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merchandising review onions
comes from and how it is grown, as well as it proving to be a high-quality product, is more important than which particular variety they are adding into their recipe.”
And, as more young people venture into the kitchen, Hardwick of the National Onion Association notes, they’re trying out trends with onions. “We encourage grocers to high- light trends by posting recipes and nutritional facts near their onion bins,” she says.
Retail can capitalize on marketing done by the onion organizations or individual growers.
“Our Vidalia Onion Committee puts a strong message out there in the marketplace, so retailers can really take advantage of it,” says Stafford. “Our bigger growers also spend a lot of money advertising Vidalia onions.”
Peri & Sons Farms provides free seasonal recipes using a variety of onions (white, red, sweet and yellow). “These are new, easy and fun ways matching up to lifestyle changes throughout the year,” says Gibson. “We also promote onions as a part of a healthy, vege- table rich diet.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ONIONS ETC.
7. PUMP UP HEALTH ASPECTS
For health-conscious customers, retailers may wish to highlight the overlooked health benefits of onions. “Onions are extremely healthy, and I don’t think we promote that enough,” says Bland of Bland Farms. “It is a healthy way to add flavor without adding fat.”
The highly underrated onion can work miracles in a meal, agrees Gibson. “It has incredible healthful properties that are often overlooked,” she says. “Onions are fat-free and cholesterol-free, low in sodium, high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber. Orga- nosulfur and other compounds in onions help increase circulation, lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting. They also detoxify the body and skin and fight the free radicals that can cause cell destruction and disease. Onions also contain generous amounts of a flavo- noid called quercetin, a potent antioxidant with anti-allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties. Studies show it may also protect against cataracts, cardiovascular disease and cancer.”
Gibson notes this is the kind of health- based information consumers seek out. “It can be shared through in-store signage, rack cards and nutritionists,” she says. “For our part, we provide this information on packaging, POS materials, QR codes and our website.”
Shuman Produce uses consumer research and conducts industry reports to stay current. “This includes the latest developments in health trends and benefits,” says Shuman. “We always look for new opportunities to share our findings with retail partners. One way we achieve this is to list health benefits on our packaging and display units to boost awareness in stores.”
Onions are so packed with nutrients, Hardwick reports the National Onion Asso- ciation likes calling them ‘Nature’s Ninja.’ “Educating consumers about the health aspects is an ongoing campaign and one I’m sure will be a focus as consumers continue to be concerned about the value of certain foods for their ongoing health,” she says. pb
56 / AUGUST 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS