Sweet Onions

When Vidalia season ends in early September, growers of Peruvian sweet onions step in to keep store shelves stocked, creating consistency that helps to build consumer recognition and brand loyalty year-round.

Peruvian sweet onions have cemented their status as the off-season gold standard for Vidalias, keeping category volume high through seamless merchandising, flexible display formats and strategic holiday cross-promotions.

Despite rising operational costs and potential acreage cuts in Peru, major U.S. importers report steady volume, high quality and refreshed marketing programs as the Peruvian sweet onion season kicks off to bridge the Vidalia gap.

Growers of both Walla Walla sweet onions and Vidalia onions are being asked to weigh in on continuing their crop’s federal marketing orders.

The Reidsville, Ga.-based company is leveraging name, image and likeness (NIL) partnerships with college athletes — including University of Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen and Georgia Southern University wide receiver Josh Dallas — in an effort to connect with the next generation of shoppers.

“They come to market during the U.S. offseason, which means consumers can count on a seamless year-round supply,” says Steven Shuman, general manager and vice president of sales for G&R Farms, Glennville, Ga.