Marketers suggest summer promotions

Excerpts from The Packer article of 4/28/08
by Jim Offner

Retailers looking to catch the consumer's eye with color, shape and variety would be hard-pressed to find anything better than tropical fruits, according to marketing agents.

"Retailers with eye-catching displays will make more sales," said Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Homestead, Fla.-based Brooks Tropicals.

"Smart retailers are finding what a beautiful display tropical fruit makes," she said. "It can really draw a crowd if you pull together a good-looking display. What could be more exciting than all the tropical colors pulled together in a display?"

The company tries to work with retail clients on display ideas, Ostlund said.

"We talk with our retailers all the time and try to suggest things," she said. "If anybody wants help in that area, we'll be happy to work with them. And the results are always exciting. How many times can you hear compliments on a display in a produce area?"