25th Annual Masters of Merchandising

Every once in a while, the opportunity presents itself to do well while also doing good. Such is the case with our annual Masters of Merchandising supplement. The industry owes a tip of the hat to the collection of industry leaders who elected to invest with us in a marketing vehicle that is both promotional and educational.

Each vendor worked hard to impart their expert wisdom on how to more effectively merchandise the category at hand. By sharing knowledge acquired while working with North America’s retailers, these stakeholders help retailers move more product and help the world by encouraging a more healthful diet.

Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is not only a matter of big industry initiatives, but consumption in general can only increase if sales of specific items increase. That means knowing how to build consumer trial and how to offer the most effective assortment; it means knowing how to market produce on a day-to-day basis and how to do some out-of-the-box promotions just to keep consumer interest high.

Retailers, please take the time to review this offering carefully. When did you last think about how to increase sales of garlic? Or mangos? Or asparagus? Here is a chance to think of merchandising in a different way. When did you last really consider how to best sell bananas — was it when you were a produce department manager 10, 20 or 30 years ago? Here is an opportunity to revisit tactics with a different perspective.

Merchandising produce is everyone’s challenge, and in the produce industry, “The Times, They Are A-Changin’.” Retailers today are in a position to expect more support from producers, and intellectual capital is just about the most valuable support one can provide. So kudos to our Masters of Merchandising sponsors.