REIDSVILLE, GA - While consumers plan their Thanksgiving meals, hundreds of companies across the supply chain are preparing to handle the holiday rush. I connected with John Shuman of Shuman Farms to learn more about how the supplier works alongside its retail partners to create a foolproof holiday game plan.

“We understand the holidays are a time when fresh ingredients take center stage, and we’re committed to ensuring our sweet onions are top of mind for Thanksgiving meal prep,” John told me. “This year, we’re encouraging our retailer partners to create enhanced in-store displays cross-merchandising with other holiday staples in the department, such as potatoes and fresh herbs.”

To help its partners maximize sales, Shuman Farms offers various tools tailored to engaging today’s savvy consumers.

“We have created high-quality in-store signage, recipe inspiration for holiday favorites, digital content, and social media assets, all designed to build awareness and excitement around sweet onions. Additionally, our RealSweet®- and Mr. Buck’s Farm Fresh®-branded Feeding America® bags provide a strong, cause-driven point of differentiation that resonates with shoppers,” John added. “For our retailer partners, this is a unique way to capture attention in the produce department while encouraging purchases that support a meaningful cause.”

Another way to drive engagement in the produce department is to highlight freshness, ease of use, and holiday-specific recipes for ingredients like sweet onions.

“We recommend creating displays incorporating meal solutions and cross-merchandising opportunities that pair sweet onions with other Thanksgiving essentials. Featuring our Feeding America bags in prominent locations will attract socially-conscious consumers, and clear signage can reinforce the message that their purchase helps feed families in need. Finally, focusing on simple meal ideas and health-forward recipes can appeal to shoppers looking for inspiration as they plan their holiday menus,” John noted.

For younger generations in particular, John emphasizes how the Feeding America campaign ties into consumers’ focus on social impact outside of the health and quality of their ingredients. The yearly initiative helps provide 100,000 meals to families in need.

As we continue to cover stories on the lead-up to Thanksgiving, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.