KINGSVILLE, ON - A notorious Peter and his generational connection to peppers must have happened at this time of year. Rather than a peck, it is a peak, making for perfect picking for retailers.

“Overall, demand is strong and continues to trend upward year over year as more shoppers prioritize flavour, convenience, and health," Steve Zaccardi, Senior Director of Sales, shared. “Peppers perform really well going into summer. Consumer demand spikes with grilling season and outdoor gatherings. Our snacking and mini pepper options also benefit from the back-to-school mindset that begins to build toward late summer.”

The most successful summer promotions the greenhouse grower has seen combine vibrant, high-visibility displays with strong storytelling, whether that is highlighting local or regional production or the health benefits of vitamin-rich peppers.

“We also offer all of our retail partners branded displays for our annual summer grilling campaign. If the footprint is available, we’ve seen a lift in sales for retailers that have taken advantage of those displayers that we provide at no charge,” Steve explained. "Cross-merchandising is one of the most effective tools we've seen for peppers, pairing them with complementary items like dips, salad kits, and grilling accessories drives incremental sales. Creating color-blocked pepper displays is also incredibly eye-catching and reinforces the freshness and variety we offer.”

Steve added that retailers who rotate seasonal recipes or QR codes for easy meal ideas right at the display consistently see stronger engagement. This is bolstered by the consistency Mucci offers its retail partners in both volume and quality year-round.

"With our industry-leading acreage of bell peppers, which is approaching 400 acres, we offer consistency that helps stabilize pricing. As we move through peak summer, supply is strong across all colors and formats. Buyers should take advantage of promotional opportunities now when volumes are high and quality is optimal, especially for bulk and value packs," Steve advised.

Partnering with Mucci Farms, the Senior Director of Sales assured me, means more than just premium peppers. With a focus on category leadership and collaboration, the company is confident that its innovations in sustainable packaging, marketing support, and data-driven insights help retailers grow the category.

“Plus, with our vertically integrated model, we ensure speed to shelf, traceability, and consistently fresh, flavourful product your customers will love!" Steve concluded.

Put more than a little “pep” in your produce department as the thrill of summer opportunities crack open true veggie potential. AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other key categories as the summer begins to heat up.