Consumers are increasingly looking for value and want to buy produce that's reasonably priced. "Canadian retailers are responding by identifying value opportunities for their consumers," says Chris Sarantis with Montreal-based Canadawide. Whether it is for mainstream produce or items popular with certain ethnicities, they want to provide value for their customers. "Retailers don't want to be caught in a situation where they have to raise prices. They've been through that as a result of different weather events that happened in recent years". As a result, they are increasingly staying up to date on weather conditions in key produce supplying countries. In case there happens to be a situation of lower supply, retailers may temporarily offer an alternative, but they will first push hard to have the product available they want to offer to their customers.
In addition to value, consumers prefer to buy as much locally grown produce as possible. In summer, most products are available locally, but even in winter months, they search for local items. "Whether it's from storage or greenhouse grown, local produce is preferred."
While it sounds conflicting, retailers are not only looking for value, but also for high-quality produce at the same time. "They prefer offering quality produce at good value," mentioned Sarantis. Fortunately, Canada doesn't have a lot of import restrictions, allowing the country to source from pretty much anywhere. "We are in the luxury position to take the best produce from each country and promote it accordingly," he said.
Left: Chris Sarantis. Right: stem and leaf clementines are very popular with Canadian consumers and promoted by all retailers.
Northern hemisphere citrus
Citrus is an example of a category offering quality and value at the same time. This time of year, citrus is available from many different sources and it's a big focus item for retailers and consumers. Canadawide is bringing in clementines from Morocco, Spain, Israel and California. Oranges are also sourced in Spain and California as well as Egypt. Grapefruit comes from Israel and Turkey while lemons make their way over from Egypt and Turkey. Part of the northern hemisphere citrus season saw a slower start, but as the season is progressing, the regions are now in full swing and Canadawide's citrus volumes are reflective. "Our citrus program is performing above average this season."
New grape and cherry varieties
Within the grape category, retailers don't want to compromise on quality either. Newer grape varieties like Sweet Globe, Autumncrisp, and Sweet Celebration are very much favored. "Wonderful fruit is coming in as many growers in countries like Peru, Chile, and South Africa have shifted to new varieties," said Sarantis. The same holds true for cherries. Newer varieties like Regina, Santina, and Sweetheart were widely available from Chile the past few months. Thanks to significant volumes, retailers were able to offer southern hemisphere cherries at promotional prices. "Timing of the season also worked in our favor as the Chilean cherry season coincided with the holidays, resulting in many ad opportunities."
Gift boxes for Chinese New Year
Retailers are also creating value for their customers by offering produce in gift boxes. "This type of packaging was particularly popular in the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year," said Sarantis. One of the more popular items is a gift box that contains four different Pomelos. Asian Pears and Golden Pears are also in high demand for the upcoming festivities. In addition to gift boxes, family packaging is in development. "We offer mangos and avocados in larger quantities to lower the price per unit. This allows our retail customers to continue to offer high-quality produce at value prices." Canadawide is encouraging their customers to inquire about other packaging options and come up with suggestions. "We enjoy being challenged about new packaging styles."
Gift boxes for Chinese New Year.
From February 5 – 7, the Canadawide team will be present at Fruit Logistica Berlin, meeting with suppliers from around the globe. Contact Chris to meet up in person.
For more information:
Chris Sarantis
Canadawide
Tel: (514) 382-3232
[email protected]
www.canadwidefruits.com