Monthly Archives: January 2012

Increase Sales through Merchandising

Bananas are the most frequently purchased fruit in the U.S. however there is always room for retailers to increase sales through strategic planning. Organized displays and cross- merchandising can lay a solid foundation for a store’s produce reputation. Retailers are always looking for a way to boost sales, and in this economy, consumers are looking for exciting and affordable ways to satisfy their palate.

It’s been said that we eat with our eyes first. In the produce world, consumers shop with their eyes first. We’ve all seen displays where banana hands are contorted, bruised, and stacked on top of each other haphazardly. An ample, quality display is the first step in maximizing consistent sales and impulse buys. As with most food items, banana displays should be clean and aesthetically appealing. This not only ensures catching your shoppers’ attention, but also protects the overall quality of the bananas.

Another way to increase banana sales and sales of related products is incorporating a cross merchandising program. Bananas can aid in selling other items around the store. Cross merchandise bananas with:
  • Muesli and Oatmeal
  • Other Fruits for Smoothies
  • Chocolate Dips
  • Cake / Pie Mixes and Supplies
  • Salads
  • Ice Cream
Retailers with a well-planned banana merchandising program highlight the quality and versatility of this wonder fruit. Bananas are a great value in the produce department, and through cross merchandising and proper display techniques, consumers and retailers can both benefit.

What are your thoughts on bananas and cross merchandising? Leave your feedback and ideas below!

Famous Quotes Sell Bananas: Industry Perks Tied to Facebook Promotion

Organics Unlimited Logo

San Diego, CA (January 18, 2012) — Building on the thought that most people are fascinated and inspired by the quotes of famous people, Organics Unlimited is launching a new marketing campaign for 2012 that will provide words of wisdom to the industry, and to consumers.  The first ads and merchandising materials break this month, quoting Aristotle, “Quality is not an act. It’s a habit.”

“The quality message takes us back to basics in the way we operate and we know our customers want to operate,” says Organics Unlimited president Mayra Velazquez de Leon.  “We work continually on improving the quality of everything we do, from farming techniques to customer service and delivery.  When we talk to management at the distributor and retailer level, they are also focused on changing habits and making improvements in the new year.”

During the first quarter of this year, Organics Unlimited will be running Famous Quote ads in both print and online media.  Selected ads will appear without the name of the person being quoted.  The first person to see each “omission” and post where they saw it on the company’s Facebook wall will receive a gift card.

This year’s Famous Quotes campaign will include attractive point of purchase materials as well as merchandising ideas that give shoppers incentive to use an increasing number of organic bananas – already the most popular item in the produce department.  Store merchandisers and produce managers can get ongoing ideas by following Organic Odes at www.organicsunlimited.blogspot.com. Organics Unlimited has added a recipe section to their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OrganicsUnlimited?sk=notes) to provide additional ideas at both the store and consumer level.

Organics Unlimited is a San Diego-based distributor of organic produce from Mexico and South America, providing GROW-certified bananas.  They are USDA certified for the US and Canada through Organic Certifiers.  Organics Unlimited offers organic bananas through their traditional label as well as the GROW label.  For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW, visit their website at www.organicsunlimited.com or call 619.710.0658.

iTrade & Organics Unlimited

 

The iTradeNetwork is a global provider of on-demand supply chain management and intelligence solutions for the foodservice industry. ITN’s collaborative solutions allow distributors, manufacturers, operators and retailers to easily and effectively conduct business.

ITN gives food service corporations clarity and control over supply chain processes. They follow a source, supply, and measure methodology which allows customers to achieve results that meet their objectives.

Starting with “Source,” ITN uses tools like e-tenders, auctions and contract management to ensure the right products from the best suppliers are selected. With “Supply,” ITN’s services enable the management of freight and logistics, place orders, and even pay invoices. Finally with “Measure,” ITN collects, normalizes and enriches information and applies analytic solutions so that customers can improve price and purchase compliance, identify new contract opportunities, monitor supplier performance, and identify new revenue generating opportunities.

Organics Unlimited is a member of iTrade, and for customers who are also ITN members, this is a convenient way to conduct business with us. ITN allows for the direct purchasing of produce which saves retailers time and money.