Produce Retail
The Cincinnati-based grocer’s recently released 2023 Food Trends Report predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead.
Last year 13 of the top 20 organic produce categories (by total sales) posted increases in dollars, while 14 of the top 20 organic produce sales categories posted declines in volume, according to a report.
In the past year, the Gambles Group of Companies has transformed from a regional wholesaler to a full-service distributor that services all markets across Canada, says Lisa D’Ambrosio, marketing manager.
The Los Angeles-based company says the varieties will begin arriving next month from Chile and South Africa and will be available for a limited time.
Inflation is the biggest worry for Toronto consumers, says Mike Mauti, managing partner for Execulytics, a consulting firm based in the Toronto region.
As private-label offerings become more sought after by consumers, the wholesale distributor has expanded its Wild Harvest organic produce line with more than 40 new items nationwide.
The clear, rectangle-shaped party platters are made with 10% post-consumer content, offering consumer solutions in a sustainable fashion, according to the company.
With National Cherry Month in February, the Chilean Cherry Committee is offering merchandising materials and marketing programs to assist retailers.
Consumers can qualify by uploading receipts of NatureSweet purchases or posting on social media about their success with a new digital game.
Customers have a unique perspective of the produce world. Before automatic misting systems, hand-watering vegetables sometimes sparked a few customer questions, even skepticism, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Potato retail sales increased in dollar sales by 17.2% but decreased in volume sales by 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared with the same period the previous year.
The company says that Ambrosia sales increased nearly 300% from the previous year, which was the highest percent change of any apple in the top 10, citing Nielsen 13-week scan data ending Dec. 31, 2022.
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Country Sweet Produce’s Bako Sweet is celebrating American Heart Month, National Sweet Potato Month, Valentine’s Day and Cook a Sweet Potato Day in February.
At a Marks and Spencer Foodhall in central London, or M&S Foodhall as it is billed here, fresh vegetables are on the menu this Valentine’s Day.
As a manager starting a new assignment, it’s tempting to start making changes to the produce department. But there is more to consider when taking over a well-run produce department, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A USDA retail price report showed the average advertised price for a 10-pound bag of russet potatoes on Feb. 3 was $4.72, up 4% from $4.53 the same time a year ago.
Nuts, dates and dried fruit are getting a spot in more produce sections, where consumers already have a healthy mindset.
FMI’s Andy Harig said the CPI numbers reflected continued volatility for food prices. At the same time, he said there is hope that food inflation will fade in the months ahead.
How well does your fresh produce inventory “flow? Being proactive while items are still of good quality can help avoid aged inventory and minimize shrink, says columnist Armand Lobato.
This year Ramadan begins on March 22 at sunset, and Natural Delights is bringing back its 2-, 5- and 11-pound window boxes just in time for peak date retail sales.
Bananas have maintained consumer appeal despite rising inflation and food costs, and Bobby Banana will be the face of Dole bananas in special events and web, social media, marketing and retail programs.
“Everyone is time-starved; so to have something that’s washed, prepped and ready to cook is the key driver,” Mark Munger, Ocean Mist senior director of marketing, says of value-added produce’s significant growth.
While higher education can help further a career, lessons from on-the-job produce experience can also aid in the pursuit of a degree, says columnist Armand Lobato.
If produce sales jump after resetting the layout of the department, it has to be a success, right? Columnist Armand Lobato shares his own experience from witnessing the ups and downs of one merchandising modification.
Two produce firms were awarded federal fruit and vegetable supply contracts in early May.
In a move that could be dubbed “May Madness,” The Kroger Co. is promoting a brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day, complete with dessert and mimosas, all for less than $2 per serving.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards has unveiled its newest American Dream CatStats.
With summer on the horizon, so is the seasonal peak to salad consumption — and companies are ramping up efforts to bolster sales of crispy greens and related items.
Avocados have been called green “gold” for a reason. Marketers, fueled mainly by surging imports, have grown the fruit’s retail per capita availability from 4.8 pounds in 2011 to 7.4 pounds in 2019, the USDA says.
The USDA reports retail per capita availability of fresh pears has declined slightly in the past decade.