Fueling fruit and vegetable sales requires consistent care and regular restocks by store staff. Research found that 73% of Americans are striving to eat healthier in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024. A powerful piece of healthy eating is fresh, colorful produce. Shoppers purchase produce from an average of two to three different stores, which can be based on experience, convenience and/or price. And while grocery stores are still the most commonly shopped, mass retailers attract 57% of Americans shopping for fruits and vegetables (+7% from 2023 to 2024)
For grocery stores and mass retailers, creating an attractive, plentiful produce section is crucial to appeal to health-conscious shoppers. In many stores, the produce section is the first space a shopper sees when entering, setting the tone for their in-store experience. These three tips can help grocers and mass retailers improve their produce section performance while elevating the in-store shopping experience and improving sales.
- Create Eye-Catching Displays
Fruits and vegetables are attractive by nature coming in hundreds of hues, shapes, and sizes. Creating eye-catching displays for loose, bagged and boxed produce can seem simple, but strategic choices can take it to the next level. Use color-blocking techniques to allow items to create visual interest. This is done by arranging produce so that items are sorted by color and even a gradient that showcases all the colors of the rainbow—from red apples to purple eggplants. Avoid gaps between items, especially ones that sell out frequently. Consider using filler or empty cartons or crates underneath to give the impression of abundance.
For displaying packaged produce, the right merchandising solutions can keep products front-faced and organized for an improved shopping experience. The SpaceGrid® II system helps produce products shine and comes in Narrow, Standard and Wide tray options to fit different product widths with minimal conditioning
- Maintain Overall Freshness
First in, first out (FIFO) is crucial to minimize shrink and maximize customer satisfaction. The Produce department should scream “abundance”, and any aged, deformed or damaged produce should be removed and either discounted or discarded to maintain the clean, fresh appearance shoppers expect. For damaged produce that is still salvageable, consider a discounted produce section or even selling over-ripe bananas at a discount for banana bread.
- Captivate the Convenience Shopper
From pre-chopped veggies to pre-packaged salads, many shoppers are cooking quickly or preparing their meals on the go. These shoppers are willing to pay a premium for convenience. The packaged salads market is anticipated to grow from $12.1 billion to $13.1 billion in 2025 at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%.
However, keeping these high-demand products neatly organized and easily accessible can be a challenge, especially as shoppers browse and shift items around. A cluttered or disorganized display can slow purchasing decisions and impact the overall shopping experience.
With SpaceGrid II, grocery stores and mass retailers can drive quicker buying decisions for shoppers who are making their pre-packaged salad selections. This leads to lower energy costs by reducing the time spent with the refrigerator doors open.
Looking to elevate the merchandising of your store’s pre-packaged salads, fresh herbs, chopped veggies or cross-sell premium salad dressings? See how Retail Space Solutions helps grocers and mass retailers improve the in-store experience for shoppers and the stocking and conditioning schedule for store staff. Browse our product offerings here.