Market Minute: Sweet corn supply well-timed for promoting all summer

With spring already here and summer approaching fast, sweet corn is a favorite for grilling at backyard cookouts, picnics and other gatherings.

The current corn demand is moderate and the market is about steady. Supplies out of Florida have just about wrapped up with a new crop transitioned to Georgia. The quality and availability out of Georgia are very good. Corn out of California is also good with a high demand as well as the market. There should be sweet corn available throughout the summer months, especially from local farm areas.

Now is the time to promote sweet corn. Locate your display at the entrance of the produce department to give your customers a good feeling of farm freshness. Use original crates or cartons to build a waterfall spillover that makes it feel like the corn was just picked from the field. Always place a false bottom under the corn to give it that massive presentation and prevent shrink at the same time. Display trimmed and packaged corn with the bulk to earn that extra gross profit.

Check with your sweet corn suppliers and local farmers for product and planning ad promotions.

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].