AgroFresh Solutions Offers Five Ways to Ignite Banana Sales

Strive for perfect color. Retailer experience shows that consumers prefer to purchase and eat bananas at color stage 5 or 6, when bananas have bright yellow peels and firm pulp. "If bananas are too green or too ripe, customers will likely pass by the display or purchase fewer bananas because they'll be afraid the fruit will not taste good or go bad too quickly," said Frye.

One way to achieve and hold perfect color is through the RipeLock Quality System. RipeLock works with the banana's natural ripening process to maintain optimal color three to five days longer than conventional bananas. That means, without increasing shrink, produce managers can consistently offer bananas with the ideal color that can lead to higher sales and repeat customers.

Right-size your displays. If the banana display table is too large, fruit doesn't turn over fast enough to maintain freshness. Yet a table that is too small will require too-frequent restocking. Also consider the traffic flow in the produce department, since good-looking bananas can tempt an impulse buy as well as a planned purchase. "Regardless of display size, RipeLock helps keep bananas longer at optimal color, without frequent restocking or extra deliveries," Frye says.

Consider display surfaces. Since bananas bruise easily, a soft padded surface is best. Be sure to display bananas in a single layer with the stems up.

Manage inventory. Accuracy in sales forecasting is another key to a successful banana program – or a potential headache for the produce manager. "If the sales forecast is too high and the bananas don't sell fast enough, the manager can't hold them to sell later. Unlike potatoes or apples, bananas won't last a few days, let alone into next week," Frye says. "On the other hand, if the sales forecast is too low, the store may run out of yellow bananas and have to display fruit that is too green for customer acceptance." 

Don't forget the back room. An effective banana display starts while fruit is staged for stocking. If the back room is unrefrigerated or not air conditioned during hot weather, stored bananas will continue to ripen — potentially beyond the optimal color stage. "In most back-room environments, RipeLock eliminates the need to open bags and reduces the need to 'air stack' boxes," Frye said. "Your banana program is an essential component of a produce department that can deliver loyal customers. Be sure you have bananas available in the right color to meet consumer expectations and the proper inventory to maximize your sales," he says.