Desbry avocado signage

In response to changing shopping preferences caused by Covid-19, WP Produce, the US grower-packer-shipper of Desbry tropical fruits and roots, has started shipping Tropical Avocados in protective, two-count bags, the company has revealed.

The Desbry Tropical Avocado pouches are part of a 'comprehensive, value-added merchandising programme' that will see WP provide retailers with signage, recipe tear pads and striking display bins to educate shoppers and boost sales.

'Since retailers aren’t doing in-store sampling, our bags and bins provide retailers with an alternative — using visual, virtual sampling by showing beautiful slices of cut fruit, plus recipes and tips for use, to catch shoppers’ attention and promote sales,' said Chris Gonzalez, VP of sales for WP Produce. 'The two-count bags are convenient for shoppers and give retailers a way to demonstrate how responsive they are to rapidly changing consumer preferences.'

The launch comes in response to an increase in home-cooking during the pandemic, as well as a consumer trend for healthier choices. 'They are also looking for convenience,' the company stated, 'while safety-conscious shoppers are buying more bagged produce to avoid fruits and vegetables that might have been handled by others.'

'These in-store displays of bagged Desbry Tropical Avocados in bins definitely turn shoppers’ heads and provide retailers a turnkey way to implement a category extension and keep growing profits with avocados,' said Karen Nardozza, president & CEO of Moxxy Marketing. 'In addition to education on the bins, and a simple, delicious family recipe on the bag for Willy’s Avocado Salad, more tips and recipes are shared on the Desbry Instagram, and through partnership with The Produce Moms, to make sure retailers have consumer support — both in-store and online.'

Desbry Tropical Avocados are grown in Florida and the Dominican Republic and are available year-round. Tropical avocados are large in size, with a sturdy texture, and reportedly stay fresh for longer once sliced.