Every day is worth celebrating, but mothers should know that May 8 is all about them. Whether consumers are honoring their moms, grandmas, aunts, friends, or a special someone in their lives, nothing means more than the thought put in—and the food. Peruse on as these produce friends detail how to make the day extra special…
Senior Director of Global Marketing, Sunkist Growers
“Eating well is the number one reason shoppers are buying citrus. Whether you’re looking for brunch or homemade gift inspiration for shoppers, we’re bringing Pinterest-worthy ideas utilizing in-season Sunkist® California Star Ruby grapefruit, lemons, and Blood oranges. We also have in-store and online promotions for the ‘month of mom’ in May, including our collaboration with Naturipe Farms and T&G Global Envy™ apples for ‘Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City.’ Participating retailers will carry limited-edition Sunkist Blood orange packaging and square bins featuring Strawberry Shortcake and her best friend Orange Blossom. With this program, customers can have a lot of fun promoting produce in such a unique way.
As a company of family farmers, Sunkist Growers is all about celebrating moms; we wouldn’t be here without them. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!”
Vice President of Sales, Rainier Fruit Company
“Pink Lady® apples are an ideal apple to help usher in the warmer spring months and Mother’s Day! This year’s harvest saw beautiful coloring and deep, complex flavor. Pink Lady’s versatility and sweet-tart notes make it a retail powerhouse, and showcasing them on-shelf has proven to significantly lift volume and sales. Retailers should remember the power of this variety and its natural pairing with Mother’s Day festivities!”
Business Development Representative, Oppy
“The love my kids passionately pour into every detail of Mother’s Day berry pancakes will resonate in my heart forever. Ocean Spray® never fails to deliver a memorable and delicious experience—and our fully stocked fridge proves it. From blueberry pancakes, strawberries with whipped cream, and bowls of blackberries, to easy-peel citrus, Ocean Spray has our morning brunch bursting with flavor! The always-sweet Happy Berry™ hydroponic strawberries will make Mom even happier on her special day knowing they are grown on tabletops to ease labor, water use, and chemical inputs. Let Ocean Spray bring a smile to your aisle, and treat all moms to an unforgettable day!”
Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Giorgio Fresh Co.
“At Giorgio Fresh Co., we strive to make every meal special. Giorgio believes this can be accomplished by working with our partners to understand our customers’ everyday and seasonal needs. For example, around Mother’s Day, consumers shop for ingredients to make a special gourmet meal. Placing our mushrooms, especially our popular stuffed mushrooms, near complementary ingredients such as steak and fresh vegetables inspires creativity in the kitchen to make consumers’ Mother’s Day meals extra special!”
Vice President, Marketing, California Avocado Commission
“When I was a young mother, I loved the times my girls made me breakfast in bed. What’s better for Mother’s Day brunch than a California omelet (with lots of produce and California avocados, of course) or a California Avocado Eggs Benedict? Mother’s Day is during peak California avocado season. It’s a perfect opportunity to extend the sales lift that comes with Cinco de Mayo (or Derby Day parties) days before. Suggesting Mother’s Day produce usage through retail displays, ads, and social outreach is smart, and the California Avocado Commission offers display bins and other promotional support to help.”
Vice President of Marketing, Naturipe Farms
“Both my mom and grandmothers’ love of cooking had a huge influence on me and my passion for the food industry. My mom is famous for her salads; she has a berries and spinach recipe that is absolutely to die for. It’s basically the whole produce department in one bowl. Avocados, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pears (if they’re in season) come together in one salad bowl. She then prepares it on a spinach base with goat cheese, candied pecans, and a dressing made with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. The best part is how well it pairs with champagne—perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch your shoppers can enjoy at home!”
Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Duncan Family Farms®
“Food and flowers are the universal love language; combine them with fresh produce offerings, and shoppers will have many ways to make a plate beautiful to honor mothers on their day. At Duncan Family Farms®, we love to use our herbs to enhance a beautiful salad or make that drink extra special. Not only do fresh herbs add that nice touch, but each one has a meaning: basil stands for love, oregano for joy, rosemary for remembrance, and parsley for gratitude. Imagine a plate of healthy delicious foods not only prepared with love but one that conveys a significant meaning to honor Mom on her day!”
President and Chief Executive Officer, Fresh Solutions Network
“After the past two years, family spending time together around the table seems even more special. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to honor the heart of most families. If Mom is doing the cooking, chances are she is also a doctor, a teacher, a wife—and her time is more valuable than ever. With eye-catching merchandising and a variety of convenient products, Side Delights® potatoes make it easy for consumers to purchase and prepare. Encourage your shoppers to celebrate this Mother’s Day with a traditional breakfast in bed with easy-to-make recipes like our Quick Skillet Potatoes with Eggs or 30 Minute Potato Breakfast Bowl.”
Director of Marketing and Innovation, Frieda’s
“When I think about the perfect Mother’s Day food, I think easy, loving, and delicious. My kids want to feel like they ‘made something,’ but sometimes that can lead to bigger messes to clean up. One way we get around this is with Frieda’s French-style Breakfast Crêpes. My husband can whip up a batch of scrambled eggs, and the kids can wrap them up in the crêpes and pile on toppings like ripe avocados, sliced apples, Brie cheese, and more. Retailers, consider setting up crêpe displays that encourage turnkey brunch options like this!” 
