Supermarket Perimeter - June 2024 - 60

Produce
Specialty
produce
By Andy Nelson
DEMAND FOR FRESH SPECIALTY PRODUCE at retail is strong, for a number of reasons.
Start with variety and selection. Consumers are increasingly seeking out a diverse range
of produce options, and stores that offer a wide variety of specialty produce are attracting
more shoppers, said Alex Jackson, vice president of sales and procurement for Frieda's
Specialty Produce.
Health and wellness is another top reason. With growing awareness of the importance
of a healthy diet, consumers are turning to fresh fruits and vegetables as staples of
their meals.
Specialty produce, such as dragon fruit and passion fruit, offers not only unique flavors
but also a host of nutritional benefits, Jackson said.
Flavor, increased media attention and health concerns are the three factors that Robert
Schueller, public relations director for World Variety Produce, which markets specialty
produce under the Melissa's label, believes have driven inflation-proof growth for
specialties.
" In fact, inflation for other perishable items at retail like meats, cheeses and processed
food products, have helped demand for fruits and veggies rise around the board overall, "
he said.
Ready-to-drink fresh coconut
New from Frieda's this summer is Hulas ready-to-drink coconut, which offers consumers a
convenient and refreshing way to enjoy the tropical taste of coconut.
Hulas' vibrant orange packaging and easy-to-enjoy format should be a hit with
consumers, Jackson said.
Specialty produce is evolving with the times, and Frieda's, Jackson said, is staying ahead of
the curve with a focus on meeting consumer demand for the latest trending foods and flavors.
Top among those trends is all things spicy.
With tropical flavors like dragonfruit and passionfruit, incorporating a spicy element
creates a unique and exciting flavor combination, Jackson said.
Convenience is another trend Frieda's is tracking closely.
One way the company is addressing it, Jackson said, is with innovative packaging
solutions, like a 3-pack option for passionfruit, which is not only convenient but also
educates consumers on how to use the product and features QR codes linking to recipes.
" By boldly displaying preparation instructions and creative ways to enjoy the produce,
Frieda's makes it effortless for shoppers to try something new and exciting. "
60 - JUNE 2024
supermarketperimeter.com
Summer specialties
Month by month, here are
some offerings retailers can
look forward to from Frieda's:
JUNE: Look for a bounty of
tropical fruits, each offering its
own unique taste and texture.
Lychee offers a sweet, floral
flavor, while passion fruit packs
a tangy punch. Dragon fruit, in
both conventional and organic
varieties, adds a vibrant pop
of color to fruit salads or
smoothie bowls. And Rambas
rambutan features sweet and
juicy flesh encased in a spiky
exterior.
JULY: Lychee and dragon fruit
return, along with Angelcots,
a hybrid variety of apricots
known for its exceptional
sweetness and juiciness.
AUGUST: Spice up your
summer dishes with the arrival
of Hatch chili peppers. These
flavorful peppers have a cult
following for their smoky,
earthy taste and varying levels
of heat.
Frieda's

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Supermarket Perimeter - June 2024

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