Southeast Produce Council Study Discovers Innovation Linked to Category Growth and Engagement in Fresh Produce; David Sherrod and Anne-Marie Roerink Comment

SAVANNAH, GA - Understanding what consumers really want is the key to capturing more sales and building brand loyalty. To give suppliers an inside look at shoppers’ evolving demands, The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has recently released What’s New: The Consumer Take on Produce Innovation and Technology 2021 in conjunction with 210 Analytics in one of two educations sessions at Southern Innovations.
David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Produce Council“Southern Innovations has always been focused on the latest and greatest in fresh produce retailing and foodservice,” explained David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer of SEPC. “This year, we wanted to highlight innovations throughout the supply chain from farm to menu through the eyes of the consumer. After all, it is the shopper who drives change in produce purchases and consumption. Together with 210 Analytics, we conducted in-depth consumer research to understand sentiments about anything from farm-direct sales to drones and self-checkout to air fryers. Having a solid understanding of where consumers weigh in will help the fresh produce industry with vital innovation and technology decisions in months and years to come.”
The Southern Innovations show has four areas of focus, according to a press release. Those focus areas are for the planet, at the farm, in the store, and on the menu, and exhibitors are encouraged to highlight innovations in each of these categories.
Anne-Marie Roerink, President, 210 Analytics“When comparing the consumer input on innovation we have seen throughout the supply chain to sales growth trends, it is clear that fresh produce sales patterns are closely interwoven with technology and innovation,” added Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics. “Technology has enabled easier engagement and better communication with consumers who are increasingly looking for the how, what, where, and why behind the produce they buy. At the same time, product innovation is driving operational efficiencies, labor solutions, and sales gains for the category.”
Some of the findings in SEPC’s study include:
The Southeast Produce Council recently released What’s New: The Consumer Take on Produce Innovation and Technology 2021 in conjunction with 210 Analytics in one of two educations sessions at Southern Innovations to provide an inside look at evolving shopper demands
To explore the study’s other findings, click here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all of the latest news here in the produce industry, so keep an eye out for our next update.
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is a member-driven, non-profit association of more than 2,500 leaders from all…