Bland Farms saddles up for Viva Fresh’s 10th anniversary
As the countdown to Viva Fresh’s milestone 10th anniversary begins, Bland Farms is gearing up to bring excitement deep in the heart of Texas! The company will be sharing all things Sweet Onions at Booth 109, and you won’t want to miss what’s in store.
A Sweet Season Ahead
Vidalia season is on the horizon, and anticipation is building for its mid-April kickoff. This year, Bland Farms is embracing the nostalgia of summer with a fresh marketing campaign that celebrates family meals, backyard cookouts, and simple moments. Whether it’s caramelized onions topping a juicy burger or the perfect ingredient for a summer salad, Vidalia Sweet Onions are set to take center stage. To keep the excitement going, Bland Farms is rolling out in-store promotions, fun contests, and interactive giveaways for both retailers and shoppers. And because great food deserves great vibes, a specially curated summer playlist and mouthwatering new recipes will make Vidalia season even sweeter.
A Strong Start to the Season
“Despite some early-year weather hurdles, Bland Farms is expecting a strong Vidalia crop, with excellent quality and a well-balanced mix of sizes.” says Sloan Lott, Director of Sales for Bland Farms. “Unlike last year’s record-breaking bumper crop that extended into October, this year’s Vidalia season is expected to follow a more traditional timeline, wrapping up around Labor Day before the transition to Peru.” Until the season officially begins, shipments from Mexico are keeping shelves stocked and customers happy. And for Bland Farms, customer satisfaction is what drives their business.
A Shift in the Onion Aisle
“We are always pivoting, adjusting, doing what we need to meet consumer demands,” says Lott. One of the biggest trends Bland Farms has seen recently is the shift from bulk to bagged onions. Shoppers want convenience, and retailers are responding. Over the past five years, Bland Farms has doubled its bagged onion production, ramping up operations to ensure consistent supply. With more efficient packing lines and increased capacity, Bland Farms is delivering exactly what today’s consumers are looking for. And, they are standing by to help retailers make this Vidalia Sweet Onion season a success!
Smart Merchandising for Sweet Success
Strategic placement makes all the difference when it comes to maximizing onion sales. Beyond eye-catching displays in the produce aisle, secondary placements near the meat department or deli can spark meal inspiration and drive impulse purchases. Cross-merchandising Vidalia Sweet Onions with grilling essentials—think burgers, steaks, and BBQ fixings—can turn a simple shopping trip into a full-fledged cookout. And for retailers looking to extend Vidalia’s presence beyond the season, front-of-store Vidalia Brands displays help keep the name top-of-mind year-round.
Innovating for a Better Future
Bland Farms is always looking ahead, and this season, innovation is taking root in the organic fields. Two cutting-edge laser weeding units are now in action, eliminating weeds with precision and reducing the need for manual labor. This not only promotes healthier crops but also reinforces Bland Farms’ commitment to sustainable, forward-thinking farming practices. By embracing technology, the company is ensuring that every onion is grown with care, efficiency, and quality in mind.
Join Us at Viva Fresh!
Bland Farms is proud to be part of Viva Fresh’s 10th anniversary celebration and looks forward to connecting with industry partners in Houston. Want to learn more about what’s ahead for Vidalia Sweet Onions? Stop by Booth 109. Whether you’re interested in market trends, merchandising strategies, or just eager to celebrate the season’s sweetest crop, there’s plenty to discuss at Viva Fresh.
