Market Minute: Promote sweet corn and Vidalia onions together
By
Ron Pelger
Market Minute: Promote sweet corn and Vidalia onions together
When does summer really start? Some people say it begins when the school year ends and runs until the Labor Day holiday. Scientists tell us that the meteorological summer season starts June 1, lasts for three months and ends on Sept. 1. But to set the record straight in astronomical terms, summer actually starts on either June 20 or the 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and Dec. 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere.
Although it’s still officially spring, summer is only a few days down the road on. That means it’s time to kick up those BBQ cookouts again. Two items that always go well together on the grill are sweet corn and sweet Vidalia onions. The two combined together will draw shoppers to a visual display immediately — if it is set up with an aggressive appearance in a well-observed location.
Set up a free standing or end cap display using original corn and onion cartons to give it a farm type presentation. Be sure to place false bottoms in the top cartons in order to control shrink. Refrain from piling too much corn or onions on top to prevent damage to the product. Post signage and sell plenty.
In the East, sweet corn is plentiful out of south Georgia with fairly light demand and a steady market. Local area corn should begin in regions as well.
In the West, there is an excellent supply is coming out of Coachella, CA, with steady volume. The demand is fairly light on a steady market.
The sweet corn quality is excellent in both the East and West.
It is an excellent time to promote Vidalia sweet onions out of Georgia right now. There is a steady supply of outstanding quality onions from the Vidalia district. Demand is moderate and the market steady.
Plan an impressive promotion combining the sweet corn and Vidalia onions together in an attractive weekly ad flyer. Connect with your suppliers to secure quantities as well as pricing.
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].