ways. The brand is sharing recipes like Sweet Potato S’mores , Sweet Potato Burgers , and Sweet Potato Kabobs to showcase how delicious grilling with sweetpotatoes can be. Bako Sweet’s Instagram page is also a resource for retailers to share content and engage their shoppers, reinforcing the appeal of sweetpotatoes during the summer.

Bako Sweet said it is excited about deepening partnerships with longtime customers and exploring new opportunities. The brand is focused on supporting retailers with the right products and displays, ensuring that sweet potatoes are a prominent feature in stores.

From a marketing perspective, Bako Sweet is embracing omnichannel planning to reach consumers across various platforms. This comprehensive approach ensures that the brand’s message is consistent and impactful, driving consumer interest and engagement, according to the release.

Sunkist revamps merchandising program for valencia oranges with exclusive back-to-school giveaways

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:40:56 GMT

Sunkist says it has new merchandising tips to help retailers sell larger value packs of valencia oranges and build impactful summer displays.

Sunkist is also unveiling an back-to-school giveaway, offering families a chance to win a Sunkist-themed prize package as they prepare for the new school year, according to a news release.

Circana data shows that citrus is an integral part of consumers’ shopping baskets throughout the summer, and consumers prefer to make in-store produce purchases, especially oranges. Building effective displays that put the Sunkist brand at the epicenter of the customer shopping journey is an effective solution for retailers to drive the category throughout the valencia season, according to the release.

“Valencia oranges are off to a good start this season, with volume up nearly 35% in June compared to the same time last year, according to Circana,” Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing at Sunkist Growers Inc., said in the release. “Valencia oranges are a summer favorite and perfect for juicing – this program will enhance their visibility and appeal in the marketplace.”

According to a Sunkist-commissioned study, over 15% of orange shoppers report buying oranges as an impulse purchase, further stressing the importance of adding engaging and interactive displays at the store level. Sunkist says its new ready-to-wrap merchandising offerings include bilingual Latin-inspired pallet bin wraps and a back-to-school-themed pallet bin wrap as consumers prepare for back-to-school shopping as early as July.

“Back-to-school season is an important time for families, and we want to make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible,” Howard said. “This giveaway is a way to give back to our loyal customers and help them better prepare for a successful school year with new ways to instill healthy habits into their kids’ lunchboxes.”

The Sunkist Back-to-School Sweepstakes runs July 8 through Sept. 14, where consumers can enter for a chance to win back-to-school prizes — an excellent way for retailers to engage with their shoppers this summer, Sunkist says. Additionally, QR codes on the new bin wrap designs lead directly to the sweepstakes webpage where consumers can learn more about the contest.

Valencia oranges are available now through October and are uniquely the only California-grown orange variety available in-stores during the summer among a variety of imported fruit options, the release said.

How Jersey Fresh is spotlighting blueberries

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:58:41 GMT

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has a message for retailers, especially those in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York and Greater New England metropolitan areas: Now’s the time to stock your produce shelves with Jersey Fresh blueberries.

Blueberries grown in the Garden State will be available from now into early August, said Joe Atchison III, assistant secretary/marketing and development division director.

“Jersey Fresh blueberries provide excellent marketing opportunities for retailers to take advantage of during our harvest season,” Atchison said.

Third-party market research shows that nearly three-quarters of consumers surveyed in and around New Jersey perceive Jersey Fresh blueberries to be superior to other berries, he said.

As an added bonus, stores that set up a Jersey Fresh blueberry display can tag the agriculture department at #JerseyFresh on Facebook and Instagram, and the Jersey Fresh team will share the post with 35,000 followers.

The Jersey Fresh team is going all out to call attention to blueberries.

“On the marketing and advertising side, we have begun running digital billboards with rotating messages throughout the entire blueberry harvesting season,” Atchison said.

And targeted social media postings and radio spots are scheduled to feature Jersey Fresh blueberries during the height of the harvest season.

“Crowds along the world-famous Jersey Shore will see Jersey Blues and Jersey Fresh airplane banners flying the shoreline from Sandy Hook in the north to the southern tip in Cape May,” he said.

On National Blueberry Day, July 8, the department will host a sampling of blueberries for the fourth year in a row on three Jersey Shore boardwalks in Atlantic City.

“It’s been highly successful, and we will be handing out pints of Jersey Fresh branded blueberries on a first-come, first served basis,” Atchison said.

All Jersey Fresh messaging will remind consumers about the benefits of Jersey Fresh blueberries, he added.

Seen on social: Post those pumpkins

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:23:52 GMT

For every beach-loving fan of summer who lives for firing up the grill, there’s another whose heart leaps at the first hint the leaves turning golden. This is the same person who’s ready for back-to-school shopping, crisp evenings and has been quietly prepping for the fall holidays during the suffocating summer months.

Retailers, capture that autumn-loving audience by using social media to find inspiration for promotion and merchandising plans of those pumpkins and gourds. This fall favorite is taking center stage on porches, countertops and produce departments across the U.S.

And don’t be afraid — boo! — to copy some of the tools employed in these posts in your own social-media strategy.

New Seasons Market

(Farm Journal)

Proving you don’t have to trek to a pumpkin patch to have your moment, Portland, Ore.-based New Seasons Market leans on its locally grown, organic winter squash in an array of colors and sizes. The retailer incorporates hay to create an inviting, tiered display.

Props to the retailer for earning that blue-check verification, and highlighting the local aspect to its pumpkins, as well as the decorative and entertaining uses for them.

Find the retailer on Instagram: @newseasonsmarket

Bay Baby Produce

(Farm Journal)

Fall is go time for this one produce company. Based in Mount Vernon, Wash., Bay Baby Produce was born celebrating autumn. The winter squash-centric grower trains all year for what it calls the “BER months” — think October, November and December — offering hand-painted pumpkins, other decorative gourds and winter squash varieties to retailers nationwide.

Bay Baby has fun with its Instagram reels, using a light-hearted tone that matches the fun take on pumpkins. Take Rerr, the name of the mini pumpkin painted with a ghoulish cat face. The post engages people with the call for help on which accessory looks best on Rerr. Opal the Kitty makes special appearance, and we love the #fashionweek hashtag.

Find the supplier on Instagram: @babybabyproduce

Wegmans Food Markets

(Farm Journal)

Beloved supermarket Wegmans, Rochester, N.Y., celebrates pumpkin season with creative displays across its store, combining fall celebration treats such as apple cider, pies and other mouthwatering autumn-themed desserts alongside gourds large and small. The retailer’s account has it going on, garnering almost 1,400 likes to for the post last fall, plus plenty of comments.

Find the retailer on Instagram: @wegmans

Trader Joe’s

(Farm Journal)

Pinterest was made for pumpkin patches and fall festivities. And Trader Joe’s not only caters to shoppers who want pumpkin spice in every conceivable food product (pumpkin spice hummus, anyone?), but at many stores, the retailer has brought the pumpkin patch directly to shoppers. The Monrovia, Calif,-based retailer has many fan accounts on social media but find inspiration at the source as well.

Find the retailer on Pinterest: @tradersjoes

What pumpkin displays or social posts make you say #ohmygourd? Tell us:

Email: news@thepacker.com and artists@producemarketguide.com

LinkedIn: PMG: Produce Market Guide and The Packer

Instagram: @packernews and @producemktguide

Facebook: @ProduceMktGuide and @PackerNews

Heads up — it’s hatch chili season

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:30:52 GMT

If you smell smoke and notice a giant roasting wheel charring peppers on an open flame outside of your favorite grocery store, don’t panic.

Hatch chili season is a cult-favorite August tradition in the Southwest U.S. that brings many out of their air-conditioned bunkers and into grocery store parking lots — and it’s happening now.

Grown in Hatch, N.M., this little pepper’s reach now extends well beyond neighboring states, and many retailers throughout the U.S. are offering the short-season pepper to shoppers — roasted or plain. Hatch chili pepper season is over almost as soon as it begins, typically stretching from early August to mid-September.

Most like Anaheim peppers, moderately spicy, Hatch chili peppers add a delightful smoky kick when diced in everything from chili to quiche to salsa. If you spot these long, vibrant green chilis — whether it’s in the parking lot or produce aisle — it’s worth tossing a bag of the smoky peppers into your cart while you can.

Related news: Crack into your seasonal promotions, Hatch chile style

While Hatch chilis can be enjoyed straight off the pepper plant, roasting the chilis unlocks their smoky-sweet flavor. It also creates a supple texture and makes it easier to remove the outer skin.

Catch a Hatch chili pop up

Whether you’re looking to try your first or 50th roasted hatch chili, # iHatchChile has a state-by-state chili roast finder so you can locate your nearest retailer that is roasting. What’s more, several grocers, like State Bros. Markets, are hosting pop-up events celebrating the Hatch chili.

This year California-based Stater Bros. Markets has teamed up with produce partners Aramburo Produce, Progressive Produce and Westlake Produce to host a series of New Mexico Hatch chili roasting events at several Stater Bros. Markets parking lots from Aug. 5 to Sept. 2.

Related news: ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ podcast — Bristol Farms draws Hatchheads and so can you

During these events, roasting is available free for customers who purchase a 10-pound or 25-pound box, according to a news release.

Roast and enjoy Hatch chili peppers at home

Once you secured an ample supply of roasted green chilis, let them cool on your kitchen countertop while you unpack groceries, as they steam nicely as they cool in a paper bag.

Hatch chilis can be enjoyed immediately, stored in the refrigerator or frozen to be enjoyed well into winter. After the chilis cool, seal in the smoky flavor store in an air-tight plastic bag.

If you’re looking to roast your Hatch chilis at home, they are easy to throw on a grill or simply broil on a baking sheet. Rotate every four to six minutes to ensure an even char on all sides of the spicy pepper.

You can use Hatch chilis as a condiment, stir into salsas, sauces, soups, sautés and stews for an extra smoky kick. Cookbook author Lisa Fain’s Hatch Green Chile Cornbread is a favorite if you’re in the mood to bake. Additionally, Fain’s Texas Pork Green Chili is a go-to for the first cool evenings of early fall nights when a warm chili or stew finally sounds appealing.

California Avocado Commission unveils season forecast and media strategy

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:35:45 GMT

The California Avocado Commission forecasts a 2022-23 harvest of about 257 million pounds of avocados for its California crop. The early season assessment is down from 276 million pounds in the 2021-22 season.

“The recent California rainfall has been welcomed by our growers throughout all districts,” Jeff Oberman, president of CAC, said in a news release. “Growers have related increased sizing and crucial replenishing of water sources during my recent visits to all production regions. We do not yet know if there will be any change to the expected harvest timing, however, excitement is building from our retail partners for the kickoff of the California season.”

The majority of California’s avocado harvest — 243 million pounds — is expected to be the hass variety. The remaining forecast includes a harvest of 7 million pounds of lamb hass avocados, 6 million Gem avocados and about 1 million pounds from other commercially grown varieties in California.

Related news: Guacamole touchdown: Avocados poised to win over Super Bowl shoppers

Weather and market conditions are key factors that determine when California avocado growers will begin harvesting. Some growers may delay picking to allow the avocados more time to increase in size. Oberman said in the release that there will likely be some avocados harvested in time for the Super Bowl mid-February, with limited volume available for local promotions.

California avocado volume is expected to begin ramping up in March, with peak availability from April through July. Volume is expected to taper off through Labor Day, according to the release.

Media plan for avocado season

“The Commission’s media plan and new creative executions are in development with an expected launch in April,” Oberman said in the release. “We are eagerly anticipating peak California avocado season in the spring and summer months with additional volume for promotions and customized marketing support.”

This year CAC is continuing its advertising campaign, “the best avocados have California in them,” but adding new creative executions to keep communications fresh, the commission said. Content will include California avocado tips, grower spotlights and new creative videos that demonstrate what’s unique about California avocados.

Customized retail and foodservice promotions with targeted customers are key components of California avocado marketing support and will include recipe and video content on social media platforms.

During the avocado harvest season, the CAC geo-targets consumers near stores that offer California avocados to keep the fruit top of mind, according to the release.

Additionally, CAC’s social media program runs year-round but ramps up leading into the season. According to the release, this year’s CAC social media strategy includes:

In February, activity with targeted and promoted retailer content supports the early harvest.
In March, as California avocado supply continues to increase, social efforts will gain momentum with support across multiple channels.
Throughout the season, CAC will showcase California avocado recipes, tap into cultural moments and reinforce the California difference through education and entertainment.

Sunkist launches merchandising solutions

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 16:51:45 GMT

Space-saving, buildable displays are included in a new set of merchandising solutions from Sunkist Growers .

The new offerings provide versatile, real estate-efficient solutions that align with the retailer’s in-store display needs and showcase the full range of Sunkist fresh citrus options, according to a news release.

In response to the growing demand for sustainable and uncluttered in-store environments, Sunkist says the new merchandising options are designed to be sleek, functional, and easily adaptable to various retail footprints. The buildable display solutions maximize shelf space while maintaining structured and eye-catching citrus destinations for Sunkist navels, caras, bloods, lemons, California mandarins, grapefruit, and multivariety pack options, the release said.

“Our new merchandising solutions were designed with the evolving needs of our retailers in mind,” said Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing at Sunkist Growers Inc. “We’ve created displays and point-of-sale (POS) materials with the ability to fit with any space while offering flexibility and aesthetic appeal, making it easier to highlight the quality and variety of our citrus offerings in a way that resonates with their shoppers.”

As consumer interest in fresh citrus rises, Sunkist remains committed to providing retailers with merchandising solutions that drive sales while fostering an exceptional shopping and educational experience, the release said. Sunkist said these new options reflect its ongoing dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its retail partners.

In preparation for the upcoming season, Sunkist said its marketing worked closely with its sales team, surveying team members and measuring customer feedback relevant to its merchandising toolkit and shopper-marketing programs. With limited floor space often being a primary challenge, the new space-efficient displays are engineered to fit seamlessly into any store layout, the release said.

Additionally, retailers can tailor displays and secondary materials based on available space and inventory throughout the season, as the buildable and modular designs allow for customization, ensuring citrus is prominently featured during key shopper milestones without overwhelming the sales floor, according to Sunkist.

“We know retailers are very interested in going big for peak season and holidays,” Howard said. “From our variety-specific lineup to our multi-varietal toolkit, we now have interchangeable messaging options throughout the season. From bins, stackable towers, and display wraps to clip cards, wobblers, channel rails, bin headers, and posters, Sunkist has something in-store all season long to help drive sales and reach your store goals.”

Sunkist said its merchandising units are designed to present the full scope of citrus offerings in a unified and engaging manner, ensuring consistency across the entire citrus category.

Strategies for driving holiday season produce sales

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:34:29 GMT

For many Americans, it just wouldn’t be the holiday season without green bean casserole, fresh cranberry relish, mashed potatoes and candied yams.

From Thanksgiving to Hannukah to Kwanzaa, fresh produce plays a key role in consumers’ family meals and celebrations — and shoppers are willing to pay more to keep their favorites on the holiday table.

“Today, produce inflation is very mild,” said Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics and author of “What’s New 2024: A Consumer Look at Produce Innovation,” a study by the Southeast Produce Council. “In fact, prices are down year over year for many commodities. But consumers don’t measure from month to month or year to year; to them, it’s the cumulative impact of all the price increases in life.”

The SEPC survey asked more than 1,600 consumers to rank purchase attributes when buying fresh produce. Thirty-two percent cited price as their top consideration, followed by nutrition and taste. However, 38% of participants said they are willing to pay extra when it’s a special occasion or holiday, and 36% said they will pay more for produce when entertaining.

“Holidays are deeply rooted in tradition, and for many a consumer that means family recipes are followed to a T,” Roerink said. “Every holiday has its own unique powerhouse sellers that tend to do well regardless of inflation or deflation, simply because it’s a recipe must-have. The fourth quarter counts big sales spikes for many commodities, such as cranberries, celery, yams and more.”

The season’s big sellers

Shoppers tend to buy certain fruits and vegetables exclusively around the holidays. In the SEPC study, the most-cited examples included pineapples, sweetpotatoes and yams, pumpkins, collard greens, and cranberries.

“This leads to a few opportunities for the produce industry,” Roerink said. One is to lean into existing habits and optimize sales via marketing and merchandising for those who already buy those items. Another, she added, is to draw additional shoppers into these culinary traditions to try and grow household penetration.

Many holiday season staples saw gains in 2023’s fourth quarter compared to the same period the previous year. Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh data for the 13 weeks ending Dec. 31 shows that sweetpotatoes and yams increased 6% in dollars and grew 4% in volume. Beans gained nearly 1% in dollar sales and 4% in volume, and celery increased 1% in dollar sales. Performance for pumpkins was mixed; dollar sales increased 3% and volume sales declined by nearly the same amount.

Fresh herbs saw solid growth, increasing 10% in overall dollar sales. Rosemary showed the category’s most impressive gains, up 22% in dollar sales and 27% in volume. Thyme, chives and parsley all saw double-digit increases in dollars as well as growth in volume sales. Thanksgiving-friendly sage gained 7% in dollars and 4% in volume.

Citrus, typically a big seller during the winter holiday season, increased 7% in dollar sales and 5% in volume sales. Mandarins were the top seller among citrus by both dollar and volume sales, increasing 9% and 5% respectively. Tangerines spiked 52% in dollar sales and 19% in volume.

Some holiday favorites saw declines, however. Potatoes dipped 3% in dollars and remained flat by volume. Likewise, fresh cranberries declined 5% in dollar sales while volume sales remained flat.

Vegetable party trays experienced flat dollar sales and a 2% increase in volume, while fruit party trays dipped 2% in dollars and 6% in volume sales. Those combining vegetables and fruit dropped 13% in dollar sales and 20% in volume. However, the game changed when retailers included cheese on fruit platters; dollar sales jumped 19% and volume sales spiked 23%.

Displays of pears that alternate between green and red varieties offer a touch of Christmas color.

(Photo courtesy of Brian Dey)

Retailer strategies

Produce retailers highlight a variety of commodities in their holiday season promotions and merchandising.

José Ortega, produce specialist at FoodMaxx in Oakland, Calif., stresses the importance of neighborhood demographics. Many of the warehouse-style grocery chain’s stores are in areas with large Latin American and African populations, he said, and holiday food traditions vary.

“The No. 1 sellers are definitely going to be your romas,” he said, noting that tomatoes are a key ingredient in many holiday dishes. “They’re an essential throughout all ethnic groups. I’m Mexican-American, and I’ve noticed that a lot of Ethiopian Africans use the same type of roma that we use for sauces, salsas and roasting.”

Collard greens and cilantro also see higher sales volumes during the holiday season, he added.

While customers will buy ingredients for traditional holiday recipes regardless of price, Ortega said, he sometimes discounts items if he notices a lull in sales.

“I’ll see where our competition is at, and if we have something at $1.38 a pound and they have it for 99 cents a pound and I’m trying to make a bigger margin from it, I’ll bring the price down,” he said. That way, he added, sales will increase for that item and shoppers can spend the savings on other items.

Marc Goldman, produce director at Morton Williams Supermarkets in the New York metropolitan area, said sweetpotatoes, yams, mushrooms and green beans are the top-selling produce commodities during the holiday season. Last year, stores sold more packaged green beans than bulk beans.

“I think that changed during [the pandemic],” he said. “People liked more packaged items instead of people putting their hands all over everything. It’s better for us, too, because packaged green beans tend to hold up a lot longer and stay fresh.”

With Morton Williams markets located in Manhattan — where space is limited, Goldman said — large displays are tough to pull off. Instead, he promotes holiday-friendly produce in store ads and groups together appropriate items in stores.

For Giant Food, citrus, berries, potatoes, onions and cooking vegetables are all staples in the Landover, Md.-based retailer’s holiday merchandising and promotional strategies.

“How we feature the flavors of the season is represented both on display and in our communication channels, whether that be print, digital, or social,” said Chris Keetch, director of produce and floral.

Vegetables such as celery, potatoes, sweetpotatoes, green beans and onions are a major focus for Thanksgiving, said Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral at Northeast Shared Services — a Schenectady, N.Y.-based subsidiary of Northeast Grocery, the parent company of Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32.

“While fruit generally takes a back seat, we still go after the first-of-the-season California mandarins and fresh apples,” he said. “And we can’t forget the cranberries.”

Because Christmas and New Year’s Eve are more focused on parties and entertaining, Cady said, stores promote dipping vegetables and cut fruit.

Smart merchandising

The SEPC survey found that consumers respond positively to holiday produce displays; 38% of participants said they are “very interested” in such displays, and 49% reported being “somewhat interested.”

When merchandising fresh produce for the holidays, Joseph Bunting, director of produce for The United Family — the Lubbock, Texas-based grocery chain that includes the United Supermarkets, Amigos, Albertsons, Market Street, and United Express banners — offers key items on large displays, with sell-along items tied in.

“A good example would be marshmallows and pie crusts tied into sweetpotato displays,” Bunting said. “This makes it easy for guests to shop our stores and provides a solution in one convenient location.”

At Sprouts Farmers Market, potatoes, squash, green beans and Brussels sprouts play a key role during the holidays.

“We let the freshness and vibrance of the product drive our merchandising,” said Sonya Constable, vice president of produce for the Phoenix-based retailer and Produce Market Guide’s 2024 Produce Retailer of the Year.

Creative displays are another great way to get shoppers’ attention during the busy holiday season.

Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator at Four Seasons Produce in Ephrata, Penn., started a trend with the broccoli Christmas tree, which is made from strategically stacked heads of broccoli.

“Super simple to build, these trees are 100% shoppable. They oftentimes create impulse sales, and 100% of the time they create an atmosphere of produce theater,” he said. “What started out as only one tree in this area in 2019 has basically turned into a forest now.”

Dey is also a fan of citrus displays to brighten up the produce aisle and large displays of pears that alternate between green and red varieties for a Christmas color scheme.

“Fun displays can and will move the needle with sales, but the intangible here is that it creates memories a consumer will appreciate,” he said. “Creativity creates opportunity

His top tip for retailers is to make sure holiday produce staples — both vegetables and fruits — are covered for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Having the right items on hand will reduce stress for the consumer who is already pressed for time,” Dey said. Along with items like potatoes, green beans and onions, he recommends featuring commodities such as pomegranates, persimmons, pears and quince.

One of the biggest mistakes retailers make, Dey said, is a lack of planning for the holiday season.

“Planning for all facets of holiday selling, [including] labor scheduling, ordering, promotional opportunities and merchandising, is super key to executing a successful holiday sales plan,” he said. “Plan, do some more planning and then continue to plan after that.”

Harvesting cranberries

(Photo: thomas, Adobe Stock)

Larger cranberry crop on the way

Retailers can expect a plentiful cranberry crop for 2024, according to the latest forecast from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The agency estimates this year’s national crop at 8.24 million barrels (one barrel is equal to 100 pounds), which is an increase of 2% from last year.

For Wisconsin — the largest cranberry producing state in the U.S., responsible for growing more than 60% of the nation’s supply — growers are expecting a 4.9-million-barrel crop. The next-largest grower, Massachusetts, anticipates a crop of 2.2 million barrels, up 12% from 2023.

Among other large cranberry-growing states, USDA projects 580,000 barrels for New Jersey and 560,000 barrels for Oregon.

With a plentiful crop on the horizon, retailers can maximize sales of the bright red fruit by showcasing cranberries in their holiday displays, running promotions, offering recipes and preparation tips in stores and on their websites, and by featuring them in holiday ads and on social media platforms. To create a convenient shopping experience for customers, cross-merchandise cranberries with other Thanksgiving items such as turkey, stuffing ingredients and pie crusts.

The Cranberry Institute offers recipes for appetizers, soups, side dishes and desserts, as well as information about the health benefits of cranberries, at cranberryinstitute.org . The associated US Cranberries site, uscranberries.com , also provides resources for in-store promotions and promotional messaging. For example, retailers can capitalize on the “Friendsgiving” trend by running a cranberry-focused recipe or photo contest on social media.

Holiday demand for pumpkins continues as yields decline

Pumpkins are a must-have holiday item for many consumers, starting in the fall with the approach of Halloween and continuing through Thanksgiving. Nearly 99% of pumpkin sales take place during a nine-week period, giving retailers a short window in which to promote and sell the colorful gourds.

“Sales are extremely seasonal and go from literally a few hundred bucks per week for most of the year to peaking at $600,000 per week during the two weeks leading up to Halloween,” said Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics. “The season starts to gear up as early as the first full week of September, when back-to-school displays make room for Halloween candy, baked goods and merchandise.”

Meanwhile, pumpkin yields have declined. According to data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2023 production totaled 16 million hundredweight, down 8% from 2022. The planted area for pumpkins totaled 69,100 acres, down 7% from the previous year, and the area harvested declined 10%.

The crop value also decreased 18% over the previous season. The agency cited drought conditions in some growing regions as the main reason behind the drop in crop size.

While pumpkins are grown throughout the country, the top five producing states in order of highest production are Illinois, Indiana, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In 2023, Illinois growers reported their highest yields in five years. However, some farmers in states such as Texas, New Mexico and Colorado saw yields reduced by as much as 20% due to drought and extreme heat.

Store check slideshow: Food Lion in Raleigh, N.C.

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:29 GMT

Many merchandising strategies were working in full force on a summery mid-morning Monday at Food Lion in Greystone Village in North Raleigh, N.C.

An unannounced pop-in at this supermarket location revealed the produce department was featuring summer’s bounty of stone fruit up front and center.

We also noticed:

Cross merchandising with vegetable and fruit slicing and storage gadgets, toppings, sauces and other meal solutions, such as vanilla wafers and pudding mix with the bananas.
Groupings of produce categories for favorite recipe ideas, such as garlic and tomatoes for salsa or marinara.
A plant-based section with lentils and tofu next to the organic section.
A local produce section with locally made barbecue sauce, root beer and corn handles.
Herbs, potato toppings and dip mixes with bagged potatoes.

The wet rack was beautifully crafted, as well.

We want to see your great work across the country and the world!

Send us six to 10 photos of your beautiful summer produce displays to enter the Summer 2022 Contest of the Produce Artist Award Series by emailing ProduceArtistAwards@ProduceMarketGuide.com. More details are here .

You can also click this link or the PDF to see the flyer for more details.