Stock Up for Seasonal Feasts & Easter Meals
Signs of spring and the upcoming Easter holiday have shoppers making grocery lists for seasonal and celebratory meals. Expect a lot of foot traffic in the produce department as eaters look for their favorite spring produce. Be prepared to inspire and delight with displays packed with plenty of these delicious organic fruit and vegetables:
Vegetables
These springtime favorites are on shoppers’ menus, and options abound.
Artichokes are available in various sizes, with great availability across the board.
Asparagus is plentiful from Mexico and will be promotable through Easter. California harvests will start as soon as the end of next week and expect that market to start out high. Let your Account Rep know if there’s a specific COOL needed for holiday sales.
Bunch Carrots are a great promotional item for shoppers inspired by the Easter Bunny. Both classic orange and colorful rainbow bunches are available in steady volume. While the market is somewhat firm, there’s plenty for wet racks so build something lush to entice shoppers.
Snap Peas are available from our grower partners in Mexico with promotable volume and pricing. The California crop is just starting in light volume and a higher market. Take your pick!
Brussels Sprouts are a great choice to fill green veg needs at a price point that’s easy on the pocketbook, especially as green beans will be tight for the week of Easter and ads are not advised.
Berries
Baked goods, breakfast, snacking and more—shoppers are looking for a variety of options.
Strawberries bring big opportunities to net sales this time of year as shoppers are willing to pay a little extra to deck out shortcake, pies and more. Expect steady volume from Mexico and order according to your shoppers’ buying habits.
Raspberries are becoming promotable in time for Easter. Great news, as the price on blackberries and blueberries continues to rise as availability declines.
Fruit
For healthful snacking or decadent desserts, shoppers will find some great options this time of year.
Citrus creates big opportunities to capture sales. Squeezable variety citrus will be in demand, especially juicy oranges for mimosas, plus lemons and limes for accenting meals and adding zing to baked goods. Don’t forget grapefruit for breakfast and brunch menus.
Import Pears are great for poaching, baking and fresh eating. All are currently promotable, including Abate Fetel, Bartlett and Red Bartlett.
Mangos are ripe and ready for spring promotions with plenty of fruit out of Mexico on both Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins varieties
Melons remain in light volume, so be sure to stock up on mini seedless watermelon when they are available. The spring honeydew and cantaloupe crop out of Mexico is still a few weeks away, so lean into import pears and mangos for lush displays!
Pineapple is relatively steady-- be sure to have plenty. Some brave souls will be grilling, and it’s a staple fruit on snack trays or alongside a holiday ham.
Decorating & Table Scaping
Shoppers seeking natural décor alternatives will find creative solutions in the produce department.
Onions, beets and red cabbage can all be used to dye eggs for Easter. Be prepared with plenty of these versatile color-producing staples.
Wheatgrass is in the spotlight this time of year and sales will be up. Plan to have plenty on-hand.
Reach out to your Account Representative with any questions on how to maximize sales this spring!