25th Annual Masters of Merchandising: OCEAN MIST FARMS

April 4, 2026 | 4 min to read

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ARTICHOKES

EVOLVING TRENDS & PREFERENCES

Shoppers are increasingly seeking new fresh vegetable items that deliver convenience without compromising on quality or flavor. Artichokes—especially new Heartichokes—can drive incremental ring and delight shoppers.

ARTICHOKE MERCHANDISING TO DRIVE SALES

Display artichokes at 34°F

Do not re-trim stems; this causes vital moisture loss

Remove damaged outer petals before displaying

Cross merchandise artichokes with complimentary items

Build prominent displays to catch shoppers’ attention

Consumers like variety—use a mixture of artichoke packs and sizes

Ensuring products look fresh and vibrant will make your display memorable

Displays should always look plentiful; half-full displays translate as old products

Once display is built, keep products rotated and stocked–remember FIFO!

NEW HEARTICHOKES HELP INCREASE CONSUMPTION

Ocean Mist launched its first-to-market Heartichokes line in early 2026. Recognizing that artichokes can be labor-intensive to prepare–especially for busy people with limited time to get meals on the table–the company developed this convenient, versatile and delicious line of trimmed and quartered tender artichokes that are ready to cook right out of the package.

Often considered a special-occasion indulgence, artichokes are more approachable than ever with Heartichokes–quick to prepare, easy to enjoy, and perfect for any meal or occasion. With virtually no mess, prep or cleanup, Heartichokes are a game-changer for artichoke lovers, ready in as little as 15 minutes. Like their award-winning Roastables cousins, their versatility allows for a wide range of cooking methods, including sautéing, roasting, air frying—even grilling. Each package contains roughly five trimmed artichokes and is available in chef-crafted flavors including Lemon Butter and Savory Parm.

PEAK SEASON

Ocean Mist offers Gold Standard artichokes year-round, but traditional peak seasons are the Spring (March-May) and around holidays including Valentine’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Retailers see a sharp increase in volume and sales lift during these periods.

A CENTURY OF FARMING EXCELLENCE

Founded in 1924 in Castroville, California, the “Artichoke Center of the World,” Ocean Mist Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated company and the largest grower-shipper of fresh artichokes in North America. CA growing regions provide year-round availability of their vast product line–including Gold Standard artichokes, 30+ vegetable commodities, popular value-added items, and exciting new innovations including Roastables and Heartichokes ready-tocook kits which consumers are seeking.