Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries can make the berry section come alive as the variety adds quality and charm beyond just the strawberries. Combining a diverse selection of the other three popular berry varieties will add a warm summer-like ambience around the display. That alone can influence shoppers to make purchases of all berries.
The quality is good and the market is steady in all three berry varieties. So, now is a good time to play up the variety of berries in ad promotions. Draw customers over to the berry display section and drive some high-volume sales for the produce department.
- Blueberries — Mexican production is active with exceptional quality and sizing. Supplies are also coming out of Peru and Chile but is lighter.
- Blackberries — Availability continues to be steady out of Mexico although volume has moved past the peak period. The quality is good along with the natural eating flavor.
- Raspberries — Volume is steady out of Mexico and still promotable. Lighter product is expected as they are now past their peak season. New spring crop raspberries are expected to become available sometime at the end of March.
Plan a nice weekly ad promoting all three varieties of berries. Just make sure to get more information with your supplier to secure all of your volume needs.
This article originally ran on The Produce News
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About the Author
Ron Pelger
Ron Pelger is a former director of produce merchandising and procurement for a major supermarket retail chain. He is currently a free-lance writer for the produce industry supporting growers, shippers, and retailers. He can be contacted at 775-843-2394 or by e-mail at ronprocon@gmail.com.
