Merchandising Produce in Barbecue Displays

Summer parties often mean one thing: barbecues. We’re in the peak of summer barbecue season, and consumers are flocking to their local grocery stores to stock up on all the delicious foods one can throw on the grill.

Fresh fruit and vegetables probably isn’t what comes to mind when we say ‘barbecue.’ People likely think grilled meats, like hamburgers and hot dogs galore. But don’t forget that grilling produce has the ability to enhance the flavor and texture of certain varieties.

It’s one of the reasons produce can be the cornerstone of barbecue displays. To effectively incorporate produce into barbecue displays, don’t forget these key tips:

1. Choose the right variety: Not all varieties are suited for the grill. The high heat can cause some fruit and vegetables to lose their flavor, texture, and color. For success, it’s important to choose varieties that are grill-friendly, like eggplant, that only enhance through the grilling process. When selecting the variety, remember to also consider storage and handling for that variety. Consider if the variety needs to be stored cold, can be stacked, and its shelf-life. It can all influence the display location, size, and longevity.
2. What is your goal? In making a barbecue display, outline your goals. Are you looking to increase produce sales, boost consumer awareness of barbecue hardware (like skewers, spatulas, etc.), or sell more condiments and sauces. Regardless, make sure your display is coherent, tells a story without words, on how the produce variety goes with the other display components.
3. Make it fun & make it themed: Don’t forget to incorporate fun and themed elements into the display to make it more personable. Consumers these days don’t want to be sold, they want to build relationships. In store displays are just one of the many ways to accomplish this by letting your brand personality shine through.