The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is excited to announce the unveiling of the highly anticipated FMI – Food Industry Association’s Power of Produce 2024 at our Southern Exposure education session on Friday, March 8, 2024. The Power of Produce 2024 is authored by 210 Analytics and made possible by the Southeast Produce Council and Yerecic Label.
David Sherrod, President, Southeast Produce Council
“As we enter our sixth year of partnership with FMI, SEPC is excited to provide our highly recognized educational sessions as the platform for launch of the Power of Produce 2024 report,” said David Sherrod, SEPC President. “Navigating through the economic outlook for the next twelve months, we recognize that the traits of a great produce department go hand-in-hand with growing sales and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. As we honor the Unseen Heroes during Southern Exposure, we salute not only the men and women who serve in camouflage, but also the men and women who serve our industry by plowing fields, harvesting crops, sorting produce, loading trucks, stocking shelves, and prepping meals.”
Driving Impulse Purchases
The report showed that 89 percent of consumers make unplanned produce purchases, which highlights the effect that merchandising has on shopper purchases.
“Adding panelist insights from our Unseen Heroes to the Power of Produce data helps bring the study findings to life,” said Mike Roberts, SEPC Chairman. “Session panelists provided valuable context to this information highlighting how they use cross merchandising, eye-catching displays or seasonal items to drive impulse. This highlights the crucial role of those working behind the scenes to bring fresh produce to our tables.”
Mike Roberts, Chariman of the Board, Southeast Produce Council
Displays And In-Stock Value
This year’s report found that 54% of purchases resulting from out-of-stock items or poor displays lead customers to go to a different store, forgo the purchase entirely, or opt for the frozen/canned version.
“In produce, the eyes decide,” said Sherrod. “Best-in-class fresh produce operations not only result in above-average sales and margins for the department, but also helps the store be a destination to win trips and generate sales across all other departments.
The SEPC Southern Exposure education sessions serve as an ideal platform for industry stakeholders to gather and learn about strategies for success in the fresh produce market. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights from the Power of Produce report, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive growth in their businesses.
Media may contact FMI at media@fmi.org for a complimentary copy of the full Power of Produce 2024. For additional fresh food resources, visit www.FMI.org/FreshFoods.
About Southeast Produce Council
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) sprouted in 1999 when a shared vision for cultivating a nonprofit Southeastern-based produce organization was planted. From the first formal meeting of the SEPC where 100 agriculture, retail, and foodservice professionals gathered, we’ve flourished into a vibrant and innovative organization of over 4,000 industry professionals who reap the benefits of harvesting quality experiences guaranteed to increase the value of their membership. As with farmland, a well-cultivated industry can last for generations, and today, we continue to grow at a steady pace thanks to a broad range of backgrounds and expertise from people like you, creating a more bountiful tomorrow.
Learn the benefits of SEPC membership at seproducecouncil.com.
