Organics Unlimited "Organic Odes"

Increase Sales through Merchandising

2012-01-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Bananas are the most frequently purchased fruit in the U.S. however there is always room for retailers to increase sales through strategic planning. Organized displays and cross- merchandising can lay a solid foundation for a store’s produce reputation. Retailers are always looking for a way to boost sales, and in this economy, consumers are looking for exciting and affordable ways to satisfy their palates.

It’s been said that we eat with our eyes first. In the produce world, consumers shop with their eyes first. We’ve all seen displays where banana hands are contorted, bruised, and stacked on top of each other haphazardly. An ample, quality display is the first step in maximizing consistent sales and impulse buys. As with most food items, banana displays should be clean and aesthetically appealing. This not only ensures catching your shoppers’ attention, but also protects the overall quality of the bananas.

Another way to increase banana sales and sales of related products is incorporating a cross merchandising program. Bananas can aid in selling other items around the store. Cross merchandise bananas with:

Muesli and Oatmeal
Other Fruits for Smoothies
Chocolate Dips
Cake / Pie Mixes and Supplies
Salads
Ice Cream

Retailers with a well-planned banana merchandising program highlight the quality and versatility of this wonder fruit. Bananas are a great value in the produce department, and through cross merchandising and proper display techniques, consumers and retailers can both benefit.

What are your thoughts on bananas and cross merchandising? Leave your feedback and ideas below!

iTrade & Organics Unlimited

2012-01-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

The iTradeNetwork is a global provider of on-demand supply chain management and intelligence solutions for the foodservice industry. ITN's collaborative solutions allow distributors, manufacturers, operators and retailers to easily and effectively conduct business.

ITN gives food service corporations clarity and control over supply chain processes. They follow a source, supply, and measure methodology which allows customers to achieve results that meet their objectives.

Starting with “Source,” ITN uses tools like e-tenders, auctions and contract management to ensure the right products from the best suppliers are selected. With “Supply,” ITN’s services enable the management of freight and logistics, place orders, and even pay invoices. Finally with “Measure,” ITN collects, normalizes and enriches information and applies analytic solutions so that customers can improve price and purchase compliance, identify new contract opportunities, monitor supplier performance, and identify new revenue generating opportunities.

Organics Unlimited is a member of iTrade, and for customers who are also ITN members, this is a convenient way to conduct business with Organics Unlimited. ITN allows for the direct purchasing of produce which saves retailers time and money.

2012 Industry Forecast

2012-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

The beginning of January always inspires many to resolve to be healthier and improve the quality of their lives. During the new year, keeping up with emerging trends becomes important for the produce industry. Here are some trends for the produce industry in 2012:

Transparency:

“Locally Grown” has become a household phrase, and has transitioned from a trend to a cultural norm. Due to the stigma surrounding non-local produce, consumers are becoming skeptics in the grocery store. There is need for a transparency for the industry and consumers about where produce is grown, the growing conditions, and how far it traveled to its final destination.

Diets and Nutrition:

It’s not uncommon for millions of people to ring in the new year with a new diet. Why not eat healthy all year long, and promote long term weight loss success through the consumption of fresh produce? The high cost of health care creates a desire for healthier diets and lifestyles. Retailers can increase sales and brand loyalty simply by implementing year-round diet and nutrition marketing plans.

Youth Education:

Educating students about the health benefits involved with produce consumption can change negative eating patterns of future generations. The USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides school curriculum to increase produce consumption by children. These children bring the message home to their families, which increases overall consumption.

Flavor and Variety:

Flavor and consumption go hand-in-hand. Many consumers (foodies) are looking for culinary edge which can be achieved with vibrant flavors and innovation in the kitchen. That’s why specialty products such as Red Bananas and Plantains can help retailers increase sales.

The main goal for Organics in 2012 will be to provide quality produce to consumers, and by following industry trends, retailers can stay ahead of the curve. Follow our blog every Tuesday for industry related news you can use, and updates involving Organics Unlimited and GROW.

OGC Employee Volunteers with Project Amigo!

2011-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Each year around Christmas, kindergarten and primary aged children in the Project Amigo Scholar program receive a complete outfit for school, funded mostly by GROW. This includes a new pair of shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, three sets of underwear and socks. Generally, this is the only new clothing a child will get all year.

Twenty one volunteers joined Project Amigo this year for the outfit gifting. Project Amigo breaks the volunteers into teams to tackle each of the clothing groups. The shoe team fits each child with a pair of school shoes, taking the time to assure a good fit and to make friends. We were happy to have David Amorose and his daughter Rosie volunteer this year. David Amorose is from Organically Grown Company, a GROW customer, and is a huge supporter of the GROW program. Not only were David and Rosie key members of the Shoe Fitting Team, they also interviewed each child to find out their favorite foods, sports and school subjects. They were true ambassadors and peace-makers.

The GROW Fund contributed $5000 and two volunteers to this special work-week! Thanks to David and Rosie for all your hard work! If you’d like to volunteer in Mexico, visit www.projectamigo.org.

Question to Our Customers!

2011-12-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

At Organics Unlimited, we're planning on giving our current website a makeover and creating a new, separate website for GROW. We're excited about creating a fresh new site with up-to-date news, relevant stories and user-friendly tools to make it easier for our customers to find what they're looking for.

We want to be able to give you the best tools and content for their needs, so we'd like to ask:

What would you like to see on our new website?

Leave a comment below and let us know what would be helpful and important to you. We would love to hear your opinions!

Seasonal Production Update

2011-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again, where even in warm tropical climates the weather is cooler than spring, summer and fall. During winter months, our organic banana production in Mexico decreases slightly with cooler weather conditions, slowing the growing process. In order to optimize the supply for our customers, we will be bringing more bananas from our Ecuadorian farms in the next two to three months. We know these bananas have further to travel, but our farms in Ecuador have the same growing standards as our farms in Colima, Mexico. All of our Ecuadorian bananas are grown by small farmers who are focused on sustainability. And our customers can expect the same high quality bananas you get throughout the year from Organics Unlimited. Banana production in Mexico is year round, with availability somewhat decreased in the winter. We look forward to working with you through our slower, cooler season. If you have any questions, please call (619-710-0658) or email Mayra Velazquez de Leon at mayra@organicsunlimited.com.

Giving Back this Holiday Season

2011-12-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

During the holidays and current economic times, consumers are looking for ways to give back. They’re donating time, money and resources while buying items and goods with an attached cause-marketing program.

Organics Unlimited offers several ways to help consumers fulfill their urge to assist those in need. Not only do we have our own GROW fund, we also have specially branded bananas that benefit Fair Trade. We have always believed in treating workers fairly and responsibly, and through our GROW and Fair Trade programs, we’re even able to assist workers’ families with health and educational programs. Here are some opportunities to get involved that your customers may want to know about:

Customers can purchase GROW branded bananas, which automatically donate a portion of proceeds to the GROW fund
You can purchase Organics Unlimited Fair Trade-certified bananas
Customers can donate directly to the GROW Fund by clicking here
Consumers can volunteer directly with GROW beneficiary, Project Amigo, down in Colima, Mexico

Give the gift of a better life this holiday season. Help support GROW and Fair Trade.

Survey Says: Consumers are Continuing to Buy Organic

2011-11-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) just released survey results regarding the organic food industry, which involved roughly 1,300 consumers. The survey found that since fresh produce has always been a gateway to the organic category, it remains a top category in organic food sales. Here are some more of the findings:

· Four out of 10 families have increased their organic food purchases in the past year

· 97% of those surveyed said they buy organic fruits and vegetables at least “sometimes”

· 48% of parents said their strongest motivator for buying organic is the belief that organic products are healthier

· 79% of families are increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables to maintain their health

· 72% of parents are now familiar with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic seal, up from 65% in 2009

· 30% of survey respondents are new to the organic marketplace

What do you think of the survey results? Is any of the information surprising or insightful? Let us know your thoughts!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

At Organics Unlimited, we have so much to be thankful for. We're thankful for our amazing and supportive distributors and retailers who believe in our product and who support us every day. We're thankful for our staff who works hard every day to ensure the best possible product. We're thankful for the opportunity to help out our farm workers and their families with our GROW fund. We're thankful for such a great 2011.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Holiday Cross Merchandising

2011-11-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

During this time of year, cross-merchandising helps customers with ideas for the many meals that need to be prepared. The upcoming holidays provide endless opportunities for promotions and increased sales. GROW and Organics Unlimited bananas are so versatile that they can be cross-merchandised with plenty of other items. Here are a few ideas:

Display bananas near baking supplies to encourage banana usage in holiday baking
Merchandise bananas with other organic fruits and nuts
Display bananas near fresh winter dates and print out our recipe for our Healthy Banana Cookies
Display bananas near seasonal organic fruits such as oranges, red grapes and pears as well as fresh cream and vegan marshmallows for a fresh and festive Ambrosia Salad
Print out this recipe for Organics Unlimited’s Ultimate Banana Cream Pie. Display all necessary ingredients right next to bananas

Do you have any merchandising tips that encourage customers to purchase more bananas? Leave your tips below!

Give Thanks to Bananas!

2011-11-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

It’s almost that time of year where pumpkin and apple pies are abundant and the effects of tryptophan render us fairly useless while watching football games on TV. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and some of your customers are looking for unique alternatives and additions to the classic foods found on dining room tables. With the many health benefits, year-round availability and a sweet, versatile flavor, bananas and plantains can be great ingredients for many holiday dishes. Below is a collection of Organics Unlimited’s best-loved recipes your customers will definitely want to give thanks for:

Organic Banana Cream Pie

Banana Jam

Healthy Banana Cookies

Banana Squash Soup

Vegan Banana Bread

Sweet Sautéed Plantains

Creamy Vegan Banana Dressing

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Organics Unlimited! Did you know one of the most popular Halloween costumes is a banana? Who wouldn't want to dress up as a delicious and nutritious super food? ;) Check out these adorably tasty costumes, and have a happy and safe Halloween!

Football Banana Recipes

2011-10-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

It’s officially football season, and while some customers are throwing parties and tempted by the usual unhealthy standbys like chips, dips and cookies, we’ve found some great recipes for alternative snacks. Delicious, nutritious and easy, these recipes are sure to please sports enthusiasts everywhere.These recipes will work perfectly with Organics Unlimited or GROW bananas.

Dips

Banana Dip

Spicy Banana Dip

Caramel Banana Dip

Ecuadorian Bean and Banana Dip

Banana Avocado Dip with Plantain Chips

Snacks

Drinks

Storm Update in the Pacific

2011-10-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

As growers, we are always subject to weather conditions, and certainly to major storms. In our growing areas of Colima we were recently visited by Hurricane Jova, which caused varying amounts of damage to growers in the area based on exact locations, elevations, and proximity to the coast. The major problem was flooding based on the torrential downpours. Fortunately we did not experience the high winds often a part of this type of storm.

While we did incur some damage, most of our crops are, or can be, spared devastation. The flood waters are receding at this point, but the low lying areas will need to be replanted once the waters are down. In higher areas, flooding can sometimes damage the banana plants, but if the waters recede quickly enough so that they are flooded for three days or less, the leaves of the plants may yellow and production is delayed but we will still get production from those plants.

Clean up is underway, and replanting will begin shortly. To our customers, we want you to know that we have production to continue to fill your orders with high quality organic bananas. And thanks to the efforts of our GROW scholarship students, who have offered us a hand, we should be back to full operations shortly. We salute these young people who have such giving hearts, and will update you on their efforts in the coming days.

Celebrate with Bananas!

2011-10-11T13:39:00.001-07:00

October is a time when candy corn, chocolate bars and sugary sweets are everywhere. Unhealthy snacks are hard to resist, yet very prevalent during this time of year. Why not encourage your customers to be creative this Halloween and use bananas to create fun and nutritious themed snacks?

Every child and parent will love the idea of something fun, healthy and easy to eat at Halloween. We’re recommending these simple and tasty “Banana Ghosts”: Take a ripe Organics Unlimited or GROW banana, slice in half and insert a wooden stick into the flat end. Brush melted organic white chocolate on the banana and stick organic chocolate chips or currants on as the eyes.

We also love whipping up this “Cauldron of Slime”: Melt 16 ounces of organic baking chocolate. Stir In 2 tablespoons of organic cream and 12 drops of green food coloring. Pour into a lined cauldron or Halloween-themed dish. Add some dry ice. Serve with sliced GROW bananas.

Do you have any ideas for fun ways to use bananas during Halloween? Leave them under comments!

Halloween Fun

2011-10-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Love these pictures of a ProOrganics employee dressed up for Halloween last year. Their GROW Banana costume earned them the first place prize for the costume contest!

October is Fair Trade Month

2011-10-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

In October, we celebrate the contributions of Fair Trade USA! With a mission to enable sustainable development and community empowerment by cultivating a more equitable global trade model that benefits farmers, workers, consumers, industry and the earth, Fair Trade certifies and promotes the products they touch to US consumers.

This year, Organics Unlimited joined the Fair Trade movement as an additional way to promote social responsibility within the banana industry. We have certified some of our farms in Mexico, and the funds from the sale of Fair Trade bananas are helping with worker programs that are the things that are most important to the communities we serve.

Fair Trade values are the cornerstone of the work they do in farming areas of the world.

Empowerment: We believe in empowerment and freedom of choice as means to a better world.
Integrity: We strive to always act ethically and we value relationships built on honesty, mutual respect and trust.
Sustainability: We engage in sustainable solutions to global problems that affect the earth and its people.
Innovation: We transform the world through entrepreneurial creativity and lead by example.
Excellence: We believe that quality of life, work and performance are critical to achieve our mission.
Personal Development: Strong organizations rely on strong individuals. We encourage and support each other to realize our fullest potential, and will thereby strengthen our internal community.
Community: We value our global and internal communities' diversity of perspectives, and know that each may hold a piece of the solution. We collaborate and partner for mutual success.
Fairness: We work to create opportunities and extend the benefits of globalization to all people, everywhere.
Impact: We build positive solutions that achieve meaningful social and environmental change in the world.

Help us to celebrate Fair Trade Month and ensure that workers everywhere receive fair wages and opportunities for a brighter future.

GROW Student: Nina Garcia

2011-09-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

We'd like to highlight a GROW student, Nina Garcia, for her academic accomplishments. Without the GROW Fund, people like Nina would not be able to go to college and earn a degree.

Nina finished her second year of college as the top student in her major - Tourism Development. She received recognition and a printed award from the University of Colima for this outstanding achievement. Nina lives in GROW funded Casa Amiga and studies in the Centro Educativo de Proyecto Amigo. Her scholarship is funded by the GROW Fund by Organics Unlimited. GROW has been her sponsor since she was in high school.

We're very proud of Nina and her accomplishments-Great job, Nina!

GROW Scholars Give Back

2011-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Each year, funds from GROW help over 400 community members with education scholarships, vision care and dental care. It would be easy to say that this is making a difference in rural communities where the primary source of living is through agriculture. But social responsibility is a big part of the GROW program for all of these recipients. We think you should know more about what’s required of scholarship recipients, and what happens as they grow into productive adults.

GROW scholars at the high school and college levels receive money for everything from tuition, supplies, uniforms and room and board. When these young people apply for, and are selected by GROW for scholarships, they also sign a contract, agreeing to uphold certain responsibilities. Among these responsibilities is community service work. Their volunteer efforts help build stronger communities, and spread the advantages they get through the scholarships to a broader segment of the population.

Working through Project Amigo in Colima, Mexico, all GROW programs are run under the strict guidance of the non-profit organization. Read the stories of Mireya Rincon Torres, Noe Hernandez Rodriguez, and Maria Concepcion Fonseca Gonzalez. And for more stories about GROW programs, visit our “People We’ve Helped” section on our website.

GROW FAQs

2011-09-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Often times, we’re asked how our GROW program works. Most customers know that a portion of GROW banana sales goes back to helping the farm workers and their families, but don’t necessarily know what it entails. We’ve compiled a list of common questions that your customers may ask and hope that you find this helpful when explaining how the GROW program works.

Who handles the GROW Fund and makes sure the funds are distributed correctly? We work directly with a non-profit called “Project Amigo.” They’re based in Colima and distribute the funds among their programs that help farm workers and their children. Without the help of the GROW Fund, Project Amigo would not be able to sustain their mission of helping improve the lifestyles of the workers of Colima.

What programs does the GROW Fund contribute to? The GROW Fund contributes to scholarship programs, a study center, health services, Casa Amiga, an endowment program and scholarship funds.

How are the funds distributed? More than half of the funds go to scholarship programs, which helps hardworking and bright students earn an education they’d normally not be able to receive. The GROW study center receives funding that enables students to have computer access, study materials and a safe and quiet place to learn. A portion of the funds provide health programs and services, including dental and vision care.

Who selects the students for GROW scholarships, and what’s the process like? Principles of Project Amigo personally review applications submitted by students. Their acceptance is based on their application, grades, citizenship, financial need and individual goals. Once a student is accepted, it is the goal of the program to keep them as a GROW scholar through the completion of their college program if appropriate. Each year Project Amigo chooses new students to support, starting with middle school applicants.

What part of the GROW program receives the largest percentage of the funds raised? Scholarship funds. Education is extremely important to us and important to the scholarship recipients. We take great pride in helping promising students fulfill their dreams and goals, and to help them learn how to build stronger communities.

How many people has GROW helped to date? GROW and Project Amigo have helped about 400 people annually through one program or another. Since we see the need for additional support, we hope to GROW that number significantly over time!

GROW - More Than Just Bags

2011-09-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

GROW banana bags are now in markets across the western US. And our goal is to make this program successful for our retailers by helping customers understand what they are getting with they buy GROW bananas, and perhaps use the bags. That's why we are including FREE point of purchase signage with every shipment of GROW bags. Here are a few tips for making this a good back-to-school banana season during September's GROW Month.

Post the attract GROW signage in the middle of your bananas. There's room for pricing right on the sign.
Put tasty GROW bananas in the attractive bags, and encourage your customers to buy more. The recipe on the back may spark an easy additional way to enjoy an old favorite.
Provide additional attractive GROW banana bags for shoppers to use in selecting bananas.
Give shoppers lots of recipe options, available thorugh our Facebook page.
Remember there is a contest for the best displays this month. Use a theme, interesting graphics, bright colors, and signage. It all attracts the right kind of attention.

Happy GROW Month to everyone. What you do makes a difference.

KEY PROMO PERIOD HERE!

2011-09-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

With Labor Day behind us and Organics Unlimited’s GROW Month ahead of us, it's an ideal time to think about organic banana promotions. Supplies are plentiful, excellent promotional pricing is now available, and we're able to confidently ensure top quality and dependable supply that is the hallmark of Organics Unlimited.

We have some promotional opportunities available right now for a limited time!

FREE GROWN MONTH BANANA BAGS. You’ve read here about GROW Month in September and the help we give to the communities where our bananas are grown. Now your customers can be a part of this social responsibility outreach while they take home bananas in these attractive bags complete with baking recipes. Free shipment of banana bags is available to all current GROW customers. Limited numbers are available for non-customers on a first-come/first-served basis, while supplies last.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD...AND WIN. Customers like Organically Grown Company in Portland, OR are spreading the good word about GROW on their websites. Check it out at : www.organicgrown.com. Starting this month, any receivers who posts prominent information up on their website will receive a media placement bonus based on size of article/feature, ranging from $50 to $200 . Here's an opportunity to use your web site as a prime medium to let your customers learn more about organics. Each placement must be approved by Organics Unlimited Merchandising team. Bonus available on a first come/first served basis.

SPECIAL ORGANIC DISPLAY PHOTO CONTEST! Even if you're not yet an Organics Unlimited or GROW customer, here's a special opportunity to showcase your creativity within the organic tropicals category via a quick and easy display photo contest. Here are the rules and how you can WIN A CASH PRIZE.

Please see contest rules here. Any questions? Email us.

Happy Labor Day!

2011-08-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate Labor Day in the U.S. next Monday, we need to remember that it’s not just a day off of work and the unofficial end to summer. It’s a day to celebrate and appreciate workers everywhere and recognize their hard work and dedication. We’re celebrating workers during the whole month of September. During GROW Month this September, consumers and retailers can participate in giving back to the workers who grow our bananas in Mexico. We take pride in taking care of workers through the GROW fund, which contributes to medical, dental and scholarship programs for our workers and their families.

Coming next week: Special contest for creative organic displays! Check back for details.

We want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Labor Day!

Back to School with GROW

2011-08-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over and families are gearing up for a new school year. With a renewed devotion to nutritious, wholesome foods, parents are looking for creative ways to get their kids to eat healthy. GROW bananas are the perfect solution, whether it is as a handy fruit in a lunch box, or as part of a delicious recipe. And during GROW Month retailers can take advantage of additional GROW promotional help that will highlight organic bananas for your customers.

GROW Month is an annual event in September. That’s when children all over the US head back to school, and it’s also when your customers can focus on helping the children of farm workers in Mexico. Each purchase means more help for young people so that they will become stronger, more educated members of society. GROW funding provides them with scholarships, school supplies, tutoring, uniforms, field trips and living accommodations.

Here are a few recipe ideas to help spark your customers’ imaginations and culinary skills:

Banana “Hot Dogs"

Healthy Banana Cookies

Banana Brownies

Quick Banana Rollups

Organic Vegan Banana Bread

Setting Up a GROW Display + Contest for Retailers!

2011-08-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

GROW Month is quickly approaching, and we’re preparing supplies to make participation easy and effective for you. In addition to banana bags during the month of September, we

will have downloadable POPs, recipe cards, weekly merchandising tips and in-store demos for select stores.

Setting up a GROW Month display is easy. First, contact Organics Unlimited and order GROW bananas, GROW banana bags and recipe cards for your store. Next, download our POP, print and display the POP near GROW bananas and recipe cards. When bananas start to ripen past the optimum selling stage, put them into a GROW banana bag printed with an easy recipe. Shoppers can purchase the ripened bananas to use for baking and cooking, and retailers can choose to sell these bananas at a discounted rate. Retailers can also lay the bags near the bananas and allow shoppers to select their own hands of bananas to place in the bags.

Would you like any special POPs or sales materials for your store? Contact us, and our design team can create materials specific to your store’s needs.

Coming next week: Special contest for creative organic displays! Check back for details.

We look forward to September, and thanks for your support!