CHARLOTTE, NC - With many tropical fruits reaching peak harvest during the spring and summer months, this period creates an ideal environment to capitalize on seasonal sales opportunities, according to Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications at Dole Food Company.

“Increased outdoor activity and warmer weather spark consumer demand for more refreshing, hydrating, and light foods, making tropical fruits a popular choice for smoothies, fruit salads, and summer desserts. Additionally, availability increases between March and July,” Bil explained. “The popularity of grilling and outdoor entertaining during the summer also contributes to higher sales, as pineapples, mangos, and even bananas are frequently used in barbecues, summer cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres platters or recipes.”

Dole works with retail partners to leverage this seasonal interest through promotions tied to key dates like Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July, as well as food holidays like International Pineapple Day, National Mango Day, or Dole Whip® Day. These events offer opportunities to feature tropical fruit in themed promotions, displays, and marketing campaigns.

“Tropical fruits attract consumers looking for fresh, light, nutritious, and globally inspired flavors, making strategic merchandising essential for driving sales. Unlike bananas, which have steady demand, pineapples and mangos often fall into the impulse purchase category. These fruits benefit from eye-catching displays and cross-promotions that entice shoppers who may not have planned to buy them,” Bil continued.

Dole offers several recommendations for retailer partners to maximize their tropical fruit sales:

• Create vibrant and interactive displays
  • Use bold, tropical-themed signage with bright colors to transport consumers to a tropical paradise
  • Stack pineapples and mangoes high to create visual appeal
  • Offer cutting demos and sampling to showcase the flavors
• Educate shoppers with signage and QR codes
  • Feature storytelling about the farm-to-store journey of tropical fruits and sustainability commitments
  • Provide tips (e.g., “A ripe mango should give slightly when pressed”)
  • Use QR codes linking to recipes, storage tips, and health benefits to increase engagement
• Cross-merchandise with complementary products
  • Place bananas near cereal, peanut butter, and smoothie ingredients to boost convenience purchases
  • Position mangoes near salsa ingredients (avocados, limes, and cilantro) for recipe inspiration
  • Pair pineapples with grilling meats, tropical juices, or rum to encourage party-themed shopping

“When merchandised correctly, tropical fruits offer a high-margin, high-appeal category. By leveraging eye-catching displays, consumer education, cross-promotions, and seasonality, retailers can drive impulse purchases and encourage repeat sales,” Bil concluded.

Take it from the pros! Now is the time to start building out those tropical displays with top-notch merchandising to match.