BRONX, NY - As consumers stretch their legs from a long winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, retailers are gearing up for some key categories that ramp up across fresh produce shopping lists. D’Arrigo New York is one company helping to ensure retailers are covered this spring, with insights into the high-traffic fruit and veg destinations that will keep produce departments bustling.

With May just around the corner, Gabriela D’Arrigo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, joins me to talk shop, best practices, and crucial to-dos.

“Consistently, you will see the leafy greens, tomato, berry, and melon categories start to move once springtime finds its legs,” Gabriela shares with me. “We are starting to see a little bit of that now, and by May more categories will follow as the weather gets warmer.”

As seasons change, so do the new frontrunners across traditional spring drivers. One of those key items heating up as we speak is citrus. As Gabriela adds, citrus is definitely having its moment right now as consumers look to pump their bodies full of vitamin C and other nutrients that different citrus varieties contain to help boost their immune systems.

Gabriela pauses, then shares that, while keeping their eye on the prize is essential, it is also critical that retailers build the best foundation and strategy for their capabilities and geographic advantages.

“There are two things that are crucial: first, know what your store's storage capabilities are, and this includes not only refrigerated spaces but the shelf space as well. If you have products that can sit out in the ambient temperature utilize them!” she expresses. “New York City, for example, doesn't have the luxury of space, so every ounce of space counts. Second, understand the demographics and psychographics of your area. This is key in being able to anticipate what your specific customers will be looking for.”

At the heart of all of D’Arrigo New York’s wisdom and go-to-market strategies is one element that keeps the company connected, headstrong, and out front.

“We are a family of growers, that is our foundation. We understand arguably better than anyone in this market what happens at the farming level. That knowledge and that expertise allows us to better form relationships with other growers like ourselves which is huge a leverage point to have when it comes to sourcing capabilities. If you can source for the demand, you are sitting pretty.”

Spring has sprung my friends. Cheers to fresh produce sales doing the same!

D'Arrigo New York