“We love the SEPC show because it brings shippers and buyers together for a weekend of relationship building and learning more about industry trends,” said Tori Rumenik, executive director. “Our primary goal this year is to promote our second annual sweet corn merchandising contest that runs March 20 to May 20. I’ll have lots of information about the contest on-hand and each of our shippers will have materials, too. We have $5,000 in total prizes this year.”
The competition is designed to help retailers boost sweet corn sales and also help boost sales with cross-merchandising opportunities. She encourages retailers to sign up on Sunshine Sweet Corn’s website at www.cominginhotfromflorida.com.
“Produce departments have access to free stanchion posters, shelf talkers and balloons through the website to help them build their displays,” Rumenik said. “We’ve seen the power of a strong display work well to capture customer attention in stores. We’re excited to see how produce departments spice up their displays this year.”
As part of this campaign, Sunshine Sweet Corn wants to show consumers how many different ways they can use sweet corn — it’s not just for grilling — and tie into the flavor trends that people are loving.
“For example, retailers can consider cross-merchandising sweet corn with tajin and cotija cheeses for a fun Cinco de Mayo elote salad recipe,” Rumenik said. “Corn salsa has a lot of fun cross-merchandising opportunities like tomatoes, peppers, and avocados. For retailers in parts of the country that might still be cold this spring, we’d encourage their produce departments to think outside the box for corn chowders or corn and chicken tortilla soup as merchandising inspiration.”
Rumenik will be representing Sunshine Sweet Corn at SEPC, walking the floor and meeting people, while representatives from its shipper companies will also be in attendance and have booths at the show. “We are always looking for ways to move more fresh Sunshine Sweet Corn, especially during March through May, so that will be my big talking point at the show,” she said. “The SEPC show is where business gets done and friendships are made. I look forward to connecting with friends and making new ones.”
A successful show, Rumenik noted, is one where relationships are nurtured.
“I’d also like to see lots of stores engaging in our display contest as a result of attending,” she said. “I look forward to answering questions and brainstorming with our buyers. We are always on the lookout for new ways to promote sweet corn and make sure Sunshine Sweet Corn is a must-have on grocery lists. We will continue to innovate with our marketing and hope to keep retailers excited about sweet corn, especially March through May.”
