CASTROVILLE, CA - Winter artichoke opportunities have arrived! With its winter season in Coachella, California, well underway, Ocean Mist® Farms is bringing promotable volumes to retail shelves through the month of February. The supplier is currently in peak harvest for its Gold Standard (green globe) artichokes, as well as first picks of highly sought-after purple artichokes.

“This is also a perfect opportunity for retailers to create some thoughtful and creative cross-promotion displays including things like fresh lemons, olive oil, breadcrumbs, and dips,” said Mark Munger, Senior Director of Marketing. “This will not only offer consumers a convenience by creating ‘one-stop-shopping’ environments, but can also increase basket size while offering important color breaks in the display that will make it more likely to attract consumers and generate buzz.

The first Frost-Kissed® crop of the season was also being harvested a couple of weeks ago out of the grower’s southern growing region in Coachella, a press release explained.

“These exclusive artichokes were not available last year as they only occur after frosts, much to the disappointment of artichoke aficionados who know that the darkened skin on the outer leaves is strictly cosmetic, doesn’t affect the eatability or quality of the artichoke and, in fact, the frost seems to seal in a more intense and distinctive nutty flavor,” added Director of Sales, Joe Angelo. “A possible second wave of Frost-Kissed artichokes may be available next month, weather contingent.”

To inform shoppers about this year’s abundant crop, Ocean Mist will be rolling out a major consumer media campaign, which will include consumer-focused communications, media press releases, and targeted social media content.

By offering selection tips, unique and versatile recipes and usage ideas, and reminders that consumers can check out their website’s Store Locator to find Ocean Mist artichokes in stores near them nationwide, these efforts are set to keep artichokes top of mind for consumers and stimulate category demand.

“Artichokes are one of the produce items consumers get really passionate and excited about,” Munger concluded. “We know how important the caliber and quality of our artichoke products are to retailers—and consumers—and we make great efforts to meet and exceed those expectations every year with the artichokes from both our Castroville and Coachella growing regions.”

Ocean Mist’s specially developed point-of-sale materials for retailers can be ordered from the Ocean Mist website here.

Ready to harness the opportunities provided by this peak artichoke harvest?!