Frieda's Touts Trendy Tropical Varieties Ahead of Summer
LOS ALAMITOS, CA - The sun is shining, and Mother Nature is singing praises on the delicious produce she has to offer. As the weather warms up here in California, I and other avid specialty fruit eaters cannot wait until summer hits because that’s when tropical favorites like dragon fruit, rambutans, and lychee are in season, in stock, and in grocery carts. While consumers are taking advantage of the sun, Frieda’s is enticing shoppers to try out its Honey & Snow Dragons™, lychee, and, my personal favorite, Rambas™ rambutan.
“I’m excited to be making up for lost time with my grandkids, and whether we’re lounging by the poolside, or picnicking in the backyard, you can be sure I’m always introducing them to new fruits,” says Allen DeMo, Director of Grower Relations and Business Development at Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “…and this year I’m excited to introduce them to lychees and rambutan, by far the freshest and juiciest I’ve ever seen!”
With Memorial Day just around the corner and social restrictions opening up, shoppers are getting ready to relax and reunite with outdoor picnics, BBQs, and gatherings. What better time than to introduce them to trendy tropicals? According to C+R studies cited in the release, 42 percent of shoppers say they are more likely to buy unique produce to make summer gatherings more fun, and 2 in 5 are looking to tropical fruits to brighten their summer.
Exotic tropicals are perfect for savory or sweet salads, fruit-forward mains, and even charred fruits, with a flourish. Encourage your shoppers to serve these up in imaginative cocktails, such as Frieda’s wildly popular rambutan & grapefruit Aperol spritz. Or if consumers are looking for a simple treat to throw on the grill, pierce lychee onto skewers, roast over a flame, and drizzle with honey and lime juice for a tropical twist on s’mores.
Make it easy for shoppers to discover new tropical favorites by merchandising them with what they already know—Honey Dragons™ next to pineapples and Rambas rambutan in the berry patch. Or cross merchandise coveted lychees with specialty cheeses and meats to help shoppers create a simple and delicious charcuterie board.
For more ways to incorporate fresh produce into outdoor activities and grilling opportunities, keep checking back to AndNowUKnow.
