Market Minute: Vidalia onions are back and ready to promote

A Georgia farmer named Mose Coleman accidentally discovered a sweet onion variety in the 1930s. Since then, Georgia's sweet onion production — and popularity — has grown. The Vidalia Onion Act passed in 1986 and a trademark was granted for the name. The Vidalia onion became Georgia’s state vegetable in the 1990s.

The season for Vidalia onions generally runs from the middle of April through early September. They are grown in a 20-county area of south Georgia where the soil is perfect for producing the sweet onions.

The official 2025 Vidalia onion season is now off and running. The new crop has outstanding quality and is shipping to grocery stores all across the country.

Now is the time to plan those appealing ad promotions through the spring and summer months. Vidalia onions are so popular your customers look forward to their arrival in the produce department. Will you be ready for them?

Merchandising Vidalia Onions
There is no better way to sell famous Vidalia sweet onions than a massive, eye-popping display. Choose an ideal location for the aggressive display where shoppers will have a good visual approach. 

Don’t be skimpy on size — set it up like you mean business to sell plenty of onions. Use the original cartons to build the display and add power. Make sure the cartons have false bottoms so that the display has fullness, yet controls overstocking to prevent shrink.

Check with your Vidalia onion supplier for the proper amounts needed for your display.

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].