Convenience-minded Americans continue to turn to fresh-cut fruits and vegetables with increasing frequency. This has spurred on suppliers to meet the growing demand with new products and marketing programs. Fresh Del Monte, based in Coral Gables, Florida, has tracked this increase in demand for fresh-cut by both consumers and retailers. Therefore, the company has increased its fresh-cut offerings, said Kirk Teske, vice president of product management and sales for the company’s North American fresh-cut division.
Teske said that people are seeking new and innovative solutions to meet their everyday needs, whether that means getting the freshest produce in their hands through retailers or by direct delivery. Expansions in the fresh-cut produce space allow Fresh Del Monte to provide added retail convenience, as fruit and vegetables are cut to order prior to distribution.
For those retailers unable to cut fruits and vegetables efficiently instore, the process will help retailers continue to incrementally grow retail sales. Produce is cut-to-order at each Del Monte regional facility for direct, next day deliveries and pickups.
Top sellers include Del Monte-branded Gold Extra Sweet pineapple and melons. Grapes, citrus, apples, mango and kiwifruit are among some of the many other popular options at retail, Teske told supermarketperimeter.com.
