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dragon fruit, kiwi, mango, guava and star- fruit. “These are all exotic and would make an interesting platter,” he said.
I cautiously picked up the passion fruit, which was under the dragon fruit sign, asking, “What are these, dragon fruit? They look weird. How would I use them?”
“No,” he replied. “Those are passion fruit. This pinkish one is the dragon fruit (he indicated correctly.) I don’t really know how
you’d use them. The dragon fruit is nice though. You just slice it.”
He proceeded to recommend the star- fruit as well, showing me how to slice it and how to select a good one. “What is the nutrition of these fruits?” I asked. “I know blueberries are very high in nutrition, but what about these?”
“I’m not really sure about all these,” he replied. “But generally all fruit is pretty
healthy.”
Upon leaving, I passed by the first guy
who had helped me, and he stopped me to ask what I had decided on and if I needed anything else. It was a pleasure to experi- ence the enthusiasm to help and friendly demeanor of these employees. However, it was a bit disappointing that, despite their willingness, they were not very well-trained to help a shopper in menu planning. I don’t think I will be serving cabbage and bean soup at any dinner party.
STUCK ON SPRING MIX
The beautifully merchandised but 900- square-foot produce section of this regional chain was deserted on a weekday morning. The colorful displays caught my eye as soon as I entered the front of the store and was welcomed into the department where I noticed a Millennial restocking salads. I browsed the vegetable section, which boasted an impressive display of endive, radicchio, beets and cauliflower rice among many other items. I then approached the young man with my query: A request for help and suggestions for creating an impressive, produce-laden salad for my dinner guests.
After an uncomfortably long pause, he replied, “I really don’t know. Ummmm. How about some spring mix? That is always popular.”
He turned and picked up a package of spring mix. “That would make a good base,” I replied. “But, what else can I put with it to make it more exciting and unique?”
He shifted nervously and replied, “I really don’t know.”
After some more uncomfortable silence, I finally asked if there was anyone else who might have some suggestions, and he went to the backroom in search of rescue. A few minutes later, he reappeared with another gentleman, wheeling a cart of lettuce mix, who asked what I needed. I repeated my request.
The second gentleman also paused to think for a bit, then also recommended spring mix. “What can I do to jazz it up?” I asked.
He was at a loss for further suggestions but proved very knowledgeable about the spring mix, showing me the different vari- eties of lettuce in the different mixes. He also recommended trying the mix of a local greenhouse grower who he mentioned was becoming very popular. “Try this,” he said, digging into one of his boxes on the cart.
32nd ANNUAL
MYSTERY SHOPPER REPORT
30 / MARCH 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS