Following its April 15 start date to harvest, Vidalia onions are shipping steadily from Georgia. Shuman Farmst will ship its onions in its RealSweet® and Mr. Buck's Farm Fresh® bags through Labor Day.
Shuman says the crop looks good with good quality and size profiles.
How is the crop looking? "Despite weather challenges during the growing period, our crop looks good with good quality and size profiles," says John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms.
As for movement, the company is encouraging retailers to support the season both via bag and bulk promotions. However, it's also intensified its marketing efforts for this unique onion.
For instance, there's the education piece of the marketing program. "We're building on the momentum we've created through our Shuman Farms University initiative. Educating retailer partners' produce teams about Vidalia onions has been our priority, and this year we're refreshing our digital content and resources to take that to the next level," says Shuman.
The company will ship onions in its RealSweet and Mr. Buck's Farm Fresh bags through Labor Day.
Why teaching is important
This is the fourth year for these educational-focused initiatives and they include Lunch & Learns, Vidalia 101 content, and an interactive Vidalia Quiz which comes with a completion certificate. "Our refreshed program for 2025 takes edutainment to the next level by making the content more accessible, engaging, and fun," says Shuman, adding that the company also has a revamped website and updated educational videos around Vidalia onions. "When produce teams understand and can communicate the uniqueness of Vidalia onions, they will increase shopper interest and drive incremental sales during the season."
Supporting these education initiatives are also customized marketing programs and in-store promotions.
Shuman says educating retailer partners' produce teams about Vidalia onions has been its priority.
Meanwhile, back on the production side, this year, the company is also leveraging its expanded infrastructure following its acquisition of Generation Farms in 2024. "This has given us the ability to increase our storage, packing capacity, and overall efficiency," says Shuman.
For more information:
Shuman Farms
Tel: +1 (912) 557-4477
[email protected]
http://shumanfarmsga.com/