25th Annual Masters of Merchandising: GIORGIO FRESH CO.

April 4, 2026 | 4 min to read

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MUSHROOMS

REAL FOOD, SERVED FRESH.

Fresh mushrooms continue to gain momentum as shoppers look for real ingredients that deliver big flavor, everyday versatility, and better-for-you meals. Mushrooms are a simple way to bring fresh, wholesome food to the table, perfect for today’s shoppers who want meals that feel authentic, clean, and satisfying.

With rich umami flavor, strong cross-merchandising potential, and flexible usage across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grilling, mushrooms help retailers inspire fresh meal ideas all year long. Giorgio makes it easy to position mushrooms as a fresh, craveable category destination that supports modern cooking and plant-forward lifestyles without sacrificing taste.

MERCHANDISING TIPS

Use clear signage or shelf tags to guide shoppers by use occasion—“Great for grilling,” “Perfect for stir-fry,” “Best for soups & sauces.” This helps newer shoppers feel confident trying beyond basic white mushrooms.

To drive incremental sales, retailers can expand the set with convenient, on-trend solutions such as Savory Sauté Kits, bold seasoned Grill Packs, and appetizer-ready options like Stuffed Jalapeños and Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms—all designed to meet shopper demand for flavor, heat, and convenience.

CARE AND HANDLING

Using Giorgio’s CARE Program will maintain the best mushroom quality.

Cold: the product to 34 degrees to provide maximum shelf life.

Avoid: spray misters and over-stacking (three high maximum).

Rotate: the product to keep the display case fresh.

Entice: your customers by keeping the product attractive.

CROSS MERCHANDISING OPPORTUNITIES

Cross merchandising is one of the most effective ways to grow mushroom velocity and increase basket size. Place mushrooms near:

steak, chicken, and burger displays

pasta, rice, and meal kits

onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs

grilling displays and seasonal vegetables Secondary displays near the meat department are especially effective when paired with flavorful, grill-ready options such as seasoned Grill Packs to encourage incremental purchases.

RECOMMENDED DISPLAY IDEAS

A successful mushroom program begins with ensuring the core varieties are always in stock, clearly displayed, and easy to shop. The strongest sets begin with dependable everyday staples and expand into premium and specialty varieties that encourage trade-up.

Core varieties to prioritize include:

White Mushrooms (everyday cooking staple)

Baby Bella / Cremini Mushrooms (strong flavor, meal versatility)

Portabella Mushrooms (grilling and entrée occasions)

Shiitake Mushrooms (stir-fry, soups, Asian-inspired dishes)

Oyster Mushrooms (premium culinary appeal)

Secondary varieties such as Royal Trumpet, Maitake, and Beech mushrooms add visual interest and elevate the set for adventurous shoppers.

SALES-DRIVING IDEA

Build a “Meal Solutions” block within the mushroom set by grouping value-added items such as Grill Packs, Savory Sauté Kits, Stuffed Jalapeños, and Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms together to encourage trade-up and incremental basket rings.