OXNARD, CA - Cinco de Mayo is a day full of history and remembrance, and many celebrate this momentous anniversary in a myriad of ways. I’m willing to bet your shoppers will choose food as a main focal point this holiday, and Mission Produce is ready to take that bet on. Brooke Becker, Senior Director of North American Retail, dives into the promotions and plans the grower has in store this year as the holiday comes around the corner.

“Consumers will be looking for ripe and ready avocados to use in dishes for the holiday, and Mission’s ‘Ready’ program encourages shoppers to stock up on both ripe and almost-ripe avocados, so they can enjoy the fruit at peak readiness,” Brooke illustrates. “Due to the size curve and supply of the current crop, now is an optimal time for customers to find value in bag programs and smaller fruit, such as our Mission Minis.”

As the holiday is bound to have a bounty of delicious dishes to fill the table, cross-merchandising is key. Brooke says that with the smaller sizing of avocados this season, retailers should display avocados next to other ingredients to promote easy-to-serve dishes such as tacos and guacamole.

To liven up the green spread, Brooke also recommends sprinkling in some mangos for a pop of color.

“Avocados and mangos go hand-in-hand for Cinco de Mayo celebrations,” continues Brooke. “Our customers can rely on Mission to supply both ripe avocados and mangos ahead of the holiday, which is convenient for our buyers and promotes a good experience for shoppers.”

For pairing inspirations, think margaritas or sunrises with some Taquitos with Avocado Crema or Mediterranean Guacamole. I’m sure your shoppers will add avocados to their baskets when they see the display stocked with easy-to-grab ingredients.

This year, approximately one-third of Americans plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with many doing so at home with their immediate families. Of those who plan to shop for Cinco de Mayo, notes Brooke, 63 percent report that they plan to purchase avocados. As avocados are a staple item during this holiday and beyond, Mission Produce is looking ahead to its Peruvian season to bolster supplies.

“We’re looking forward to the upcoming Peruvian season. The arrivals of fruit from Peru are anticipated to stabilize supply and support the current market,” Brooke tells me. “In order for customers to get the most out of this year’s Cinco de Mayo promotions, we recommend speaking to your Mission Produce Sales Representative on effective pricing strategies.”

Get your bins and signs ready! Shoppers are sure to pack in leading up to and the day of May 5, so be prepared with ANUK.

Mission Produce