Even though there are signs that the recession may be close to over, consumers are still opting to prepare more foods at home. Fresh fruits and vegetables offer healthy and convenient options that can be part of any meal or snack. Retailers can capitalize on this by educating the consumer on the various nutritional benefits this department has to offer and by providing meal solution ideas to help the consumer add variety and nutritional flair to their everyday meals.
Avocados continue to gain in popularity. Despite struggling produce sales, avocado sales are up, due in part to more consumers eating and entertaining at home, as well as the increased popularity of ethnic foods and flavors.
As more consumers show an interest in cooking at home, retailers have an opportunity to boost sales by offering inexpensive and nutritious meal-solution ideas. Provide displays that merchandise both a meal idea and the associated ingredients so consumers can quickly grab what they need and head home to their kitchen.
As the hours of evening daylight begin to fade away with summer memories, potatoes are entering their peak season. Grilled, baked, fried or sautéed, potatoes are the perfect choice for a meal, side dish or snack.
As family and friends look forward to mid-summer's festivities, melons reap the benefits. Simply sliced or diced among other fresh fruits in a salad, melons are a popular and refreshing buy for the sizzling summer months.
Mother nature had a negative impact on cherry crops in 2008. Significant frost and cooler spring weather in the Northwest and West led to a smaller than expected crop. The peak season for cherries runs from mid-May to mid-August, while cherries imported from Chile and Australia reach the store shelves in December and January.