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Sunshine on Your Shelves: Celebrate the New Florida Crops!

Sunshine on Your Shelves: Celebrate the New Florida Crops!
The days are getting longer, the air is warming up, and that means one thing in the produce world: the arrival of the new Florida crop! This season, we're particularly excited about Florida sweet corn, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and strawberries—each bringing fresh, vibrant flavors that signal the start of spring.
 
Florida Sweet Corn: A Taste of Summer
Florida sweet corn is famous for its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels, thanks to its high sugar-to-starch ratio compared to other corn varieties. While field corn has a starchier composition, Florida sweet corn boasts a crisp, juicy bite that consumers love. It's the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, and family dinners, meeting the growing demand for fresh, light options as the weather warms up.
 
Sweet Potatoes: Nutritious and Flavorful
The new crop of Florida sweet potatoes is arriving, bringing with it a creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor. These potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers. Whether roasted, mashed, or turned into fries, Florida sweet potatoes offer a deliciously nutritious addition to any meal.
 
Watermelon: The Ultimate Refreshment
Florida-grown watermelons are hitting the market just in time for the warm months ahead. Known for their high water content and natural sweetness, these juicy melons are a staple for hydration and refreshment. They make the perfect snack, smoothie ingredient, or salad addition, drawing in customers looking for a cool, healthy treat.
 
Florida Strawberries: Peak Season Perfection
March and April are prime months for Florida strawberries, known for their deep red color, intense sweetness, and juicy texture. Unlike strawberries from other regions, which may travel long distances, Florida strawberries reach stores quickly, ensuring peak freshness. They're a must-have for spring desserts, breakfast toppings, and healthy snacking.
 
Merchandising Opportunities
Now is the perfect time to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the new Florida crop. Here are some merchandising ideas:
  • Eye-Catching Displays: Create vibrant displays that highlight the freshness and color of sweet corn, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and strawberries. Use signage emphasizing their seasonal availability and superior flavor.
  • Cross-Merchandising: Pair sweet corn with grilling accessories, butter, and seasonings. Place sweet potatoes near complementary items like cinnamon, honey, and marshmallows. Display watermelons alongside fruit cutters and picnic supplies, and feature strawberries near whipped cream, chocolate, and shortcake.
  • Sampling: Offer samples of cooked sweet corn, roasted sweet potatoes, fresh watermelon slices, or strawberry-based treats to entice customers and showcase their delicious flavors.
  • Recipe Inspiration: Provide recipe cards or digital displays featuring meal ideas incorporating these fresh Florida crops.
  • Promote: If your customers value New Crop or Florida-sourced produce, make sure Florida’s origin is prominently highlighted in your signage and marketing materials.
By emphasizing the sweetness, freshness, and seasonal nature of Florida’s spring produce, you can drive sales and delight your customers. With EmpowerFresh, you can ensure you have the right amount of these high-demand items in stock, minimizing waste and maximizing profits. Now is the time to make the most of Florida’s bounty and give your customers the flavors of the season!
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