MILLEN, GA - The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure is officially underway! During today’s education session, the association will unveil the highly anticipated Food Industry Association’s (FMI) Power of Produce 2024 report, authored by 210 Analytics and made possible by SEPC and Yerecic Label.

“As we enter our sixth year of partnership with FMI, SEPC is excited to provide our highly recognized educational sessions as the platform for launch of the Power of Produce 2024 report,” said David Sherrod, SEPC President. “Navigating through the economic outlook for the next twelve months, we recognize that the traits of a great produce department go hand-in-hand with growing sales and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. As we honor the Unseen Heroes during Southern Exposure, we salute not only the men and women who serve in camouflage, but also the men and women who serve our industry by plowing fields, harvesting crops, sorting produce, loading trucks, stocking shelves, and prepping meals.”

According to a press release, the report showed that 89 percent of consumers make unplanned produce purchases, which highlights the effect that merchandising has on shopper purchases.

“Adding panelist insights from our Unseen Heroes to the Power of Produce data helps bring the study findings to life," said Mike Roberts, SEPC Chairman. “Session panelists provided valuable context to this information highlighting how they use cross merchandising, eye-catching displays, or seasonal items to drive impulse. This highlights the crucial role of those working behind the scenes to bring fresh produce to our tables."

This year’s report found that 54 percent of purchases resulting from out-of-stock items or poor displays lead customers to go to a different store, forgo the purchase entirely, or opt for the frozen/canned version.

“In produce, the eyes decide,” said Sherrod. “Best-in-class fresh produce operations not only result in above-average sales and margins for the department, but also helps the store be a destination to win trips and generate sales across all other departments.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights from the Power of Produce report, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive growth in their businesses.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover the event from the show floor.