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LIMES
VISION IMPORT GROUP
All consumers use limes; they cannot be overlooked. Limes cross over all cultures and cuisines. Although limes in the United States have been displayed as a tropical item in the past, they are now mainstream. Actively promoting limes will yield increased sales.
Direct grower-relationships make Vision Import Group unique and allow us to deliver the highest-quality produce and service at fair market price. Every one of our grower partners offers top-quality fruit and is held to the highest food safety standards/certifications. Our customers receive timely information on product availability, market price points, trends, weather and other variables that influence our commodities.
RECOMMENDED
DISPLAY IDEAS
• Make displays prominent and be
innovative.
• Utilize the shipping boxes and show
off the labels to increase consumer
confidence in your quality.
• Display limes with recipes. Ideas
include marinades, zesting for desserts and a squeeze of lime as a garnish.
PROMOTIONAL/ ADVERTISING IDEAS
• Limes are extremely versatile —
incremental sales and positioning will bring limes to a top-grossing produce item.
• Place in the butcher section and/ or seafood department with recipe recommendations.
• Place in a basket in beverage aisle with a reminder: “Don’t forget the limes!”
• Promote using fresh lime juice to enhance beverages from Lime-aid to Mojitos.
• Special occasions are an opportunity to sell limes. Any occasion for home entertaining (Super Bowl, Thanks-
QUICK TIPS
A little lime juice and water can prevent cut fruit or vegetables (such as potatoes and apples) from getting discolored.
Limes contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxi- dant, antibiotic and anti-cancer properties.
Expose limes to room tempera- ture before squeezing — they will release more juice.
Use limes as a healthy condi- ment on meats, fish and chicken — just a squeeze of lime can change or accentuate the flavor.
Fresh lime in drinks and cock- tails can provide a refreshing twist of relaxation.
VISION IMPORT GROUP
Offices in New Jersey,
Texas and Florida
(201) 968-1190 visionimportgroup.com Facebook.com/VisionImportGroup
“Todas tenemos que comer”
We all have to eat
30 / MARCH 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS
MASTERS OF MERCHANDISING
so ensure those few are removed so the beautiful product stands out. Limes should not be an item your customers need to pick through — quality fruit is available all year.
• Keep limes at 48°F; fresh limes can be held for up to four weeks after picking — as long as they are picked and stored the best condition.
• To maintain optimal quality for an extended period, be conscious of the storage temperature in your ware- house and back rooms, in addition to retail displays. Optimum is 48°F to50°F.
VARIETY AND AVAILABILITY GUIDE Seedless lime varieties include Persian and Bearss. Persian Limes grown in Mexico have set the highest standard and are the most desirable.
Seeded varieties include West Indian, Mexican, and Key.
Availability: Historically, there is lighter volume out of Mexico in January through March, resulting in higher pricing. Through Vision Import Group’s positive grower relationships, we are able to carry limes 52 weeks of the year from Mexico. When needed,
we utilize our offshore
relationships for additional sourcing. • 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bag limes
• 40-pound box ranging from 110 to
250 size (PLU sticker optional)
• 10-pound place-packed and stickered (packed by hand, highest grade and
color level)
• Ability to pack loose 10-pound
For more information on how foodservice and retail companies can start or increase their lime sales, simply send an email to info@visionimportgroup.com
giving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Cinco de Mayo) is a great excuse to promote limes.
• Promote during summer months for barbecues, family picnics and social gatherings.
• Restaurants can increase community connection and fun with a “green” fundraiser or awareness event — promoting locally sourced foods and serving Mojitos made with our Mojito limes and fresh mint. Everyone will enjoy “Going Green.”
• Promote limes in a “Refreshing Drink Display” with other citrus and various drink components — from sparkling water to drink mixes. This not only increases lime sales, but also adds ring from higher-end components.
With a little direction, your customers can use limes every day of the week! For printable recipes, email us at info@ visionimportgroup.com
DISPLAY CARE
AND HANDLING
Remember: Quality Limes Sell More! • Clean and neat displays do wonders
for lime sales. Undesirable fruit left on the stand becomes a negative focus,