ANAHEIM, CA - To hear Alex Jackson of Frieda’s Branded Produce discuss the company’s latest program, Retail-Ready Tropicals, is to hear a clear, well-rounded vision brought to life. A thorough understanding of consumer marketing and successful branding has helped the Vice President of Sales and Marketing ready an action plan sure to win over buyers and consumers alike.

“Shoppers are hungry for flavor-forward, globally inspired produce that brings energy and color to their carts,” Alex shared before diving into the numbers. “According to C+R research, 54 percent of shoppers are more likely to try a new fruit or vegetable if the branding feels friendly and approachable, and they are encouraged to try something new when the packaging includes recipes or instructions. These findings are key to why our retail-ready packaging works: it meets consumers where they are, creates awareness of items available to them, invites them to consider purchasing the items, and invites discovery and therefore purchases.”

The retail-ready program was built around the idea that packaging should educate and inspire, Alex added, in addition to selling more produce.

“When retailers create a cohesive tropical destination, anchored by branded, easy-to-shop SKUs, they are not just adding items; they are crafting an experience that drives trial and repeat purchase, as well as creates inspiration for shoppers,” she said.

Frieda’s Summer Tropicals currently include the following:

• Alohas™ Ready-to-Break Coconuts
• Tikis® Drinking Coconuts
• Hula’s™ Ready-to-Drink Coconuts
• Honey Dragons® Fruit
• Passion Fruit
• Star Fruit
• Lychee
• Rambutan
• Fire Dragons® Fruit

In addition to this already impressive lineup, I asked Alex if there are plans to expand.

“Absolutely,” she said. “Our approach is rooted in listening to what shoppers want and finding ways to help retailers meet their needs to drive units with healthy, fresh, tasty produce items. While lychee, rambutan, and passion fruit have been strong additions that create buzz with consumers, we’re exploring varieties of new and existing tropical fruits that fit the same model: sweet, enjoyable flavors, shoppable appeal on shelf, and delicious and simple enough to use every day. This is just the beginning of a larger retail-ready destination for tropical discovery.”

Creating buzz in the produce department is par for the course for Frieda’s Branded Produce, but I have to ask Alex about the benefits of adding this destination.

“This program is plug-and-play. It is designed to streamline execution and drive units,” Alex emphasized. “Each item arrives pre-labeled, pre-packaged, and display-ready, saving time for merchandising and making it easier to rotate inventory quickly. These products work well in dedicated tropical sets, refrigerated wet racks, or as eye-catching displays near high-traffic, cross-merchandising areas like front tables or end caps for grab-and-go.”

Due to the functional and educational packaging, shoppers who may not be familiar with items like passion fruit or rambutan can learn to implement these products into their daily lives.

“This reduces shopper hesitation, creates consideration, and increases trial, especially when placed near other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya,” Alex added. “Ultimately, the program helps retailers turn specialty tropical fruits into a high-performing category that not only adds units, but drives market share and consumer experience in store.”

No matter how you drive it, Frieda’s Branded Produce has created a winning program in its Retail-Ready Tropicals. I, for one, can’t wait to see what comes next.