California Avocado Commission’s Terry Splane Details Cinco de Mayo Merchandising Tactics
IRVINE, CA - Ah, Cinco de Mayo. A holiday that celebrates victory and independence through one of nature’s perfect mediums: food. As retailers prepare for their Cinco de Mayo sets, one important factor to keep in mind is how best to merchandise one of the reigning kings of this holiday. I speak, of course, of the avocado.
To learn more, I turned to California Avocado Commission’s Terry Splane.
“With the slower start to California avocado harvesting due to weather this season, Cinco de Mayo is generating a lot of excitement since it’s the first big merchandising event when California avocados have promotable volume available,” the Vice President of Marketing shared with me. “The commission is optimizing promotions by offering additional POS choices as well as customized promotion options for retailers to build larger displays in creative ways.”
In addition, retail interest in sampling fresh products for consumers is high, Terry noted. Sampling delicious, diced California avocados or fresh-made store guacamole calling out the California origin is one fantastic ways to boost sales.
To help draw attention to the produce department, CAC also offers in-store promotions, point-of-sales materials including display bins, appetizing recipe content, and social media that connects with consumers to encourage awareness and demand.
And with Cinco de Mayo falling on a Friday this year, this may spark some at-home parties that rely heavily on avocados for menu inspiration.
“For some retailers, Cinco de Mayo serves as a kick-off for California avocado season. Shoppers associate the California origin most with spring and summer and appreciate seasonal produce,” Terry added. “During the summer, avocado consumption increases. Locally grown California avocados are the preferred avocado origin for consumers in the West, so we encourage retailers to prominently call out the California avocado origin to optimize their spring and summer sales.”
California Avocado Commission has got your back for all of your merchandising needs, and AndNowUKnow has got you covered on coverage.