2021 Organic Produce in Review

Off-Shelf Displays: The main purpose of off-shelf displays is to create a visual impact by drawing customers over to them to boost extra sales. One of the benefits of an off-shelf display is its eye-appeal attraction. It stands out conspicuously from the normal wall or table section. The items will get more exposure than they would if they were just part of the organic section. Off-shelf auxiliary displays can increase sales by 30 to 35 percent.

Eye-Catching Signage: A good organic signage program identifies items and sections, educates shoppers, and influences quality satisfaction.

Wide Variety of Organic Produce: Increasing organic produce variety draws new customers to the organic section. Expanding the variety of organic produce items also offers the opportunity to increase sales and profit and can give your store a competitive advantage. 

No Longer a Small-Scale Category: There was a huge consumer shift over to organics during the earlier stages of COVID. People wanted to eat safe, natural, and healthy produce to boost their immunity and prevent illness. The grocery store retailers responded by expanding organic sections and adding other varieties into the mix.

Consistent Quality for Customer Loyalty: A consistently neat, clean, fresh, and full organic produce section will send a message of premium quality to shoppers. That impression is a huge determinant in customers recommending a specific store to friends and relatives.

Twin Lining Produce Items: Is it necessary to carry both conventional and organic versions of slower moving items such as beets, Swiss chard, bunch carrots, radishes, yellow squash, parsley, and leeks? It makes more sense to streamline these items into one section, namely the organic growth category. Once these items are no longer twin lined, extra display space is made available.

Showcase Organic Items: Highlighting a specific organic item outside of its fixed location can easily lead to sales up to four times the normal amount. All it takes is for an item to be moved from its commonplace location, such as the wall case, to a table fixture in order to give it more exposure. An ideal spot for sales action is always the table endcap. That is a showcase location and will draw the attention of customers as they shop through the department.

Advertise More Organic Items: Sixty percent of consumers would purchase organic produce if the prices were more economical. This is a good reason to advertise additional organic produce in the weekly ad flyer. Since ad items are generally lower priced, it can be an ideal way to convey a message that organic produce can be affordable.

Food Price Inflation: Consumers are very fussy over prices, and retailers are quite influential. Let's hope skyrocketing consumer prices will eventually slow. Meanwhile, we should do whatever possible to retain organic customers by properly managing the category and maintaining its high standards.

Attitudes Toward Organics: A successful organic produce program requires a positive attitude with a commitment to make it happen. This attitude must start with management at all levels.