“Like everywhere, weather can be a challenge and last year was no exception,” said Steven Shuman, general manager and vice president of sales for the Glennville, GA-based G&R Farms. “At this point, we have our acreage pretty well dialed in, but you never know the hand Mother Nature might deal you, so our start times and stop times for the season can vary, as can our yields, which last year was true on all levels.”
The industry is hoping for a better outlook for the 2024-2025 season but as of late July, there were still some unknowns.
“It’s a little too early to make any predictions about the Peruvian season as it’s hard to guess at what Mother Nature will do,” Steven Shuman said. “What we do know is that last season was marked by an intense El Niño pattern which is now rapidly shifting to a La Niña pattern. We are still on target for our first shipments arriving in the U.S. in late August.”
Still, weather isn’t the only thing to keep an eye on. “Additional challenges with our Peru program continue to be ocean freight and port issues but we believe those challenges are starting to stabilize creating fewer delays in arrivals,” Steven Shuman said.
Those working with Peruvian sweet onions feel there are many ways to boost the program in the produce department. Collaborative marketing efforts, such as in-store promotions, attractive displays and edutainment messaging, can engage and educate consumers about the versatility and health benefits of sweet onions, encouraging increased purchases.
“Through our proven track record of delivering premium-quality sweet onions, our retailer partners can enhance their product offerings, attracting more customers to the produce aisle,” John Shuman said. “Additionally, Shuman Farms’ expertise in sustainable farming and commitment to freshness ensures that retailers can provide a consistent supply of high-quality produce, driving repeat business.”
Steven Shuman feels there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing sweet onions.
“Of significance is making sure you seize as many impulse and strategic purchases as possible in as many locations as possible with omnichannel strategies,” he said. “That includes in-store, online digital, out-of-home, and other pathways to get into the consciousness of the consumer with mealtime inspiration that includes sweet onions. We need to be on every list, every week.”
By leveraging these strategies, retailers can increase their consumers’ market baskets and promote the overall consumption of fresh produce, fostering a healthier community and boosting store loyalty.
“I think the opportunity continues to be in meeting customers where they are — either the buyer or the consumer,” Steven Shuman said. “At the farm level, that means making changes in our technology and sustainability programs to continue to support efficiencies across the board for our buyers. And for consumers it means delivering a high-quality, consistent onion 365 days a year and reminding them sweet onions are the starting point for nearly every meal they make.”
