Market Minute: It's time for mid-winter berry promotions

Nothing is better during the month of February than shoppers escaping cold, gloomy and dark wintry days. While temperatures are very chilly and snow is falling in many parts of the country, it’s an ideal time for shoppers to see a nice attractive berry display in the stores. It instills a feeling of spring in the air.

Retailers can capture those customers by changing their frigid mood into an aura of springtime excitement. This is a perfect time to set up that berry display at the front entrance of the produce department. Plan to promote berries in your weekly advertising flyer to help boost some high volume produce sales along with gross profit dollars.  

Add excitement to the display by including dessert pastry shells, angel food cake, strawberry glaze and chocolate dip alongside the berries. Include a promotional theme such as Berry Patch, Berry Bonanza or Berry Mania — be creative.

Berry demand is currently good on a steady market. Quality is also very good.

• Strawberries: Volume is starting to increase with more berries developing — shipping out of Florida, Mexico and California.
• Blueberries: Steady supplies from Mexico and Chile. Volume out of Mexico is expected to increase with Chile peaking.
• Blackberries and Raspberries: Supplies remain steady with good color and firmness.

Your berry suppliers can furnish you with more details on availability and pricing. Make sure to communicate with them for all the updated information and work together in planning an advertising campaign. All berries represent high-volume sales and gross profit. Be first with a large spring-like display in your store.

Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].