The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) unveiled the highly anticipated FMI – Food Industry Association's Power of Produce 2024 at Southern Exposure education session on Friday, March 8, 2024. The Power of Produce 2024 is authored by 210 Analytics and made possible by the Southeast Produce Council and Yerecic Label.
"As we enter our sixth year of partnership with FMI, we are excited to provide our educational sessions as the platform for launching the Power of Produce 2024 report," said David Sherrod, SEPC president. "Navigating through the economic outlook for the next 12 months, we recognize that the traits of a great produce department go hand-in-hand with growing sales and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. As we honor the Unseen Heroes during Southern Exposure, we salute not only the people who serve in camouflage but also those who serve our industry by plowing fields, harvesting crops, sorting produce, loading trucks, stocking shelves and prepping meals."
The report showed that 89 percent of consumers make unplanned produce purchases, highlighting the effect merchandising has on shopper purchases.
Left to right: David Sherrod, Mike Roberts
"Adding panelist insights from our Unseen Heroes to the Power of Produce data helps bring the study findings to life," said Mike Roberts, SEPC chairman. "Session panelists provided valuable context to this information highlighting how they use cross merchandising, eye-catching displays or seasonal items to drive impulse. This highlights the crucial role of those working behind the scenes to bring fresh produce to our tables."
This year's report found that 54 percent of purchases resulting from out-of-stock items or poor displays lead customers to go to a different store, forgo the purchase entirely or opt for the frozen/canned version.
"In produce, the eyes decide," said Sherrod. "Best-in-class fresh produce operations not only result in above-average sales and margins for the department but also help the store be a destination to win trips and generate sales across all other departments."
The education sessions serve as a platform for industry stakeholders to learn about strategies for success in the fresh produce market. Attendees can gain insights from the report, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive business growth.
Media may contact FMI at media@fmi.org for a complimentary copy of the full Power of Produce 2024.
For more information:
Anna Burch
Southeast Produce Council Inc.
Tel.: +1 (877) 720-SPEC
anna@seproducecouncil.com
https://seproducecouncil.com/
www.FMI.org/FreshFoods