“We are entering 2026 with strong supply, strong promotions and a strengthened commitment to reaching younger consumers,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of the Southeast Georgia-based company. “The New York Produce Show is always a great opportunity for us to connect with our retail partners amidst the excitement and busyness of the holiday season.”

The majority of Shuman Farms’ sales team will be in attendance at booth No. 225C.

At the show, Shuman noted that the company looks forward to discussing how both the RealSweet and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh sweet onion brands can help retailers capture sales in the new year, while also taking time to reflect on the success of this year’s marketing and merchandising programs. 

“Our goals are to drive demand for sweet onions during a time of year where both healthy eating and comfort foods like soups and stews are top of mind, expand our reach with Millennials and Gen Z shoppers and continue to share our story as a leading, year-round grower and shipper of premium sweet onions,” Shuman said. 

Some interesting findings reinforce why those younger cohorts are so central to Shuman Farms’ strategy. 

“Recent data from 210 Analytics shows that vegetable consumption is down, while fruit consumption continues to grow at an accelerated pace, with Millennials driving 60 to 70 percent of new unit growth,” Shuman said. “Encouraging sweet onion usage among Millennials and younger generations has been a focus for several years, and the new data only heightens the urgency to reach those shoppers in creative and effective ways. With these new insights in mind, we are more committed than ever to identifying innovative and engaging ways to reach younger shoppers.”

As the holidays wind down and consumers shift toward healthier meal planning in January, Shuman Farms will underscore the nutritional benefits, versatility and value sweet onions contribute to the kitchen. 

“Sweet onions are an item that can be purchased in bulk and incorporated into just about any meal throughout the week,” Shuman said, pointing to recipes ranging from omelets to salads to slow-cooker dinners that rely on sweet onions as a flavor anchor, meal stretcher and pantry staple.

At the same time, sweet onions remain a fixture in the seasonal celebrations that bridge December and early February. 

“From the College Football Playoff to the Super Bowl, sweet onions remain front-and-center as shoppers celebrate with classic game day recipes,” Shuman said. “Burgers, brats, onion dips, homemade salsa and guacamole all continue to keep the category strong during these high-traffic weeks when comfort food, gatherings and tailgating traditions converge.”

Shuman Farms’ ability to meet that sustained demand hinges on a reliable supply, and the company’s Peruvian program plays a critical role. 

“Our Peruvian sweet onion crop ensures a consistent, premium-quality supply that allows retailers to merchandise sweet onions year-round, bridging the gap between Vidalia seasons and keeping shoppers engaged in the category,” Shuman said. 

He noted that the current crop looks strong and that the company expects promotable bulk and bagged volume through April 1 with no anticipated gaps.

As the team prepares for the show, Shuman said they are optimistic about the conversations and opportunities ahead. “The Shuman Farms team hopes to walk away from this year’s New York Produce Show with fresh insights, strengthened partnerships, new contacts and of course, strong plans to help our retail partners drive shopper engagement and produce department sales in 2026,” he said. “Shuman Farms enters the New York Produce Show ready to help retailers make sweet onions a centerpiece of winter promotions and a dependable driver of sales in the year ahead.”